Hot ROD is a term used to describe a modified CAR, usually an American-made vehicle from the 1950s and 1960s. The term is derived from the combination of two words: 'HOT' meaning fast and 'ROD' meaning CAR. The most common modifications include engine upgrades, body modifications, and custom paint jobs. The term can also refer to a type of drag racing vehicle, such as a SPIT (4 letters), a CAR (3 letters), or a DRAGSTER (8 letters).