The term has broadened to apply to other items that are modified for a particular purpose, such as "hot-rodded amplifier".\n', '

There are various theories about the origin of the term "hot rod". The common theme is that "hot" related to "hotting up" a car, which means modifying it for greater performance. One theory is that "rod" means roadster, a lightweight 2-door car which was often used as the basis for early hot rods. Another theory is that "rod" refers to camshaft, a part of the engine which was often upgraded in order to increase power output.\n', '

In the early days, a car modified for increased performance was called a "gow job". This term morphed into the hot rod in the early to middle 1950s.\n', '

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