My neighbor while I was in HS had built small block Chevy in his Hi-hood. Thing was scary fast on the street. But it worked perfect for stretching barb wire fence between our pastures.
He offered to let me to drive to school so I could do the body work on it (in those days, autobody was still taught in HS). I declined as I had no interest in being a body and fender guy.
Besides, I had my ‘65 HiPro Mustang, so it wasn’t like a needed a hot rod.
Yeah, they still had shop class when I was in HS and a gun range. :)