BROTHERS IN ARMS TEN HISTORIC HOTROD ESSENTIALS WITH ROOTS IN THE MILITARY

FROM WAR-BORN ENGINES TO TURBOCHARGED ICONS, THE BATTLEFIELD HELPED SHAPE HOT RODDING. HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PARTS AND PIECES

- BRIAN LOHNES PETERSEN ARCHIVE

It's a widely known part of gearhead history that hot rodding and military technology have long shared a link. The human element is the most basic. The explosive growth of the hot rod scene after WWII was in large part due to how many young servicemen were trained as mechanics, machinists, pilots, etc. During this 250th American birthday year, we're even more reflective on the history of how we got here than ever. That said, we decided to investigate the past and look at the most quintessential links between military technology and hot rodding at large. This list could be 250 items long, so locking down 10 was tough.

Surplus Engines = Racing Engines

Whether it's a General Electric J79 turbine, an Allison V-12, a Rolls-Royce Merlin, or a Pratt & Whitney J57, surplus military engines have been incredibly important to the history of hot rodding. The Arfons brothers, Craig Breedlove, EJ Potter, Jim Lytle, Bob Motz, and dozens of others made their names, their fame, and their speed records with military surplus engines. The Arfons boys broke speed barriers first on the dragstrip with the huge Allison piston engines and then on the salt battling Breedlove for land speed record supremacy. Their spellbinding race to 600 mph captured the attention of the nation and wouldn't have existed without the surplus turbines that powered their cars.

Strap In and Hold On Harness Seat Belts

Seeing a driver hop into a race car or hot street car and put belts on is commonplace these days. Ever wonder where they came from? Today's five-point harnesses are derived from the United States Navy. In 1943, it adopted the Y-harness for all aircraft, the grandfather of the modern racing harness. Secured with a loop and latch system, the design has been in cars since the 1950s.

Unlimited Top End Land Speed Tires