Just curious as to How many we have on each side of the line. I know most of us would rather have both, but which would you choose if you could only have one. This is the difference between the body kits and the sleepers, the rat rods and the paint rods. My GTO is not perfect. Sure it looks good from a distance, but it has some serious flaws up close. I've always been the type to build cars from a junk yard or swap meet. The first project I bought that was in descent shape was the GTO.
I never could understand the draw to have a body kit or neon paint job when the only thing else they have done is put a muffler on for more sound. In my personal opinion, you should be fast if you're going to brag about it.
I understand the old fogies that buy a $50,000 hot rod kit. They want a car that somebody can build for them and it will look great when it's done, either because they don't know how or they don't want to be bothered with it. I don't agree with the fact that they call themselves "car guys". Most of them can only tell you what their car is cuz they read it off the pamphlet. If they were really as passionate about cars as they thought, they would build their own. Not their own kit, a real car. That's what I love about rat rods. You can turn out 4 or 5 traditional hot rods for the price of one of these 'kits". They'll turn just as many heads, be as fast or faster, and you're doing something seriously wrong if you're spending more than $10,000. Those guys are the real gear heads. Hang out around some of them at a car show. People will walk right past a show and shine rod like it's nothing, but they all have comments and questions about the rats. I'm not saying that the flashy cars aren't ok. If that's the only way you can enjoy the hobby and it makes you happy, then so be it. I just don't agree with building a car strictly for appearance.

Definately GO

I'm really into sleepers that look like crap but go like stink.
I particularly dislike cars that look much racier than they are.

Yeah I'd have to say "GO" as well... as much as I love a car with show, show alone is not enough. What's the point right? Like that old joke says "it looks good in the shower but it doesn't work!"

GO. always go.

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2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
4.6L DOHC V8 - 6 speed manual
520rwhp - 525rwtq at 16psi on stock blower
2002 Ford Mustang GT
4.6L V8 - 5 speed manual

No doubt go. Cars are meant to be driven, and towing your car in a covered trailer to a Hot Import night or Concours event is not driving. It's also far easier to properly build a car to run like mad than to properly build a show car.

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2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SuperSport

Go . performance always first

Go because i agree with mesarius... cars are meant to be driven

I think my car is a prime example of GO and no show. Took it to the track over the weekend and ran mid 13's the whole night with some crappy street tires.

thats awesome... i like cars to look show too though...