What Is the Most Popular Muscle Car In Texas? The Answer Revealed

Texas Ranks #1 for Rebuilding Muscle Cars

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 roared with power and turned heads on every block. And really, what 15, 16, or 17-year-old isn’t influenced by a deep-throated growl, the sound of squealing tires, and the glorious smell of burning rubber?

Yep, I was hooked and sold on building my very own American muscle car.

My Brother’s Ride Lit the Fire

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 man, 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.

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Texas Muscle: We Rebuild More Than Any Other State

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.

Here’s how the top 10 states stack up:

Top 10 U.S. States with the Most 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%
    It’s not a rumor anymore. It’s a fact: Texans love speed and power.
    Source: PowerNationTV.com

Mustangs Take the Lead, Not Camaros

Naturally, I expected my favorite, the Chevrolet Camaro, to top the list. But I was wrong. Texas loves Ford Mustangs 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.

Read More: Texas DPS Cracks Down on Distracted Driving to Save Lives

I’ve Rebuilt Almost All the Greats

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.