PEDAL TO THE HOT ROD METAL

There are pedal cars, and then there are miniature, mechanical works of art. A series of nine radical, custom pedal cars have been produced by some of America's coolest hot rod builders to be auctioned by the Peterson Automotive Museum at next week's RM Auctions event in Monterey, California.

Proceeds will help underprivileged children visit the Peterson Museum, in Los Angeles, that houses one of the world's most significant automotive collections, covering nearly 30,000 square metres and displaying over 150 rare and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Most of the these extreme toy racers are based on the iconic 1932 Ford Roadster, including the Hollywood Hotrods creation 'Respect Tradition', complete with faux V8 engine and stubby, straight-through exhausts.

Possibly the most dramatic is the silver 'Salt Flat Racer', beautifully fabricated by Troy Trepanier's team at Rad Rides in Manteno, Illinois. Complete with Moon disc wheel covers and aero body it's the stuff of pre-teen dreams.

Steve's Auto Restorations also went to town on its mini-rod, with full leather trim, a sliding (leather) roof, stainless steel grille and art deco instrument cluster. Other builders include the famous So-Cal Speed Shop and Winfield Rod & Custom.

Although they're being offered without reserve, price estimates for these unique cars have been set between $8000-$12 000.