Jim Meader spend $6,500 for his El Camino in 2008 because, "[I] got too old to ride fast motorcycles and wanted a El Camino like I bought when I got out of the Army." That was 1972. Today, El Caminos are far less common than they were then.

Since he's owned it, he's done two frame off restorations that include powder coating the frame; adding C6 Corvette brakes, an aftermarket powder-coated suspension, 600-horsepower ZZ502 engine, 400 Turbo transmission, and a 12- bolt differential. The model has all ARP stainless hardware and wears a 1969 Hugger Orange paint job.

This car has won over 90 awards including twice winning its class at the Houston Autorama.

Tim Esterdahl, the personality behind the Pickup Truck + SUV Talk YouTube channel, was sold his 1962 Chevy C10 in 2017 for the high price of $1.00. The truck was in rough condition when he bought it, having served many years as a farm truck for Esterdahl's extended family. Since then, he's installed a new engine, brakes, and seat cover.

Isaac Gutierrrz bought his Wrangler in 2019 and immediately set about upgrading it. He gave the car a Dv8 hood front and back bumper, 2.5-inch lift, Dv8 fender liners and fenders, Fuel Wheels wheels, KC HiLiTES off-road lights, Xkglow rock lights, a Rockford Fosgate sound system, and a TrailFX Winches winch. The Jeep has earned the nickname "Black Widow".

Ted Fontenot purchased this Mustang from a restoration shop in 2017. Like much of America, he's a big fan of the model. "The '69 Mach 1 is one of the coolest cars [it] looks fast standing still," he said.

Though it may be hard to believe, the Mustang is all original, except its paint job. It was repainted over 10 years ago its original Wimbledon White hue.

The car was practically destined to find a home at the Fontenot household in Houston, Texas, but it almost passed them by. Fontenot's neighbor when he was growing up had a red '70 Mach 1and when his wife was a child, her mom had a '69 Mach 1. He saw this car for sale twice before he finally purchased it. The first time, he missed it by two days. The second time, he was out of work due to the Obama-era recession and couldn't justify the purchase. The third time was the charm and Fontenot jumped on it.

Larry McGee of Katy, Texas plunked down $30,000 for the Dart, which he calls a "Mr. Norm Tribute". He bought the car as a daily driver rather than a show car and hasn't modified it yet, but has the intention of adding new cooling, air conditioning, and a larger carburetor.

McGee's first car was '68 Charger. He claims to always having been a "Mopar guy". He had a '67 Barracuda that he wanted to restore when he retired but it ended up having too much rust for his budget.

In 2015, Chris Pulley acquired this relic of the past. The Richmond, Texas resident bought the bus, "to be a marketing tool for non-profits around getting people with disabilities out doing activities." Pulled continued, "I am in a wheelchair and I thought what is cooler than a guy in a wheelchair owning a short bus."

The overall aesthetic gives the bus a hotrod feel, while maintaining the functionality of a short bus. It's a fully handicap accessible bus has an air ride suspension, 7.3-liter Diesel engine, 24-inch dually wheels, a custom interior, and unique paint job.

Owner Jose de Leon is very clear, "My car is not a trailer queen." He traded for the car in 2011 after learning that it took two years to build. Since he purchased it, de Leon has added disc brakes, Cal-Tracs, and a carburetor. He adds that he, "drive[s] it and it still shows great. It has several trophies even though it's not a $150k restoration."

This is a Mustang Mach 1 with a slightly different flavor than the one we showed up top this week. Owner Bill Mehling of Richmond, Texas purchased the car used online for $27,000. He tells the story:

"I was ready for a hobby car and always thought the '69 Mach1 was the best looking car ever! It looked great in pictures, but the car was in Minnesota. I had a pro car inspector check it out for me. He supplied a report and dozens of additional pictures. Turned out that the entire undercarriage was new and as clean as the motor! He gave it a thumbs up and the deal was done."

Mehling has modified the car a bit since it arrived in Texas. It has had its interior refreshed with new seat covers, seat foam, door panels, and interior trim pieces. He had air conditioning re-installed (the car was originally equipped with it but had its parts removed).

Travis Warden from Houston, Texas, bought his 1997 Viper in 2017, a decade after it rolled off an assembly line in Michigan. It's an Exchange Heads and Cams Car that Warden bought because it's his "dream car". He says that the model has a a Moton suspension, full bolt-ons, and a road racing set up.

Tom Tannahill paid $20,000 for this Olds in 2017. Tannahill's cousin was the original owner of the car, buying it new from Loveless Oldsmobile in Galveston, Texas. She kept it in excellent condition over the years and it now has 184,000 actual miles on it.

Since he purchased the car, the only thing Tannahill has done to the model is install a new convertible top. Its powertrain was rebuilt in 2008.