Graphics and striping complete the lead sled look

In the late 1940s and early ’50s, American auto makers turned out big, heavy cars powered by hefty V-8 engines. They were the first of the production performance automobiles and as hot rods evolved in the 1950s, car enthusiasts began modifying the bodies, engines and suspension of these vehicles.

Modifying the body required a lot of body work, which meant cutting the sheet metal parts to lower the roof and/or body, adding louvers or recessing headlights—essentially redesigning the car. This was before plastic body filler was available, so hot lead was used to smooth the modifications, hence the term “lead sleds.”

The paint, graphics and striping are a huge part of the look of these vehicles. Scottie Kania, Scottie Design & Lettering, Easton, Pennsylvania, has handled the graphics and striping on several of these behemoths as you can see here.