Being an Air Force brat gave me the chance to grow up in different states across this great nation. That meant I saw a lot of muscle cars, classic beasts that roamed the roads and turned heads wherever they went. And really, what 15, 16, or 17-year-old isn’t influenced by the sound of a deep-throated growl, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of speeding down the highway in a powerful vehicle?
Yep, I was hooked and sold on building my very own American muscle car. My fascination with these vehicles only grew stronger as I got older, and I began to realize that there was more to building a muscle car than just purchasing a car and making it look good. There was a whole world of performance, engineering, and craftsmanship that went into creating these iconic vehicles.
The Dilemma: What Kind of Muscle Car Should I Build?
Then came the dilemma: what kind of muscle car should I build? That answer came from someone close to me, my older brother. While my dad was a big Chevrolet fan, it was my brother who influenced me the most. I didn’t just ride in the muscle car he built, I got to drive it once when I had my learner’s permit. From the moment I gave it gas and felt that torque throw me back in the seat, I knew what my first car was going to be.
A Statewide Passion for Muscle Cars
While doing some research for this article, I ran across PowerNationTV.com and their rankings of the states with the most rebuilt muscle cars. And wouldn’t you know it, Texas is ranked #1 in America for rebuilding classic muscle cars. But how did the Lone Star State come to be the top destination for muscle car enthusiasts?
| Ranking | State | % of Rebuilt Muscle Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 5.0% |
| 2 | Florida | 4.6% |
| 3 | Arizona | 4.6% |
| 4 | Georgia | 4.2% |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 4.2% |
| 6 | California | 4.1% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 4.1% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 4.0% |
| 9 | Colorado | 3.8% |
| 10 | Illinois | 3.8% |
Texas loves speed and power, and the top 3 muscle cars in the state are the Ford Mustang, the 1969 Dodge Charger, and the 1969 Chevy Camaro Z/28. But what really sets Texas apart is its passion for the 1970 Mustang Shelby GT Fastback. This iconic muscle car turns heads wherever it goes, and its popularity among Texas muscle car enthusiasts is unmatched.
A Personal Passion for Muscle Cars
Naturally, I expected my favorite, the Chevrolet Camaro, to top the list. But I was wrong. Texas loves the Ford Mustang the most, especially the 1970 Mustang Shelby GT Fastback. That’s the one that turns the most heads. Coming in second is the 1969 Dodge Charger, and finally, the 1969 Chevy Camaro Z/28 rounds out the top three. That Z/28 still holds a special place in my heart.
A Rebuilder’s Dream Come True
On a personal note, I’ve bought and rebuilt the 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, and the split-bumper 1973 Camaros. But my all-time favorite? The 1969 Rat Pack Camaro with the 396ci big-block. Like I always used to say, “Bring on the ponies if you dare!”
The Muscle Car Debate Lives On
The PowerNationTV list of most popular muscle cars by state may settle some debates, but one thing hasn’t changed: we rebuild what we love—and usually, what was most accessible when we were growing up. Still, the age-old rivalry continues:
“What are you, a Chevy, Dodge, or Ford person?”
Step up and show us what you got. Let the races begin. See you at the track.
Top Ten Most Popular Cars in the State of Texas
These are the vehicles that are seen cruising the streets of Abilene during Cruise Night.