The concept of the “hot rod” is nearly as old as the automobile itself. Since the first production vehicles were created, enthusiasts have been personalizing them in a wide variety of ways, especially in the areas of performance and appearance.

On the far side of the spectrum, today some hot rods are built like works of art and have been created specifically for display at major shows and events, rather than for the actual pleasure of driving. However, most hot rodders will agree, real rods are built to be driven. And it is the real world of the customized and accessorized hot rods that cruise the highways and byways of America that inspired the creation of the Chevrolet HHR “Heartbeat Hot Rod.”

The new Chevrolet HHR has the unmistakable stamp of the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, the original sport utility vehicle, coupled with the excitement of the innovative Chevrolet SSR. With its thoroughly modern platform based on the new Chevrolet Cobalt, the HHR takes the best of its storied ancestor and has infused it with the performance and handling of today.

Enthusiasts have been clamoring for the return of the sedan delivery body style for years. The Chevrolet Heartbeat Hot Rod was created for both the young and the young at heart enthusiasts who wanted a vehicle with this classic body style. The Heartbeat Hot Rod is based on the new HHR from Chevrolet, the only company with the brand heritage to bring this concept back to life.

On the Chevrolet Heartbeat Hot Rod, the side glass, rear doors and door handles have been eliminated. The result is a true sedan delivery, one in keeping with the fast emerging trend in classic long roofs. Highlighting the massaged body is a Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes “Color Of Money” pearl paint scheme, accented by a subtle red pinstripe. In addition, a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories were carefully chosen to amplify the theme of this vehicle.

The front of the Heartbeat Hot Rod will warm the hearts of Chevy enthusiasts with its classically inspired custom hood and front fascia by Teazer Design that’s accented by a B-Cool Billets custom grille. The design echoes the theme of its revered ancestor in a modern interpretation that integrates the lines and proportions of the new HHR cohesively. The jewelry like finish and beveled edges on the grille bars endow the front of the vehicle with enhanced light values and present the perfect complement to the vintage style 18 inch MC2 Custom Alloys forged wheels that are mounted on BFGoodrich tires. In true hot rod tradition, the tire sizes are staggered with larger rolling stock out back, matched by smaller tires on the front. Additionally, the suspension has been lowered, providing the Heartbeat Hot Rod with the kind of “in the weeds” stance that is the signature of a genuine hot rod.

At the rear, a custom roll pan by Teazer Design smoothes out the back of the Heartbeat Hot Rod. Opening the tailgate reveals a complete Tailgate Entertainment System by Boston Acoustics. The entire system is operated with a wireless remote that also ties into the custom stereo and compact disc system mounted in the dashboard.

Whether you’re ready to take a break from cruising the highway for a picnic on the sands of Pismo Beach, or elevate the idea of a tailgate party to new heights at Shea Stadium, the Heartbeat Hot Rod carries everything you need, with practicality that is only surpassed by innovation and stylish good looks.

For years, the tagline "Heartbeat of America" has been synonymous with Chevrolet. Like baseball and apple pie, Chevrolet has a long reputation for building the kind of vehicles that ignite the passion of enthusiasts.

The Heartbeat Hot Rod adds the excitement and originality of the quintessential hot rodder to this mix. The result is a thoroughly modern vehicle with a pedigree heritage, one that showcases the same adaptability to personalization as its storied ancestor, coupled with the practicality and dependability that are the hallmarks of a Chevrolet.

In this fast paced era, when life has become little more than a blur, the Heartbeat Hot Rod reminds us of a simpler time, when an afternoon in the garage turning wrenches or polishing the car was a rewarding endeavor and a satisfying way to pass the time.

The Heartbeat has the flare of a classic Hot Rod,with all of the virtues of a modern vehicle. Once you’ve spent time behind the wheel of the Heartbeat Hot Rod you’ll be eager to hit the road every chance you get. Whether cruisin’ to the local drive in on Friday night, or taking a cross country trip, one thing is sure, you’ll want to See The USA In Your Chevrolet!