Input wanted here!

[Bill Howell]

I am curious. When you think of you favorite type car, build, etc. what comes to mind? Are you totally into one style, such as protouring or prostreet or do you like several different styles. I will give my exsamples of my favorites buy I am curious as to everyones taste. I will list mine in no particular order.

1. Protouring
2. Street and Strip
3. Functional hot rods
4. True, real matching number musclecars

Just for clarification, I left out prostreet, because to me street and strip covers the functional ones. the showcar crowd with fat tires do not impress me.
I am not into car art-trailer queens at all. I guess that is why I have never been a car show type. Show me a car with rubber on the quarters, nice wax jobs just don't do it for me.
There is no right or wrong answers here, I am just interested in everyone's personal preferance. Your list can be longer or shorter.
Edit/Delete Message

[57hemicuda]

The muscle car era has so many different groups, my favorite is the old Vintage Trans Am race cars,which I swear is where the Pro Touring cars morfed from 1.Pro touring
2.Vintage race cars [especially trans am cars]
3.Old trucks [don't know why,can't stop buying them]
4.Street Rods [drivers]
5.Rat Rods
87.Trailer Queens

[ProdigyCustoms.com]

One, two and three for me. I have done enough restored number cars to hate them. For me, it needs to be good at what it is built for, RE. if it is Protouring, it needs to cruise, handle, brake and be somewhat powerfull. If it is a street / race or Pro Street, it should be able to be drivin some distance, and haul ass.

yeah, Function!

[torval]

I have to say, I like em all, even the trailer art. To see something that some puts all that time and effort into is amazing. I wouldn't pesonally own something I was afraid to drive, but to each his/her own. Maybe it's because I always wanted a classic car and never owned one till I was 37(?), wasted time and money when I was young, then got married, had children (should've changed my name to Al Bundy (from Married With Children), so priorities changed. Now 45, and I know just enough to be dangerous ( cracked my windshield installing hood to cowl seal using Channellocks as a hammer to install (beat in) wrong sized plastic fasteners. Oh well, lesson learned!! Sorry
about the long winded-ness, did I just hi-jack this thread?

[race-rodz]

1:functional hot rods 1950 & older... traditional over pretty show cars, but as long as they are driven
2:street driven race cars, stright line and corners
3:actual functional trucks.... bagged duallys that actually tow a trailer, pre runner rangers that are taken off sweet jumps, and lifted trucks with 40" tires that are covered in mud...not waxxed shiny paint
4: muscle cars... number matching ultra low mile cars that cant be driven are great to look at...but i prefer them to be driven, so the pro-touring kinda cars, or better yet, a pro-touring numbers matching car with bolt ons(meaning the car "could" be put back to stock by just swapping parts)
.
.
.
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344: "DONK" rides
345: lifted trucks sittin on 52" backhoe tires with $50k paintjobs
346: import cars
347: trailer queens

[G-TX]

1.
The car that started PT,IMO http://www.bigredcamaro.com/newsite/
Tie for 1st is
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0604phr_1971_plymouth_barracuda_builders/
2.
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/113_9802_1954_plymouth_savory/
3.
XV Cars,when ever they actually come...http://www.xvmotorsports.com/sale/index_details.cfm?cat=cars&id=16
Fav. racecar...borrowed pic from pozzi racing.
http://www.pozziracing.com/Media/m8f_5_1.jpg

[Jon Simerly]

1.STREET/STRIP
2.ROADRACE/DRIVEABLE
3.PRO TOUR/FUNCTIONAL CARS
4.NUMBERS MATCHING
5.TRAILER QUEENS ONLY IF THEY ARE 1OF50 OR SO
NO PRO STREET CAUSE MOST ARE WEAK AND HALF ASSED NO POWER FOR THE VIAGRA GENERATION OR DORKS!I hate 280/480 cams everybody uses mostly street rodders.

[zbugger]

To tell you the truth, I like ALL KINDS of cars. Yeah, even the imports. No, not rice, but good, well built imports. Trucks of all kinds as well. As long as it's well done though. I don't like cars where corners were cut during the build to speed up the process. That's annoying. Lowriders and Donks aren't all that high on my list, but at least they give me a laugh.

[boosted6]

1.STREET/STRIP
2.ROADRACE/DRIVEABLE
3.PRO TOUR/FUNCTIONAL CARS
4.NUMBERS MATCHING
5.TRAILER QUEENS ONLY IF THEY ARE 1OF50 OR SO
NO PRO STREET CAUSE MOST ARE WEAK AND HALF ASSED NO POWER FOR THE VIAGRA GENERATION OR DORKS!I hate 280/480 cams everybody uses mostly street rodders.
I'll change it alittle bit:

1) Street / Strip
2) road race / drivable
3) Pro-Tour
Thats about it! anything that is not used or daily driven you might as well spend your money on paintings for your house, what good is a car to look at if it isn't driven?.. Scot w.

[Marty G Cars]

My favorite is functional, modernized 50's, 60's and 70's cars. May not be protouring but usually ends up that way. I always dreamed of taking a 60's vette and doing the full boat - modern chassis, rear trans, modern engine (now it'd be a blown LS7), with all the goodies like AC, stereo and daily driver abilities. But in reference to the list I'd have to say I like them all, even the chalk mark resto's and the trailer queens (as long as they're not pushmobiles).

[4348rd]

i like most all of them esp. the older drivers but i don't care for the trailer queens thou, but a race car,drag car on a trailer is a different story thou , cause it's ruff to drive down an interstate with 4:56 gears

[Bob Johnson]

I like all brands and all classes if they are done right. Hell I even like trailer queens, Ricers, motorcycles, boats, planes..it doesn't matter. My favorite would still have to be Pro-Tour. Form and function add another dimension to just looks. I don't think a trailer queen guy is nuts, I just don't want any part of doing it.

[Mike Holleman]

"If you see my car on a trailer please dial 911 cause it's been stolen" That sums up my view on trailer queens. I don't understand the attraction. Not condemning those that do, I just don't understand it.
My current focus is on building a track/street machine. One that can be driven to the track (road course) and trashed, and with a gear change, do 170 at Maxton.
Mike Holleman

[dhardison]

I admire the work that goes in to making a trailer queen, especially the clean/prep time, but would never have one for myself. I enjoy driving too much to have something that only rolls from the garage to the trailer. I also hate when they put TQs in the same judging class as a scratched, chipped, dusty under carraige street car like mine. I get beat out almost every year at the Columbus Super Chevy by a Nova like that. It's a sweet car, but not an apples-to-apples comparison to my car by any stretch.

So anyway back to the question at hand. I prefer ProTouring, then ProStreet, then street/strip, then originals (any year, any make, any model)

[radrambler]

well

i love to see cars/trucks that are nicely done ,real street cars that are driven...love to see that alot of thought (not gimmicks)went into building/finishing
I LIKE THESE STYLES 1.. PRO-TOURING.. 2 RESTO MOD.....3 STREET/STRIP
LOVE MUSCLE CAR BODIED RIDES FIRST.....THEN ALL OTHERS

RADRAMBLER

[80superbu]

I prefer the order you have there:
1. Protouring
2. Street and Strip
3. Functional hot rods
4. True, real matching number musclecars

As far as a numbers matching car, well geee, there certainly a lot of them now days. The prices they are asking/getting is nothing short of sickening. It's cool that people buy them and restore to make money but a normal person could never afford one and honestly I'm not sure why people would pay that much for outdated technology and crappy mileage. A newer motor (LSx) will push as much HP as an old big block and still get 20-25 mpg.
To each his own though :cheers:

[Tracy]

I really like older modernized functional cars that are for driving. Pro-touring 60s and early 70s muscle cars really do it for me. Second would be functional older hot rods. For me it just seems too impractical to have a hot car that you cannot use for driving and therefore I have little interest in ProStreet, or trailer queens. I appreciate original muscle cars or numbers matching restorations but you really cannot drive these cars without them losing their value...

I want to make my Camaro be as comfortable and as much fun to drive as my SRT8...

so for me it is
1) Pro-Touring 60s-70s muscle cars
2) Functional Hot Rods
3) Original/Numbers matching muscle cars

The rest are not interesting enough to put numbers on...

[parsonsj]

Me, I like modified cars, so numbers-matching stuff is a big yawner. No imagination, and no talent required. Just find the parts. What's the fun in that?

I don't really care about intended use, but I pay more attention to cars that see the road or the track. If you want my attention, show me materials and methods for making parts I haven't seen before, spare me shiny, and show me functional intent.

I dig military stuff, like ships, jets, and tanks. Cars built for extreme use that follow that theme are like a big figurative magnet to me. I love 'em!

jp

[trapin]

1. G-Machines (Pro-Touring)
2. Sleepers (think W2W Nova)
3. Rat Rods
4. Vintage Racers
5. Concourse

Trailer queens are an abomination of the Hot Rodding community. They should all be packed with C4 and put out of their misery.

[Steevo]

Looks like everyone's input is in line with our goals for MuscleRides. It's clear that you guys wanna see more than just pro-touring. Here is how it will look:

Hot Rods: No street rods. We want to put the "HOT" back in hot rods. This month's main feature is a car that has been around for many years. It's a former Street Rod of the Year winner. It presently belongs to one of pro-touring's best known collectors. Even though the car is six years old, it still looks like it was built yesterday. That's because it embodies everything that makes true hot rods great. We're featuring this car because it helps drive home the point that hot rods should be hot. It also serves as proof that pro-touring guys are interested in other build styles. If anyone can guess which car I'm talking about before August 1st, they get a free T-Shirt and key fob.

Street/Strip: Should perform equally well in both arenas to be considered functional. It doesn't have to handle well. It need only live up to it's name.

Pro Street: Nothing wrong with this build style if the car is built right. It should have good brakes, overdrive and street worthy radial tires. Wider wheels up front are important. Big diameter wheels make room for the big brakes you stole off your brother's P-T car. Of course, it should click off a solid E.T. Done right, there's no reason why Pro Street shouldn't make a strong comeback.

Sport Trucks: They still need to be able to haul. Otherwise, might as well build a car.

Pro-Touring: This build style needs to be differentiated from street rods hiding in muscle car clothing--aka Mod Rods. Many magazine editors are too dumb to see the difference. I want to make that distinction clear.

Couches: Many people believe that the hobby will embrace seventies and eighties cars in the name of affordability. Okay. But I say, if your on a budget, build a sixties full size car or personal luxury car. Travis' Caprice is a perfect example. Cars like these are way more affordable than the "A list" platforms (i.e. Camaro or Challenger) but can be just as cool if you add good brakes, airbags, overdrive and fuel injection. Full size cars will easy accomodate you and five of your fat ass friends so, big torque is a must.

That's the MuscleRides way.

[Steve Moore]

Well, I always wondered why those guys with the trailer queens (and I don't mean racecars) build such mega motors for them. If there not gonna drive em, whats the use? Same with the rest of the drive train. Why spend the dough on 4.88s and a locker if ya ain't gonna drive it. Kinda like them multi motored tractors they used to run in indoor hockey arenas. They got $150,000 worth of motors on em and don't run over 30mph. But anyway, I like 'bout anything. Even queens if they are cool. I drug trailers around enough when I was racing, swore when I quit, I'd never have to trailer anything else, unless its broke.

[67LS1T56]

1-Pro-Touring
2-Pro-Touring
3-Pro-Touring
As long as they are driven hard. I love them

[J2SpeedandCustom]

I'm agree with Bob if it's cool I like it. Did anyone see that ratrod that looked like a topless tank at Columbus. That thing was cool!

To me functionality is goal one if you can't enjoy the car why have it?

[Steevo]

A lot of rat rods are less than functional. It's part of the build style that they be on the dangerous side. There's always a good mix of rat rods at my Friday night thing thanks to this little club.

http://www.rumblersnyc.com/

I love studying these cars because there are always neat little details to be seen. Like a radiator overflow can made out of some 1940's beer can or hand grenade shifter handles. But I'd like to see those details added to a car with strong performance. Like Race-Rodz is doing with his truck.

To me, a big part of function is that the car must live up to its name. A hot rod should be hot; a sport truck should haul; and a pro street car should work well on the street. It should be able to idle below 2000 rpm and negotiate a basic 5mph 90 degree turn without th outside tire squealing.

[J2SpeedandCustom]

Yeah Rat rods can be very minimal in the "function" area. But damn they are cool! I agree Steve the car needs to meet it's purpose.

[race-rodz]

that race-rodz guy has too many projects goin....that shop truck of his will never get finished. i heard he just picked up a 29 2dr sedan RAT rod project and a 1st gen lightning. :smack:

[zeus87gn]

To tell you the truth, I like ALL KINDS of cars. Yeah, even the imports. No, not rice, but good, well built imports. Trucks of all kinds as well. As long as it's well done though. I don't like cars where corners were cut during the build to speed up the process. That's annoying. Lowriders and Donks aren't all that high on my list, but at least they give me a laugh.
Well said. I am with you on this one. But prefer American before import.
Lowriders and donks aren't on my list. No practicality there, just a waste of money.

I am certainly interested in the Pro Touring aspect that seems to be the main topics of discussion around here. I am beginning to wonder if this is what I have had in mind all along for many of my autos past and present. Is there some sort of list or defining aspect that makes a car pro touring? Or is it the function/end result desired?

[PRRC]

I like most all build styles, I can appreciate all the hard work that gos into any car. But I m with you guys a car has to function. I say Drive em. Nothing like seeing a car you see in Mag. or at a show in action. Like an orange blurrrrrrrr, blowing by you on the interstate well above the posted speed limit.To me getting there is half the fun.

[Bill Howell]

Well said. I am with you on this one. But prefer American before import.
Lowriders and donks aren't on my list. No practicality there, just a waste of money.

I am certainly interested in the Pro Touring aspect that seems to be the main topics of discussion around here. I am beginning to wonder if this is what I have had in mind all along for many of my autos past and present. Is there some sort of list or defining aspect that makes a car pro touring? Or is it the function/end result desired?
Steevo made a comment a year or so ago on another board that went something like this. If it steers, brakes and runs better than stock it is protouring, the rest is subject to debate. The arguement with most people about protouring is definations, however, if you improve all the aspects of a car, to me you make it a protouring ride. I am one that leans to the driving side of cars, and love to see them on the road. Other protourers lean toward road racing and hard core handling, as such called a street fighter. Rather than get huge up on how much you have to do to be a protourer, just build what you like and what suites your taste. As long as you improve the handling, stopping and actual running of the car, you are good to go in my book. My car may not be the ultimate protouring car in the world, but rest assured, we have put over 5500 miles on it since SEMA last year, and enjoyed every mile. :bthumb:

[Steevo]

...And it definitely stops, steers, and accelerates better than a stock GTO.

[Steevo]

The August issue of MuscleRides web magazine will have a good cross section of functional cars including a 32 Ford roadster, a 2003 Silverado, and a 86 Grand National. Each car is functional in its own way. The 32 Ford is definitely HOT, the truck is sporty and definitely still HAULS, and the GN works on both the street and the strip.

None of these cars are pro-touring, but they all live up to the names that describe their build styles: Hot Rod, Sport Truck and Street/Strip. Bes ure to check out the articles next week. It's best if you bookmark the homepage--not the forum. Otherwise you might miss out on the regular updates.

[Mr.Powers]

...And it definitely stops, steers, and accelerates better than a stock GTO.

I can confirm this statement from personal experiance.

[Bob Johnson]

...And it definitely stops, steers, and accelerates better than a stock GTO.
NOW IF HE CAN JUST GET THE AIR WORKING..OH IT'S WORKING, HE JUST HAS TO GET IT OUT OF THE DASH..LOL

[Musclerodz]

I agree with Allen on this as well. Pro-Touring is hot right now so it kind of floats to the top. i like variety.

Mike

[zeus87gn]

Steevo made a comment a year or so ago on another board that went something like this. If it steers, brakes and runs better than stock it is protouring, the rest is subject to debate. The arguement with most people about protouring is definations, however, if you improve all the aspects of a car, to me you make it a protouring ride. I am one that leans to the driving side of cars, and love to see them on the road. Other protourers lean toward road racing and hard core handling, as such called a street fighter. Rather than get huge up on how much you have to do to be a protourer, just build what you like and what suites your taste. As long as you improve the handling, stopping and actual running of the car, you are good to go in my book.
Sounds good to me. Thanks for the explanation.
I guess I have had the pro touring aspect in mind since I started messing with cars when I was a kid. It has always been my philosophy that you can always improve most any characteristic of a vehicle. A littel more power...a little more grip in the corner...
I have gone through many aspects of auto upgrades, but I suppose now I just like to tweak what is already there. Monster upgrades are a thing of my past. To me it is hard to make a car something that it just can never be.

[SLP 02 SS]

Well, I think I'll have to go with Street/Strip as my 1st Choice...
I kinda live up to that Expectation.
Next would be the ProTouring followed by Some Serious "Off Road & Functional" 4x4s.



By the way Bill,.......You'll be glad to know I'm changing the Exhaust on my SS
Going with a Full 3"- 304 Stainless System to tie into my Center Mount.
Should be Reeeeeally Nasty!