Period-Correct

Period-Correct refers to building or restoring a car using only the styles, parts, materials, and techniques available during a specific era. In the world of traditional hot rods and customs, being period-correct means paying close attention to historical accuracy, whether it’s using a Flathead V8 with 1940s speed parts, or upholstering a custom with tuck-and-roll vinyl just like in the 1950s. Builders who strive for period correctness often reference old magazines, car show photos, and firsthand stories to ensure every detail, from the wheels to the pinstriping, is era-authentic.