Holy Hemis! A Tour of Automotive Treasures
About this episode
A deep dive into the impressive Hovis Mopar collection at the Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, Texas, showcases iconic muscle cars like the 1970 Dodge Super B and Plymouth Superbird. The hosts discuss the unique features and historical significance of each vehicle, including their rarity and performance specs. The episode also highlights the importance of automotive events and charitable contributions associated with the collection. With lively banter and expert insights, this episode is a treasure trove for classic car enthusiasts.
Labor Day Replay:
Step inside the legendary Hemi Hideout, where automotive dreams come to life in spectacular fashion. Once housed in a simple barn, John Hovas's remarkable Mopar collection now resides in this purpose-built sanctuary that celebrates American muscle in its most glorious forms.
The collection tells a story that began when John was just 18 years old in 1970, explaining his particular affinity for vehicles from that era. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by automotive royalty – numbers-matching rarities that represent some of the most sought-after configurations in Mopar history.
The stars of the show include a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, whose radical aerodynamic design literally changed NASCAR racing before being banned for its dominance. With its distinctive nose cone and towering rear spoiler (strong enough to support a person's weight), it represents a pivotal moment in racing history as one of only 277 produced with the coveted 440 six-pack configuration.
But perhaps nothing captures the essence of this collection better than John's personal favorite – a 1971 Plymouth Cuda in Sublime Pearl green. This restomod masterpiece houses an all-aluminum 528 cubic inch Hemi V8 producing an earth-shaking 739 horsepower, channeled through a five-speed manual with the iconic pistol grip shifter. With its tubbed rear end accommodating massive 22-inch tires, it perfectly balances vintage character with modern performance.
The stories behind these vehicles prove just as fascinating as their specifications – like the ultra-rare 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner convertible recovered after spending 25 years underwater, or the 1966 Plymouth Belvedere with just 10,000 original miles that remains unrestored and numbers-matching. Each car represents not just engineering excellence, but a piece of American automotive heritage preserved for future generations.
Want to experience this automotive paradise yourself? The Hemi Hideout occasionally opens its doors to visitors, with admission fees going directly to charity and doubled through John's personal contribution. Come witness this extraordinary collection where passion, history, and horsepower converge in spectacular fashion.
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Dodge Super
"our first car today that we're going to discuss is the 1970 Dodge Super Bee in the collection."
The Dodge Super Bee is a classic American muscle car from 1970. It's famous for being fast and powerful, appealing to car lovers.
The Dodge Super Bee is a high-performance muscle car that was produced by Dodge in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
440 cubic inch V8
"This has a 440 6-pack, 440 cubic inch V8, three two-barrel carburetors..."
The 440 cubic inch V8 is a big engine that gives a lot of power to the car. It's often found in fast cars and is known for being strong and loud.
The 440 cubic inch V8 engine is a large displacement engine known for its high power output, commonly used in muscle cars. It is capable of producing significant horsepower and torque, making it ideal for performance applications.
TorqueFlite automatic transmission
"...the real clincher on TorqueFlite automatic transmission, power steering and AC..."
The TorqueFlite automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that changes gears automatically. It's known for being smooth and reliable in cars.
The TorqueFlite automatic transmission is a well-known transmission system developed by Chrysler, recognized for its smooth shifting and reliability. It was commonly used in many Chrysler and Dodge vehicles during the muscle car era.
numbers matching
"this car. It's a numbers matching, one of only 599 built. That's that's pretty cool. Numbers matching, one of 599."
Numbers matching means that the important parts of the car, like the engine, are the original ones that came with it. This is important for collectors because it shows the car is authentic and can make it worth more money.
Numbers matching refers to a vehicle where the engine, transmission, and other major components have their original serial numbers that match the numbers listed on the vehicle's title or documentation. This is often a desirable trait for collectors as it indicates authenticity and can enhance the car's value.
Plymouth Superbird
"Okay, next up on the list is the 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Now, this one kind of changed the landscape of NASCAR because it's got that big, weird nose on the front of it..."
The Plymouth Superbird is a unique car from 1970 that looks very different because of its big nose and tall rear spoiler. It was made for racing and is famous for its unusual design.
The Plymouth Superbird is a highly distinctive muscle car produced in 1970, known for its aerodynamic design, including a prominent nose and a large rear spoiler. It was built for NASCAR racing and is one of the most recognizable cars from that era.
NASCAR
"Now, this one kind of changed the landscape of NASCAR because it's got that big, weird nose on the front of it..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that happens in the United States. The cars are specially made to look like regular cars but are built for speed and competition on tracks.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. The series features cars that are modified versions of production vehicles, and it has a significant following and history in American motorsports.
aerodynamics
"...the very first car that really worked on the aerodynamics of the cars, and that really changed the landscape of NASCAR. You did? The cars didn't look like that after..."
Aerodynamics is how air moves around a car. Better aerodynamics means the car can go faster and handle better, especially when racing.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air flows around a vehicle, which is crucial in motorsports like NASCAR. Improved aerodynamics can enhance speed and stability, significantly impacting race performance.
torque flight automatic transmission
"440 cubic inch V8, 390 horsepower, 32 barrel carburetors, torque flight automatic transmission, power steering, power front disc brakes..."
TorqueFlite is a brand of automatic transmission made by Chrysler. It's known for being strong and shifting smoothly, and it was popular in fast cars from the 1960s and 1970s.
TorqueFlite is a type of automatic transmission developed by Chrysler, known for its durability and smooth shifting. It was commonly used in performance cars during the 1960s and 1970s.
Plymouth Cuda
"Next up is the 1971 Plymouth Cuda. Now this is John's favorite car. He's told me that."
The Plymouth Cuda is a famous muscle car from the early 1970s. It's known for its strong engines and sporty design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The 1971 Plymouth Cuda is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. It's part of the E-body platform and is highly sought after by collectors.
V8 engine
"528 cubic inch all aluminum, heavy V8 with 739 horsepower, one four barrel carburetor underneath the shaker hood scoop..."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. This setup helps the engine produce a lot of power, which is why it's often used in fast cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a 'V' shape. This design allows for more power and smoother operation, making it popular in performance cars.
five-speed manual transmission
"...and a five speed manual transmission with the pistol grip shifter. I have a picture of Cathy ice and I standing in front of this car..."
A five-speed manual transmission lets you change gears manually, giving you more control over how fast the car goes. It's different from an automatic transmission that shifts gears for you.
A five-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manually shift through five different gears, providing better control over the vehicle's speed and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
four link rear end
"Narrowed four link rear end power R&P steering and AC power four wheel disc brakes pro street RMS"
It's a system that helps the back wheels of a car stay stable and grip the road better, especially when accelerating quickly.
A four link rear end is a type of suspension system used in vehicles, particularly in drag racing and custom builds, that helps to control the rear axle's movement and improve traction.
tubbed
"It's tubbed. It's yeah, that's the car that's tubbed in here."
It means the car's back wheels have more space so they can have bigger tires, which helps the car go faster and grip the road better.
A 'tubbed' car refers to a vehicle that has had its rear wheel wells modified to accommodate wider tires, improving traction and stability during acceleration.
360 cubic inch V8
"Next up is the 1937 Plymouth pickup truck. Green exterior and tan leather and sway. Yeah, 360 cubic inch V8"
It's a type of engine that has eight cylinders and is quite powerful, often found in trucks and performance cars.
A 360 cubic inch V8 engine refers to an eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 360 cubic inches, known for providing a balance of power and torque, commonly used in trucks and muscle cars.
Plymouth pickup truck
"Next up is the 1937 Plymouth pickup truck. Green exterior and tan leather and sway."
It's an old truck made by Plymouth in 1937, known for being strong and having a classic look.
The 1937 Plymouth pickup truck is a classic vehicle known for its sturdy build and vintage design, often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
electronic fuel injection
"255 horsepower electronic fuel injection."
Electronic fuel injection is a modern way to deliver fuel to an engine using electronics. It helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently.
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) is a system that uses electronic controls to deliver fuel to an engine. It improves efficiency and performance compared to older carbureted systems.
horsepower
"255 horsepower electronic fuel injection."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the more power the engine has to move the car.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
R&P steering
"floor shifter power R&P steering and AC."
Rack and pinion steering is a system that helps turn the wheels of a car when you turn the steering wheel. It makes steering more precise.
Rack and pinion (R&P) steering is a type of steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels.
power steering
"floor shifter power R&P steering and AC."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel of a car, so you don't have to use as much strength to steer.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric actuators to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
Ford Mustang
"Custom built street rod. Mustang two front suspension."
The Mustang II is a smaller version of the Ford Mustang made in the 1970s. It was designed to be more fuel-efficient during a time when gas prices were high.
The Ford Mustang II is a compact car that was produced from 1974 to 1978. It was a smaller, more fuel-efficient version of the original Mustang, designed to meet changing consumer demands during the oil crisis.
disc brakes
"Front power disc brakes."
Disc brakes are a system that helps slow down or stop a car. They work better than older types of brakes and help keep the car safe.
Disc brakes are a type of braking system that uses a disc-shaped rotor and brake pads to slow down or stop a vehicle. They provide better stopping power and heat dissipation compared to drum brakes.
Dodge Coronet
"next up the 1969 Dodge Coronet RT right there right next door to us."
The 1969 Dodge Coronet RT is a classic car that was built for speed and performance. It's known for its powerful engine and sporty look.
The 1969 Dodge Coronet RT is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. The 'RT' stands for 'Road/Track', indicating its performance-oriented design.
Pontiac Coronet
"...the broadcast today. Okay, next up the 1969 Dodge Coronet RT right there right next door to us. Yeah, it's ..."
Hemi V8
"528 cubic inch hemmy V8 650 horsepower."
A Hemi V8 is a type of engine that has a special shape that helps it produce more power. It's known for being very powerful and is often used in muscle cars.
The Hemi V8 refers to an engine design featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, which allows for more efficient airflow and higher power output. This design is a hallmark of many high-performance Chrysler engines.
two-barrel carburetor
"three two barrel carb raters."
A two-barrel carburetor is a part of an engine that helps mix air and fuel to make it run better. Having two barrels helps the engine get more power.
A two-barrel carburetor is a type of carburetor that has two barrels for mixing air and fuel, allowing for better performance compared to a single-barrel carburetor. It's commonly used in performance applications.
coilover shocks
"altercation front end with coil over shocks. Only 99. And by the way, I failed to mention it's"
Coilover shocks are parts of a car's suspension that help control how the car rides and handles. They can be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits.
Coilover shocks are a type of suspension system that combines a coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit. They allow for adjustable ride height and improved handling characteristics.
restomod
"it was what they call a resto mod today. Oh yeah. Yeah. See, that's what you need on."
A restomod is an old car that has been updated with new parts to make it better to drive while still looking like the original. It's a way to enjoy classic cars with modern technology.
A restomod is a vehicle that has been restored and modified with modern components for improved performance and comfort while retaining its classic appearance. This trend is popular among car enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.
Dodge Challenger
"Next up is the 1970 Dodge Challenger RT pink panther exterior."
The 1970 Dodge Challenger RT is a famous muscle car from the 1970s. It is known for being fast and having a cool design, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger RT is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling. The 'RT' stands for 'Road/Track', indicating its performance-oriented features.
four speed manual transmission
"four speed manual transmission pistol grip shifter power steering and AC power front disc brakes."
A four-speed manual transmission is a system in a car that lets you change gears manually. It has four different settings to help the car go faster or save fuel.
A four-speed manual transmission is a type of gearbox that allows the driver to manually select from four different gear ratios. This setup provides a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, allowing for better control of the vehicle's power.
Plymouth Belvedere
"Oh, yeah. Bright red exterior. Black interior. 426 cubic inch. Hemi V8. 425 horsepower."
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere is a vintage car that many collectors admire. It has a striking red color and a black interior, which makes it visually appealing.
The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engine options and distinctive styling. This particular model features a bright red exterior and a black interior, making it a standout at car shows.
Dodge Power
"A 1947 Dodge power wagon. It could be an in wheel time machine."
The 1947 Dodge Power Wagon is a tough truck that many people like for its strength and ability to handle rough terrain.
The 1947 Dodge Power Wagon is a historic truck known for its ruggedness and versatility, often used in both civilian and military applications.
flat head six cylinder
"...230 cubic inch flat head six cylinder. 94 horsepower. Yeah. Four speed manual transmission..."
A flat head six cylinder engine is a type of engine where the top is flat and the valves are inside the engine block. It's an older design that was common in classic cars.
A flat head six cylinder engine is an older engine design where the combustion chamber is flat and the valves are located in the block. This design typically offers a simpler construction but less performance compared to modern engines.
four wheel drive
"...four wheel drive fully restored two time national power wagon national best in show winner scored 996 points out of a thousand..."
Four wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps the car drive better on rough or slippery roads.
Four wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This enhances traction and control, especially in off-road or slippery conditions.
Plymouth Road
"...h again. Again. Okay. Up next. We've got the 1970 Plymouth road runner. Now, the convertible in violet. Is it vio..."
The Plymouth Road Runner is a classic car that was built for speed and fun. It's famous for its cool design and the funny horn that sounds like a cartoon character, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Plymouth Road Runner is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1968 to 1980, known for its performance and distinctive 'beep-beep' horn. It became an icon of the muscle car era, particularly for its affordability and power, making it a favorite among car collectors.
Dodge Road Runner
"...Again. Okay. Up next. We've got the 1970 Plymouth road runner. Now, the convertible in violet. Is it violet? Ca..."
Chevrolet Corvettes
"...at good stuff. Mike sent me this one. 21st annual Corvettes and Crawfish. Mike, do you want to take that one ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, making it a favorite for car shows and events.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1953. Known for its powerful engines and sleek design, the Corvette is often celebrated for its American muscle car heritage and is a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Toyota Corolla
"...'s correct. Actually, there's only one the Toyota Corolla, which I'm driving out there, is built in Mississ..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being dependable and getting good gas mileage, which makes it a popular choice for families and commuters.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car that has been one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide since its introduction in 1966. Renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, the Corolla is often recommended as a great choice for first-time car buyers.
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