Glossary of Car Show Terms
Coming to the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, April 30 at Half Moon Bay Airport? Let us help you out with this quick refresher course on car show terminology in preparation for your visit for the “Coolest Show on Earth.”
- Antique:
- Pre-1919.
- Classic:
- 1920-1942 -- A trend-setting car such as Packard's V-12. Limited production, unique, different, or ahead of its time.
- Coupe:
- Closed two-door body with room to accommodate two or three people. May also have a rudimentary rear seat.
- Horseless Carriage:
- To 1919.
- Horsepower:
- Unit measuring the ability of an engine to do work. One h.p. equals 550 foot pounds per second.
- Hot Rod:
- An automobile rebuilt or modified for increased speed and power.
- Roadster:
- A general term for a light, two-seater car of the early 1900's, especially those made in America.
- Sedan:
- Car with two or four-door body, seating four or more passengers including the driver. Provides more space between front and rear seats than the coupe.
- Speedster:
- Car which had low, rounded, and nearly pointed streamlined rear decks. Generally, a sporty type of roadster.
- Touring Car:
- An open automobile with front and rear seats and often a folding top.
- Vintage:
- The cars that were mass-produced and manufactured between 1920 and 1942. Usually cars which were produced without regard to individual craftsmanship of a high quality.
