Hot Rods by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth

This entertaining color photo history of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, the mad-cap artist and custom car maker, contains photographs from Ed's personal collection, from co-workers and friends, and from magazine files. Ed tells the story -- in his own inimitable style -- of such creations as "Rat Fink" and cars like The Outlaw, Beatnik Bandidt, Druid Princess, Surfite, Road Agent and Mysterion. Recollections from past co-workers and collaborators including Robert Williams, Dirty Doug, Fritz Voight, George Barris, Bob Larivee, Sr. give insight into Ed Roth and his wacky and innovative cars.

“The first Rat Fink I made was built on a small three-wheel electric cart frame using a Cad’ starter motor and 12-volt battery for propulsion. When I got it done, I got inside and chased some kids and it scared ’em so bad I never got into it much after that.”

—Ed “Big Daddy” Roth on the birth of the Rat Fink character and his Rat Fink car

 

The Godfather of Kustom Kulture, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth took hot rods and fantasy vehicles over the edge and beyond. His monstrous characters, most famously Rat Fink, and his colorful candy-coated creations inspired generations of future custom builders.

A pioneer in custom painting, fiberglass molding, and metal fabrication, Roth’s famous creations took flight on the streets of So-Cal, in hot rod magazines, and as plastic model kits sold coast to coast, sparking imaginations young and old.

In Hot Rods by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, his story is told in his own words with the help of Tony Thacker, noted automotive journalist and hot rod chronicler. From his early days through some of the last builds of his career, Hot Rods by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth is the definitive story of a Kustom Kulture original.