In the world of publishing, an editor's goal is to improve a writer's copy without making it look like any work was done. The best of them can do so without even the writer knowing. Something similar goes for modified cars — many an expert hot rodder can improve a vehicle's aesthetics and performance without showing their cutlines, so to speak.

Take, for instance, this 1932 Ford Model B hot rod consigned to the Hemmings Auctions. We know it's not stock, but whoever chopped the top and shortened the bed had such an eye for proportions that it's not immediately apparent how much metal was taken out of the truck. There's a Ford 5.0L V-8 and custom upholstery in it too, but it's all either tucked away or consistent with the hot rod's theme that it doesn't look out of place. Of course, many a hot rod is built to call attention to the wildest of its modifications, and that approach often works as well, but this one has a more subtle, everyday approach that oughta make it rather enjoyable.