AFX Racing 22073 Camaro 1970 Wildfire Blk/Yel/Org

After the success of the ’69 Camaro, Chevrolet effectively created an all-new car in the 1970s. One that was more drivable and had a much better engine: the LT1 350 cubic inch compared to the previous year’s 302. In fact, the LT1 in the Z28 came from the Corvette and was a stout performer.

The re-designed front-end and fastback shape was the source of a lot of controversy. But the SS350 is still generally regarded as one of the most beautiful designs to come out of GM.

AFX Wild Fire Flames are proprietary custom designs. But we certainly weren’t the first folks to paint flames on the side of a hot rod.

The first flames to appear on a hot rod were literal flames. Captured in a perfectly timed photograph on October 20th, 1938 by the Carroll Photo Company. Driver Fred Friday zipped his car through Gilmore Stadium when his car alighted in flames from a fuel leak. The idea that a car had been driven so furiously as to emit flames inspired hot rod and muscle car fans across the country. Friday survived the race, happily, and totally unaware of what his unique race performance had ignited.

World War II followed swiftly after bringing with it the trend of “nose art” – the decorative painting of an aircraft’s front fuselage. Though originally intended to identify friendly planes, the practice quickly evolved into an expression of individuality. The aircraft “nose art” was showcased to the general public and the idea spread like, well, wildfire.

By the 1950s the custom hot rod craze peaked. Returning veterans were drawn to both the thrill of racing and the new outlet for self-expression. With the booming economy of post-war America, hot rodders and muscle car lovers brought their designs to life with access to custom parts and professional designers.