The holiday season is a time for generosity, compassion, and community—and this year, Carolina Classic Cars and The Hot Rod Shop proudly carried on their annual tradition of giving back through their Holiday Toy Drive, which proved to be a tremendous success. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the local community, customers, friends, and supporters, the toy drive collected an incredible number of toys to help brighten the holidays for children and families in need. The gen

Choosing the Right Engine Swap: LS vs. 383 Stroker vs. HEMI A Performance Guide from The Hot Rod Shop At The Hot Rod Shop, engine swaps are the heart of what we do. Whether you’re building a street cruiser, a show car, or a tire-shredding performance machine, choosing the right engine is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Each platform brings its own personality, power delivery, cost considerations, and long-term reliability. Below, we break down the most popula

Bringing Classics Back to Life: The Hot Rod Shop’s Elite Paint & Body Masters When it comes to classic cars, nothing tells the story of craftsmanship, pride, and performance quite like paint and bodywork. It’s the first thing people see. It’s what turns heads at stoplights. It’s what judges analyze under bright show lights. And at The Hot Rod Shop, we believe your classic deserves nothing less than show-stopping perfection. That’s why we’re proud to have some of the most gift

Candace Bongiovanni: A True North Carolina Entrepreneur Fueled by Passion, Precision & Horsepower In a world where many dream of entrepreneurship but few take the leap, Candace Bongiovanni stands out as a shining example of fearlessness, grit, and undeniable passion. A proud native of Randleman, North Carolina, Candace has built a business legacy that spans from Randolph County to Mecklenburg County, leaving an unforgettable mark on both communities. What started as a lifelon

Why a Project Manager Changes Everything in Your Hot Rod Build By The Hot Rod Shop Designing and building your dream hot rod is more than choosing horsepower, paint colors, and shiny chrome—it’s about creating a classic you can actually enjoy. That’s where having the right project manager becomes a game-changer, and at The Hot Rod Shop, that key player is Erik Getty. Erik brings years of hands-on expertise, an eye for detail, and a passion for performance-based classics. But

Meet “Lando” — Hot Rod Shop Manager & Paint & Body Specialist Lando leads The Hot Rod Shop with a powerful combination of hands-on paint and body expertise, years of supervisory experience, and exceptional customer service skills. Growing up in the world of classic cars and following in his father’s footsteps, Lando developed a deep respect for craftsmanship, precision, and the art of restoration. With years of experience in both automotive paint and bodywork and team leaders

From Model T to Modern Muscle: A Century of Ford Innovation & The Hot Rod Shop’s Performance Legacy There are few vehicles in automotive history as important—or as beloved—as the 1914 Ford Model T. More than just a car, the Model T was a revolution on wheels. It represented freedom, accessibility, and the craftsmanship that would shape the American automotive industry for more than a century to come. At The Hot Rod Shop, we recently had the privilege of showcasing a 1914 Ford

Steve Shaver: Senior Technician at Allen Automotive Steve Shaver is a cornerstone of the Allen Automotive team, having been with us since...

The Ultimate Transformation: A 1965 Ford Mustang Reborn Here at Allen Automotive—proudly nicknamed the Hot Rod Shop—we don’t just restore...

Candace Bongiovanni, a proud native of Randolph County, embodies a unique blend of southern roots and modern sophistication. Her love for...

Need an engine rebuild? Tim Byrd is your guy! Lowest Labor rates in the county! 336-625-1965 Allen Automotive – Your Full-Service Auto...

Need an oil change or NC inspection? Meet Chris Hernandez – Your Go-To Technician at Allen Automotive Chris Hernandez is our dedicated...

Reviving a Classic: The Restoration of a Corvette Stingray Convertible At Allen Automotive, we pride ourselves on our passion for...