Steve Scott

Steve Scott is an American hot rod builder and former magazine editor, best known for designing and building the legendary show car, "The Uncertain-T." Born and raised in Reseda, a suburb of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California, Steve developed an early passion for hot rods.

Remembering the Legends

Steve Scott is an American hot rod builder and former magazine editor, best known for designing and building the legendary show car, "The Uncertain-T." Born and raised in Reseda, a suburb of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California, Steve developed an early passion for hot rods. His interest in custom cars was heavily influenced by the hot rod magazines he avidly read as a teenager. Over time, he formed strong opinions on what made a great hot rod and often reimagined designs in his mind when he saw something that did not appeal to him. He brought his Brownie camera and used it to take pictures of the cars he liked. When friends saw his photos, they wanted to buy copies and have Steve take pictures of their cars. Steve soon bought his first camera, a Nikkorex F at Reseda Photo.

"If You Can Think of Something, You Can Create It"

In March 1960, while in his advanced physics class, a classmate drew a cartoon of a wildly abstract Model T, which caught Steve's eye. The drawing sparked his imagination and led to the conception of "The Uncertain-T." Determined to bring the vision to life, he famously declared, "If you can think of something, you can create it." Steve began working on the car that very day in his parent's one-car garage.

Building "The Uncertain-T"

The build was far more than a mere replication of the cartoon. Steve approached it as both a functional hot rod and a work of art. Over five years, he meticulously crafted each component from scratch, incorporating a fiberglass body—an uncommon material in hot rodding at the time—and a custom chassis. The car was equipped with a fuel-injected 1957 Buick "Nailhead" engine, showcasing both innovation and engineering prowess. His design approach involved creating a minimalist and balanced aesthetic, making the vehicle more than just a typical hot rod—it was a sculpture on wheels.

A Fully Functioning Show Rod

Unlike many of its contemporaries, "The Uncertain-T" was fully operational. Steve custom-built an aluminum frame with integrated features like a torsion bar suspension and a unique rack and pinion steering assembly. The car was eye-catching and functional, proving its capabilities on both the street and the show circuit.

"The Uncertain-T" Takes the Show Circuit by Storm

After its debut in January 1965, "The Uncertain-T" quickly became a sensation. It won the Sweepstakes Hot Rod Award at the Winternationals, beating out competitors like George Barris. The car was featured on the cover of the event's souvenir program, and its unique design captivated audiences. Subsequently, it went on a national tour, won numerous awards, and appeared in several magazines. Steve even struck a deal with Monogram Models to release a 1/24 scale model kit of "The Uncertain-T," further cementing its place in hot rod culture.

Life Takes a Turn

After a short but impactful career, Steve's interest in the automotive world unexpectedly waned around 1967. He left his job at Car Craft Magazine, where he had been working as an Associate Editor, and stepped away from the public eye. "The Uncertain-T" was eventually stored away, and for decades, both the car and Steve himself faded into obscurity. Numerous rumors surfaced about the car's whereabouts, and Steve was even presumed dead by some.

The Resurgence of Steve and "The Uncertain-T"

Steve Scott resurfaced on social media in 2012, much to the surprise and excitement of the custom car community. In 2024, after more than 40 years of being considered lost, "The Uncertain-T" was announced to be part of the Galpin Auto Sports Collection. This marked a monumental comeback for one of the most famous show rods of all time, reigniting interest in both the car and its enigmatic creator.

The Legacy of Steve Scott

The resurgence of "The Uncertain-T" in 2024 brought renewed attention to Steve's groundbreaking work and vision. This rediscovery allowed a new generation of hot rod enthusiasts to appreciate the artistry and innovation behind "The Uncertain-T," a car that challenged conventions and defined an era of imaginative automotive design. However, this resurgence also became a poignant chapter in Steve Scott's life story. On March 17, 2024, shortly after "The Uncertain-T's" return to the spotlight, Steve passed away.

Steve's legacy lives on through "The Uncertain-T" and the stories, photographs, and articles he contributed to the culture he loved. His mantra, "If you can think of something, you can create it," continues to inspire builders, dreamers, and artists who push the boundaries of what's possible in custom car design. As "The Uncertain-T" remains a symbol of his ingenuity and spirit, Steve Scott's contributions to hot rodding will forever be remembered and celebrated by generations to come.

Steve Scott's Cars

Steve Scott's Uncertain-T
Steve Scott's 1940 Ford Deluxe 2-Door Sedan