Ep 1. Hot Rod Treasures

In the season 2 premiere episode of American Pickers: Best Of, titled "Hot Rod Treasures," Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, two seasoned pickers, hit the road in search of vintage American hot rod memorabilia. The episode kicks off with the duo exploring a barn in Maryland that's home to a vast collection of automotive-related memorabilia.

As they sift through the collection, Mike and Frank stumble upon a treasure trove of advertising and promotional materials from hot rod races and events from the 1950s and '60s. They're especially drawn to a rare, full-color poster advertising a drag racing competition from 1963, which they quickly add to their haul.

Their next stop takes them to Virginia, where they visit an old friend who's been collecting hot rod parts for years. The friend, who's also a mechanic, takes them on a tour of his garage, which is chock-full of vintage engines, transmissions, and other auto parts. Mike and Frank are like kids in a candy store as they sift through the collection, uncovering rare gems like a 1930s-era air cleaner and a vintage fuel pump.

Their final stop of the episode is at a garage in Georgia, where they meet a hot rod enthusiast who's converted his entire home into a makeshift showroom for his collection. From vintage license plates and neon signs to fully restored 1960s muscle cars, this guy has it all. Mike and Frank are in awe as they explore the collection, noting the impressive attention to detail that's gone into every restoration.

Overall, "Hot Rod Treasures" is a must-watch episode for hot rod enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the art of vintage automobile restoration. The episode showcases some truly impressive pieces of automotive history, and the rapport between Mike and Frank adds an element of fun to the proceedings. Even if you're not a car buff, it's hard not to be impressed by the passion and knowledge on display in this episode.