Ever since cars became one of the primary means of transportation, people have had an interest in modifying them. There’s something about custom-made cars that’s quite appealing to people. It’s not just the looks but the performance as well, especially speed. There’s even a huge fan base worldwide that’s really into car races.
When you combine custom-built cars and high-speed races, you’ll end up with events, such as Ruoff Mortgage 500 in the U.S that a lot of people like to watch. So what is it about people that make them say: “Can this thing go any faster?”. That being said, let’s have a look at the popularity of car modification throughout history.
Table of Contents
The origins
The origins of stock car racing can be traced back to the prohibition period in the U.S. Back then, card drivers who were “Bootlegging” used to modify their vehicles so that they could outrun the police while smuggling illicit whiskey.
In 1933 when prohibition ended, drivers who bootleg whiskey developed a liking for moonshine so they continued to modify their cars to evade tax collectors. By the late 1940s these modified car races became very popular, which eventually led to the creation of NASCAR races in the United States.
Late ‘90 and early 2000s
Boosting car performance and speed was still a thing in the late ‘90s but since that era was a bit extravagant on its own, so were the car modifications. As a matter of fact, this period market marked visual car modification or amped up exteriors if you will. Vibrant colors and unusual body work was a mark of a highly modified car.
However, there was another factor that people who modified their vehicles focused on, which was loud stereo systems installed usually in the back of the car. TV shows like “Pimp My Ride” and movies like “Fast and Furious” portrayed well how car modification evolved from the “runnin’ shine” period.
Modern car modifications
Although not as nearly as popular as in the ‘90s, car modifications are still big even today. Finely tuned cars don’t stand out that much today until you pop the hood or turn on the car. Only then do you realize that modifications today are more about obscene horsepower than anything else.
Cars usually have minimalistic design modifications and perhaps some RGB lights that hint at some changes. You have no idea what’s going on until you hear the car or see it flash by you at immense speed and the sound of a roaring engine.
Closing Words
Ever since cars existed, people wanted to tweak them themselves. Improving handling, cargo space and speed was once a necessity. Today it’s about having a hobby that will impress your peers.
