Pre-Code grit from Charlton’s golden garage line — chrome, chaos, and cautionary tales of speed. A standout Lou Morales cover sets the tone: twisted metal, oil smoke, and all the pulp drama that made Hot Rods and Racing Cars the cult favorite it is today.
Contents
“Indy Before the Races” — Art by Lou Morales
A pre-race peek behind the pits as drivers prep for glory or a fiery end. Morales’ linework hums with motion and machine noise.
“A Pine Box!” — Art by Dick Giordano
Early work from a young Giordano. A rookie driver learns the hard truth about pushing limits — and what a coffin on wheels really means.
“Corry’s Custom” — Art by Lou Morales & Dennis Laugen
A mechanic’s pride and obsession turn deadly when his custom build becomes his undoing.
“Hot Rod Talk” — Feature
Period slang, garage tips, and local track gossip straight from the Charlton bullpen.
“Mile a Minute Killer” — Artist uncredited
Road rage and revenge racing meet head-on in this high-speed morality tale.
“Auto Oddities” — Art by Stan Campbell
A quirky look at experimental cars and bizarre racing inventions of the day.
“High-Heeled Tempest!” — Art by Lou Morales & Dennis Laugen
A femme fatale on four wheels — when speed meets vanity, no one makes it to the finish line.
“The Hot Rod Taxi Idea” — Text Story
Pulp-style filler, but pure 1950s Americana charm.
VG+ (4.5) — Detached centerfold, Structurally sound with firm staples and smooth spine roll. Gloss retained with light handling wear at cover edge. Colors remain bright and saturated with slight dulling at corners. Pages are cream to off-white, flexible and complete. Minimal stress tears and no restoration. Presents cleanly and flat — a solid mid-grade copy with high visual appeal for collectors of pre-Code automotive or pulp Americana.
Pre-Code grit from Charlton’s golden garage line — chrome, chaos, and cautionary tales of speed. A standout Lou Morales cover sets the tone: twisted metal, oil smoke, and all the pulp drama that made Hot Rods and Racing Cars the cult favorite it is today.
Contents
“Indy Before the Races” — Art by Lou Morales
A pre-race peek behind the pits as drivers prep for glory or a fiery end. Morales’ linework hums with motion and machine noise.
“A Pine Box!” — Art by Dick Giordano
Early work from a young Giordano. A rookie driver learns the hard truth about pushing limits — and what a coffin on wheels really means.
“Corry’s Custom” — Art by Lou Morales & Dennis Laugen
A mechanic’s pride and obsession turn deadly when his custom build becomes his undoing.
“Hot Rod Talk” — Feature
Period slang, garage tips, and local track gossip straight from the Charlton bullpen.
“Mile a Minute Killer” — Artist uncredited
Road rage and revenge racing meet head-on in this high-speed morality tale.
“Auto Oddities” — Art by Stan Campbell
A quirky look at experimental cars and bizarre racing inventions of the day.
“High-Heeled Tempest!” — Art by Lou Morales & Dennis Laugen
A femme fatale on four wheels — when speed meets vanity, no one makes it to the finish line.
“The Hot Rod Taxi Idea” — Text Story
Pulp-style filler, but pure 1950s Americana charm.
VG+ (4.5) — Detached centerfold, Structurally sound with firm staples and smooth spine roll. Gloss retained with light handling wear at cover edge. Colors remain bright and saturated with slight dulling at corners. Pages are cream to off-white, flexible and complete. Minimal stress tears and no restoration. Presents cleanly and flat — a solid mid-grade copy with high visual appeal for collectors of pre-Code automotive or pulp Americana.
