Muscle Car Review’s premise has always been the celebration of stock muscle cars of all stripes. Over time, thanks to the proliferation of restorations (if not restoration parts), the hobby’s idea of what a muscle car should be has evolved. Remember “restification?” Are old paint jobs and a little crustiness persona non grata?
Like the hobby, my tastes have evolved. Here are some thoughts on our hobby in its current state.
Stock Is the Way to Rock?
I’ve been a member of the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race crew since 1997, so I have personally witnessed how a modicum of skillful optimization, combined with NHRA-spec massaging, can obliterate cars chockfull of cam, headers, and slicks. But there’s also something attractive about the forethought and creativity put into good modifications, especially with day-two cars and their contemporary tweaks. It’s as if their owners took over where the factory left off. A perfect example is this 1971 Hemi Challenger R/T with just the right stance, and period-correct upgrades and gewgaws. Our fascination with what the factory offered doesn’t need to overshadow the canvas the designers and product planners left for us.
All Hail the Trailer Queens!
For a while I have noticed a prevailing attitude where kudos are given for cars that are driven. However, it shouldn’t be our concern how someone uses his or her vehicle. If someone wants to have the world’s best Javelin with nary a pebble in the tire tread, then what’s the problem? It’s not a zero-sum game; we should be fully capable of enjoying different facets of the hobby. I myself get a kick out of SoCal cars languishing in driveways, so that’s bound to be offensive to both parties!
Barn Finds That Aren’t
Ryan Brutt has spent countless hours and funds promoting the novelty of “Look what I found hidden away!” But like the term survivor before it, barn find has taken on several different meanings thanks to hucksters. For once can we call a spade a spade? A barn find is a vehicle, generally with a particular collectability, stored in a barn. Or should we come up with a better definition?
Your Car Is Special . . . to You
I initially noticed the proliferation of unverified “one-of-one” claims among the Mopar folks. And then, after Marti Auto Works began offering the Elite Report for FoMoCo products, one-of-one became certified. The truth is that just about all cars are one-of-one when all options and factors are considered, so why the fascination? Aside from a random stat like color/trim, model/body/engine/tranny has been the standard for rarity. (Honorable mention goes to those who misconstrue registry numbers as actual production output!)
Rebodying Is Not Restoring
There seems to be a segment of hobbyists who feel it’s all right to transfer a data plate from one vehicle to another and—voila!—a car has been saved from the ravages of nature. Sorry, folks, but that’s fraud! Respect the dignity of a vehicle’s pedigree and leave the tags alone. Or better yet, give someone else the opportunity to undertake a proper restoration.
Relearn the Color Wheel
In a recent issue an owner of a special-order car remarked, “I am personally aware of two black GTOs . . . one with a green interior, the other with blue, neither of which was supposed to be available with black cars.” But are either of those cars any more unusual than blue or green with black interior? Remember: black or white matches everything, and, indeed, Pontiac literature shows blue or green interior available with black. Besides, how come no one bats an eye over Richard Petty’s orange and turquoise scheme?
Investors Are Ruining the Hobby!
Are you bumming because the average Hemi in Scottsdale costs more than your house? Does it get your goat that the rich are driving up the cost of the cars that you love? I have two responses: Pick another car, or become a millionaire. For all the Shelbys you may lust after, there are still a ton of reasonably priced special-interest collectibles.
NOM Is Not a Scarlet Letter
Some cars have managed to live through the decades with their engines intact; others did not, earning the description NOM: not original motor. The market has determined that numbers-matching cars are worth more, all else being equal, but what is wrong with a CJ Torino with a 428 from a proper donor? The pedigree is still there, and it makes the Ford more attainable to those who feel they are being priced out of the hobby. Everyone wins!
The truth is that, whatever your inclination, the hobby is a big tent, and everyone’s invited. Fostering that attitude is a nice step in the hobby’s evolution.
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