A new HVA film — 'The McGee Roadster: Hot Rod Legend'

1948 McGee Roadster hot rod introduced

(October 4, 2017) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Historical Vehicle Association (HVA) has announced the release of its latest documentary film, “The McGee Roadster: Hot Rod Legend.” The film takes a deep dive into the birth of hot rodding in America – the trends, styles and history throughout the decades.

The film offers never-before-seen photos and the behind-the-scenes story from hot rod legends and the men who created one of the most significant hot rods and modified cars ever built.

The McGee Roadster is a hot rod based on a 1932 Ford V8 Roadster. It was built by Bob McGee, a soldier, who upon returning from the war, attended and played football for the University of Southern California.

McGee raced the car on the dry lake beds of California and used the car to promote hot rod safety. The iconic car was featured on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine in 1948.

“Hot rodding is something so important to our American heritage, and it was almost forgotten. This car exemplifies the pinnacle of that,” said Bruce Meyer, owner of the McGee Roadster and founding chairman of the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles.

The McGee Roadster hot rod, is the 16th automobile added to the National Historic Vehicle Register in recognition of its significance in American automotive history. It was displayed on the National Mall in April as part of the HVA's annual Cars at the Capital exhibition. The exhibition and documentation are part of the Historic Vehicle Association's (HVA) partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) and Library of Congress archives.