Ed “Big Daddy” Roth was an artist, cartoonist, pinstriper custom car designer, and builder who created the hot-rod icon Rat Fink characters in the late 50’s. In the ’60s, when I was a kid, I was fascinated with his work. A combination of funny and creepy, all rolled into one. Not until 1993 did the Rat Fink nostalgia begin its resurgence. This new beginning for iconic designs can be seen currently around the world as custom cars known as Rat Rods.

Rat Rod cars are a style of hot rod or custom car that imitates the early hot rods of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Unlike the traditional hot rod art style, they are exaggerated and crazy in design. They are artistic and fun, much like the Munster car from the mid-60s TV show. However, a true rat rod is said to be more of a low-budget design, with an unfinished or even a sealed “primer” finish and cheap upholstery. Sometimes, even the original faded paint job with rust and pits is sealed and left as the final finish. However, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s vision was more of a rat fink hot rod.

According to the official website of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, www.ratfink.com, Ed Roth was a genius and a visionary. He was responsible for so many “firsts,” that he literally changed the world of hot rodding. The website is a tribute to the life and work of Ed Roth where you will find information and pictures of Ed’s incredible creations, which are called Kustom Kulture. There, you can see more vehicular masterpieces created by Roth. If you are like me, and the Rat Fink characters from your childhood bring back fond memories, this site details any traveling shows and works where you can see that his legacy lives on.

Other customizing has been done in this hot rod art style, including the Rat Bike bicycles and motorcycles, the Volksrod which is a ratted-out (my term) Volkswagen, and Rat Rod Pickup trucks. The trend has even taken a new twist with Rat Rod Turbo Racing Game apps for your Android on Google Play.

Thanks to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth for sharing your creativity and passion for the hot rod and your vision for the unusual and bizarre with the rest of the world.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Rat Fink Hot Rods – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Author: Daun Thompson

Daun Thompson has spent years acting in both film and theatre which has been paramount in launching her onto the comedy stage (incidentally, without a helmet, resulting in a nasty concussion). Being a funny girl is a full time job. A job that she hopes that one day will come with dental benefits and a 401K. Unlike her work, she is biodegradable, yet flame retardant. And gentle to the touch. Her goal in life??? For strangers to approach her and ask "Didn't you used to be somebody?" In the late 1980's she cut her teeth at the Velveeta Room on 6th Street in Austin, Texas ... the original room with the stripper pole. From there, she moved to northern California and worked with many comedy icons, like Mitch Hedberg, Marc Maron, Colin Quinn, Vic Dunlop, Huck Flyn, Michael Mancini, Doug Ferrari, Shang and Brian Posehn. Daun has been a licensed driver safety instructor and trainer with Comedy Defensive Driving for over 9 years. Her knowledge of driving safety laws keeps her readers informed and engaged with her blog adventures. She still continues to do stand-up comedy, sometimes in a reclining position...just to be different.