Hooniverse Asks- What Generally Derided Element of Car Culture Are You Embarrassed to Admit Intrigues You?

Robert Emslie

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Twinkies are the devil’s spawn. You know that those greasy little loaves are bad for you, and that they could potentially outlive you. You also know that they are not a food that demonstrates any level of cultural attainment at all. And yet, you still want to eat them. Mmmm, wasn’t that good now?

There are aspects of car culture that are the equivalent of Twinkies. There’s demolition derby, drifting, mud bogging, and – God help us all – the stance sub-culture. All of these have their proponents, although typically they are each seen as a less esteemed element of the overall car enthusiast lifestyle, as well as its ongoing agronomy. But, that doesn’t mean of course that you might not find one or more aspects to be without attraction.

Is that the case? Do you find the lure of one of the less mainstream, or perhaps even derided, sub-cultures of the automobile  lifestyle to be compelling? If so, which calls to you the loudest? Come on now, you’re amongst friends here, go ahead and unburden yourself, What generally pilloried element of car culture are you ashamed to admit you kind of like?

Image source: slaati

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Robert Emslie

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166 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What Generally Derided Element of Car Culture Are You Embarrassed to Admit Intrigues You?”

  1. telkinsjr Avatar
    telkinsjr

    God help me, I kind of like the stance stuff. I would love to mildly stance my 635 but there's no way I would ever do it. If it's done right and you stay away from the crazy camber aspect it looks really, really cool on some of the Euro cars from the late 70s and 80s.

    Reply
    1. CABEZAGRANDE Avatar
      CABEZAGRANDE

      This. I want to hate the stance movement, I really do, since I in general am much more of a function over form type of person. But dammit if some of the cars on StanceWorks and Cannibeat don't look great to me.

      Reply
  2. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    Lordy. This:
    <img src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18b6vcifinnqmgif/k-bigpic.gif"&gt;
    Thank you. I feel better now.

    Reply
    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      Me too. 'Cept in my daydreams, the car is baby blue.

      Reply
      1. Lotte Avatar
        Lotte

        Speaking of Baby Blue:
        <img src="http://www.rides-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/buick-225-forgiato-26s-front-3-4.jpg&quot; width="500/">
        It's so wrong it's right. I absolutely love it.

        Reply
  3. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    I actually like demolition derby and think that it should be more widespread as a means of "safely" blowing off steam in a semi-controlled environment. Stance can also be cool when done right.
    I would like to say that while some aspects of automotive culture may not appeal to every one of us, we should at least respect them. Cars have long been a vehicle not just of transportation but of self-expression. Some like to paint murals on their back windows while others cover their car in wind-up lobsters. There's no "right" or "wrong", just preference. It's art in one of its most basic forms.

    Reply
    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      "safely blowing off steam. . ."
      Funny, since most demo derby cars are disabled by punctured radiators.

      Reply
    2. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      <img src="http://www.lindwa.com/2012%20Misc%20Images/25th-logo.gif&quot; width="250">
      I'm planning to be in Lind, WA, on 8 June this year.
      http://www.lindwa.com/lind%27sweekend.html

      Reply
      1. engineerd Avatar
        engineerd

        Oh. Hell. Yes.

        Reply
        1. mdharrell Avatar
          mdharrell

          We found out about it last year, but missed it. My wife insists that we go this time.
          I married well.

          Reply
          1. engineerd Avatar
            engineerd

            She's definitely a keeper!

          2. BobWellington Avatar
            BobWellington

            Does she have a sister?

          3. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
            Peter Tanshanomi

            Not at the moment, but Dr. Harrell will gladly build you one.

          4. BobWellington Avatar
            BobWellington

            I don't know who Dr. Harrell is unless you're referring to the one I had as a teacher in high school. Since that's likely…but anyway I accept your offer.

      2. Devin Avatar
        Devin

        Now I just have to figure out how to get the combine in my brother's yard all the way to Lind…

        Reply
        1. mdharrell Avatar
          mdharrell

          That's easy.
          <img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/30/49913483_45169cb864.jpg&quot; width="200">

          Reply
          1. Devin Avatar
            Devin

            1600kms in an old John Deere. That would certainly be something.

          2. mdharrell Avatar
            mdharrell

            If you leave today, you've still got a little over six weeks to get there.

          3. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
            Peter Tanshanomi

            I smell Hooniverse trip series!

      3. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        I think I'd run a corn head…
        <img src="http://www.bakerimplement.com/images/cih-cornhead.jpg"&gt;

        Reply
        1. Slow_Joe_Crow Avatar
          Slow_Joe_Crow

          Most combine demo derbies prohibit corn heads, for obvious reasons.

          Reply
          1. Alff Avatar
            Alff

            You know what phrase I find a bit astounding? "Most combine demo derbies."

  4. don fehlio Avatar
    don fehlio

    I know it isn't a "real motorsport", but drifting is just so cool you can't help but love watching it. I've been to several Formula Drift events just for the spectacle.
    I also must admit that my car is mildly stanced. No crazy camber though, and my ride height is reasonable.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Stay tuned for the noon post…

      Reply
  5. LTDScott Avatar
    LTDScott

    I like to think I can appreciate at least some aspects of all automotive cultures. For example, I gotta give credit to donks for resurrecting unloved American iron that was never meant to go fast anyway.
    But I don't think there is one culture that I can claim to like more than the rest, unless LeMons is embarrassing.

    Reply
    1. buzzboy7 Avatar
      buzzboy7

      That's the thing, the reason I like Donks. I love the cars that people Donk so I have no issues with seeing them cleaned up and fixed. Maybe it will keep a clean G-body for me in a few years.

      Reply
  6. GregKachadurian Avatar
    GregKachadurian

    For me it's mudding.
    A lot of people I know seem to think the idea of playing in mud is immature, stupid, too redneck-ish, or not as cool as showing off your car's panel fitment issues with ridiculous amounts of bass, but I think it looks like a lot of fun. I wouldn't even need a truck with a crazy amount of lift to have a good time. Hell, I wouldn't even need a truck to have a good time.

    Reply
  7. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    If a car is dorky, thrifty, and generally unloved by so-called "car guys,' I'm way more prone to get seriously defensive of it. Smart Fortwo? Love them, spend a fair amount of seat time in one. Prius? I bid on one once. I adore the Nissan Leaf, and my problems with the Mitsubishi iMiev stem from it being a Mitsubishi, not what powers it.

    Reply
    1. quattrovalvole Avatar
      quattrovalvole

      "… my problems with the Mitsubishi iMiev stem from it being a Mitsubishi …"
      Solved
      <img src="http://www.rpmgo.com/images/2010/peugeot_ion01.jpg&quot; />

      Reply
      1. Vavon Avatar
        Vavon

        That's NOT a Peugeot either!

        Reply
  8. Mr.Roadrage Avatar
    Mr.Roadrage

    Tailpipe sex.

    Reply
    1. engineerd Avatar
      engineerd

      There is nothing disreputable about man-car love.

      Reply
      1. scroggzilla Avatar
        scroggzilla

        Until you burn your wedding tackle.

        Reply
        1. engineerd Avatar
          engineerd

          That's why I practice safe sex and wrap my tiddly bits in asbestos.

          Reply
    2. kyle_a_m Avatar
      kyle_a_m

      Good evening, I'm Henry Ford. I'll just leave this here (Language NSFW): http://youtu.be/7Zu0vAMkpag

      Reply
  9. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    I'm not proud to admit that I went to the NASCAR race yesterday.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      I don't even know you anymore.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Even worse, it wasn't my first time.

        Reply
    2. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

      <img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/534526_866808212260_1456580024_n.jpg&quot; width="500"> That's positively upper crust, now $1 OM night at local circle dirt track, nah not embarrassed about loving that either.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Like those even better – there's one 10 minutes away.

        Reply
  10. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    As a legitimate motorsport, it is pretty near to pro wrestling on the spectrum, but as family entertainment (particularly in a family with young boys), it is hard to beat monster truck events.
    <img src="http://beehivehairdresser.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/gravedigger.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. vroomsocko Avatar
      vroomsocko

      Pro Wrestling and Monster Trucks made for strange bedfellows back in the 90’s.
      <img src="http://www.monstermayhem.org/forums/images/imported/2009/02/250.jpg&quot; width="500">
      <img src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/733/636/StoneColdsmonstertruck_display_image.jpg?1298015498&quot; width="500">
      This Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Your ticket buys the whole seat, but you'll only need the edge!

      Reply
      1. salguod Avatar
        salguod

        I worked the concession stand at a monster truck show recently (HS band fundraiser) and my revelation then was that monster truck 'racing' is to motor sports as 'professional' wrestling is to actual sports.
        A side note: I went to HS with Charlie Pauken (not that I knew him well), a long time Monster Truck driver now working for the Grave Digger team. He started back in the late 80s when they were still based on production trucks driving a truck named Excalibur that he and his brother built, I believe. I remember seeing Excalibur on it's small travel tires behind their house.

        Reply
        1. vroomsocko Avatar
          vroomsocko

          Neat. I drove past the Diggers Dungeon in N Carolina years ago and now kick myself for not having time to stop.

          Reply
    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Those things are such a ripoff – you pay for the whole seat and only use the edge.

      Reply
  11. CherokeeOwner Avatar
    CherokeeOwner

    I'll admit, I'm intrigued by the Stance movement, enough that I regularly visit Stanceworks. The issue is, within the general car culture community, only the worse of the worse gets attention when it comes to really niche stuff like Stance. Stancework cultivates only the best, and a lot of the cars look incredibly good. Showcar-worthy.
    Try to think of it like an extension of the low-rider movement, only less emphasis on hydraulics, pinstripes and chrome. It's mostly aesthetic, but a couple of stance rigs are built with drifting in mind, since that's where the look originated.
    <img src="http://cdn.stanceworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/slammed-chevrolet-pickup.jpg"&gt;
    This is an example of what I would realistically do, if I were inclined. A low-rider one ton is something I've seen only a couple times before and I like it quite a lot. It'd be easier to get into and out of than a standard truck, at the least.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Explain to me again why you want your truck to look like it has broken suspension parts.

      Reply
      1. CherokeeOwner Avatar
        CherokeeOwner

        The truck is still a truck. You just don't have to climb into it or have to lift crap as high to get it into the bed. (I say this as someone who has to — by myself — get a heavy 125 gallon water tank into a 4×4 Silverado 2500 during the summer to water trees on a 40 acre property.) Rigs like the one above usually use airbag suspension systems, so payload, towing and comfort aren't affected too greatly, according to their owners.
        Most guys who have rigs like this often use them as tow vehicles, it should be noted. Lowered trucks like these usually require you to cut a section out of the bed to fit the rear differential. Still, you can compensate for this with a custom rack if you regularly haul 4×8 sheets of whatever.

        Reply
    2. Lotte Avatar
      Lotte

      I see where you're coming from; StanceWorks always presents their cars in the best light possible. They have the nicest pictures, great typography in the logo, the subject (the car) is always well-represented and the cars themselves are different and very interesting.
      However, I don't appreciate the car so much as I do the whole picture; everything, the filters, the logo, composition, it's all integral to the beauty of it. I mean, if I come across that truck in a Wal-Mart parking lot on a cloudy day I imagine I'd be much less impressed.

      Reply
      1. Jay_Ramey Avatar
        Jay_Ramey

        Well, yeah, the photos are nice, and thats about it.
        But EVERYTHING will look good if photographed with a pro DSLR and after it spends 3 hours in PS and Lightroom.
        If someone photographed this truck with a cameraphone next to a dumpster behind a Chinese restaurant on a rainy day, everyone would mock it.

        Reply
    3. racer139 Avatar
      racer139

      That does look prett bad a$$. I think the big rig style wheels make the look.

      Reply
      1. racer139 Avatar
        racer139

        And Id drive it….

        Reply
    4. Devin Avatar
      Devin

      My problem with stance is that it looks like the suspension is broken. A good lowrider looks intentional.

      Reply
      1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
        Dean Bigglesworth

        I don't like huge camber angles either. As i see it the point of "stance" is to find the best possible stance/posture(obviously), so it's pretty much about finding the best combination of wheel, tyre, and lowering. Of course this is very subjective.. And some people seem to like the "broken suspension" look. Plenty of cars on say Stance Works with normal camber angles.

        Reply
    5. Christian Avatar
      Christian

      Sweet looking truck,,, I have a 1993 f350 4 door with a 460 big block , fith wheel, hoping to build it like the pic above me

      Reply
  12. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    I like Yugos.

    Reply
    1. vroomsocko Avatar
      vroomsocko

      I still lust after a black GVX. I used to see one parked at the local Taco Bell back in high school and thought it was neat. Turns out an elderly lady who worked there owned it, which made it neater.
      <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_IZfVUgdCQ/S1AUNyLjyhI/AAAAAAAAAGo/n9clBOBgZyc/s400/Photo0101.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      There's no shame in that.

      Reply
  13. 1slowvw Avatar
    1slowvw

    Tractor style truck pulls. Although I grew up in a very rural area I have always tried to separate myself from the "redneck" stereotype. That being said just like the tractor pull guys are pushing huge motors to absolutely unbelievable horsepower numbers the truck pull guys definitely seem to have then engine building thing down. At the end of the day who doesn't love the sound of monster V-8's screaming or large turbos spooling up on a big diesel.

    Reply
  14. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2557/4220102878_6e9c6549cc.jpg"&gt;
    I secretly want a '70s Sportster digger, complete with struts, no front brake, and gold leaf filigree paint job.
    I have shamed myself.

    Reply
    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      As much as I'm a sport bike kind of guy, I've got a secret thing for Dyna Wide Glides. And ape hanger bars.
      <img src="http://bobbyandjuly.com/my_wide_glide/6.jpg&quot; width=400>

      Reply
    2. CherokeeOwner Avatar
      CherokeeOwner

      Something tells me you can't actually steer a bike with that level of rake.

      Reply
    3. Alcology Avatar
      Alcology

      Cafe racers intrigue me.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Are those generally derided? 'Cause I really like that style.

        Reply
        1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
          Peter Tanshanomi

          Hell, even the guys who ride cafe racers deride 90% of the other cafe racers out there.
          It's actually very similar to the Stanceworks forum thread I linked to in my reply to Jeff a couple of comments down.

          Reply
          1. Alff Avatar
            Alff

            Ugh. I followed your link and was glad not to be part of that culture. I guess a cafe bike isn't in my future, even though I fell in love with the Suzuki thumper that my neighbor built.

    4. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Nobody's perfect, Pete.

      Reply
  15. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    I actually own a 1977 Corvette. Lots of people seem to enjoy hating on late 1970s Corvettes.
    I got the car in 1990, when it was just a 13 year old Corvette. Wish I could get a 2000 Corvette today.

    Reply
    1. IronBallsMcG Avatar
      IronBallsMcG

      I love '70s Corvettes.
      <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OvnCtKGr6bE/Sxxf8twzZ9I/AAAAAAAAAgg/Kj5pWPmReik/s400/dirk1.gif"&gt;

      Reply
  16. Jeff Glucker Avatar
    Jeff Glucker

    I'm not embarrassed to admit that I find donks intriguing. I love me some lowriders. I'd totally rock a lowered full-sized pickup truck.
    For some reason, I can't get behind Stance though… Oh, and whatever it was MkIII VW owners were doing before Stance arrived.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      I would be a whole lot more embarrassed about liking stance than donks. At least donkers seem to be having fun with the process, instead of stancers, who all take the total screw-up-ification of their car way too seriously.

      Reply
      1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
        Jeff Glucker

        http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?… your link, fixed.

        Reply
    2. pj134 Avatar
      pj134

      Hellaflush, bruh.

      Reply
  17. Number_Six Avatar
    Number_Six

    <img src="http://blog.oup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/gif-stewartawkward.gif&quot; />

    Reply
  18. Preludacris Avatar
    Preludacris

    The current flat-brimmed hat of the motorsport world.
    <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeuXTfXDp1I/UFbDx3RwTEI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Qb5_WzFTlOQ/s1600/drifting.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. wisc47 Avatar
      wisc47

      Wait for someone to put a 59/50 decal on the hood. I'll admit, part of me wants a drift-prepped Silvia.

      Reply
  19. wisc47 Avatar
    wisc47

    I would actually want to own a Lada, like literally any Lada. What's the difference betwen a Lada and a golf ball? You can drive a golf ball over 200 yards.
    <img src="http://www.drivearabia.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Lada-2107-6.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. Maxichamp Avatar
      Maxichamp

      Are those real BBS rims?

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        Sort of. BBS sold some worn-out tooling to Russia, and…

        Reply
      2. Jay_Ramey Avatar
        Jay_Ramey

        This is from a Canadian dealer, this was a gussied-up version of the 2107 that sold in Canada as the Dennis Signet. Doubt they're BBS, as that would have made the price of the car ridick at the time.

        Reply
    2. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
      BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

      Your car will not get outdated that fast.
      <img src="http://www.shrani.si/f/2G/mx/2ylKQlOx/1/266051343235095518107044.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
    3. Devin Avatar
      Devin

      Me too! I want to own a specific kind of Lada, however, the Niva pickup.
      <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3039/2653029132_1d1b6ae0de.jpg&quot; width="500" height="375" alt="1990 Lada Niva Truck">
      Canadian market exclusive, had Chevy Astro taillights for some reason.

      Reply
  20. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
    BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

    Is it wrong to like the outrageousness of tractor pulling?
    <img src="http://oldenburg.buerger-zeitung.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/tractor-pulling-02.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. CABEZAGRANDE Avatar
      CABEZAGRANDE

      There's nothing to be ashamed of in liking high level pulling. They're engine technology is insane, and easily appreciable. Where else are you going to see diesels running multiple hundreds of pounds of boost, or multi-Allison engined vehicles?

      Reply
    2. Maxichamp Avatar
      Maxichamp

      Is Manaus an interesting place to visit?

      Reply
    3. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      I literally Wtf'ed.
      Incredible.

      Reply
    4. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      This looks like something a three year old would build with LEGO, giggle, and throw away. Now who has the last giggle?

      Reply
      1. NotJustDucky Avatar
        NotJustDucky

        <img src="http://i.imgur.com/1JEeXcb.jpg&quot; width="500">

        Reply
    5. Raphael Orlove Avatar
      Raphael Orlove

      hnnnnnnnng
      so good

      Reply
    6. Raphael Orlove Avatar
      Raphael Orlove

      also, I want the video from that helmet cam

      Reply
  21. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    String back driving gloves. They're like the fishnet stockings of the auto world.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Wait…are you implying that fishnet stockings are derided?
      NOBODY TELLS ME THESE THINGS!

      Reply
      1. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
        Rust-MyEnemy

        Depends where you where them. Both physically and geographically.

        Reply
        1. Devin Avatar
          Devin

          <img src="http://image.gamespotcdn.net/gamespot/images/2006/120/reviews/926834_20060501_790screen001.jpg"&gt;
          Or what you put them on.

          Reply
          1. Sjalabais Avatar
            Sjalabais

            Now that's a candidate for what my mind will wander to when I go to bed tonight. How do I unsee that?

        2. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
          Rust-MyEnemy

          "Where" them? What on earth happened there? Portable interwebz are bad, kids…

          Reply
          1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
            Peter Tanshanomi

            I wasn't going to point that out, because eye new ewe new better.

    2. wisc47 Avatar
      wisc47

      Wow now I feel sort of bad for wanting a pair. Only sort of, though.

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        Gloves or fishnets?
        Nevermind, don't answer that.

        Reply
  22. Garland137 Avatar
    Garland137

    Bubba trucks.
    <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2229/2498315116_efed2a3cf8_z.jpg&quot; width="600">
    Stupid lift kits, gun racks, TruckNutz, massive stacks coming out of the bed, scrap metal bumpers, etc. They're everywhere around here, and occasionally I'll see one and think "hey, that one looks kinda cool."

    Reply
    1. Preludacris Avatar
      Preludacris

      That one does look kinda cool. And look, they're using it to haul stuff!

      Reply
      1. Number_Six Avatar
        Number_Six

        <img src="http://images3.makefive.com/images/entertainment/comedy/top-5-lolcats/shrubbery-7.jpg&quot; />

        Reply
        1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
          Peter Tanshanomi

          You've been waiting to use that, haven't you?

          Reply
          1. Number_Six Avatar
            Number_Six

            Since 1975. I can finally rest.

      2. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        That's just stuff they happened to have in the bed when they had the truck lifted. They haven't been able to get into the bed of the truck since to remove it…

        Reply
    2. wisc47 Avatar
      wisc47

      I would get my bro truck on, as long as it was an 80's Toyota, BTTF style.
      <img src="http://www.imcdb.org/images/003/742.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
      1. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
        FuzzyPlushroom

        Likewise. And I'd definitely own any beat-to-shit truck, lifted, ugly steel wheels, covered in mud. It's the shiny full-sizers that don't get used that bother me.

        Reply
    3. salguod Avatar
      salguod

      Love the trailer hitch drop.

      Reply
  23. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
    Irishzombieman☆

    I am sort of reluctant to admit that probably most of the genuinely exciting races I've ever watched have been on Figure 8 tracks.
    And the best are the trailer races, with buses a close second.
    [youtube A9t5EVgFAzo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9t5EVgFAzo youtube]

    Reply
    1. Maxichamp Avatar
      Maxichamp

      Please tell me they have these in California. Because this is the best thing ever.

      Reply
      1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
        Irishzombieman☆

        Irwindale–near Pasadena–is the only one I know of. Here's some actual race cars going at it.
        [youtube og9pWgRIBAw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og9pWgRIBAw youtube]

        Reply
        1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
          Peter Tanshanomi

          That was actually about 500% more intense than all the deliberate smash-em-ups I've seen. They were actually racing, not finding an excuse to t-bone a beater that nobody cared about wrecking anyway.

          Reply
    2. engineerd Avatar
      engineerd

      Oh snap! I didn't even think of this. YES!
      My grandfather drove a Figure 8 racer back in the day.

      Reply
  24. Spring-heeled Jack Avatar
    Spring-heeled Jack

    Diesel 'Bro" trucks. With four-wheel-drive and that much tire, why do so many end up in the ditch?

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      BZZZZZ!
      "That would be arrogant bravado, Bert."
      "Oh, I'm sorry; the correct answer was 'Miller Genuine Draft.'
      …No, wait. Judges? Yes! They'll accept that!"

      Reply
    2. racer139 Avatar
      racer139

      bump steer and death wobble come to mind…

      Reply
    3. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      What else could possibly happen when they have a tire blowout on the freeway and one corner of the truck suddenly drops two feet?

      Reply
  25. CABEZAGRANDE Avatar
    CABEZAGRANDE

    <img src="http://www.rogue-cavern.net/pics/8ball_burnout.jpg&quot; width="600">
    High powered FWDs. Do they make any sense? No. Are they as fast as most AWDs with half the power? No. Do they constantly try to kill you by torquesteering you off a bridge. Yes. Are they incredibly fun? Damn right they are. Nothing induces quite as many giggles as breaking traction at 70 mph as the front wheels madly claw for traction.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Well, don't like them. At all. Not even a little bit. I spit on those *@#$ wrong-wheel-drive cars. In fact, I ****ing HATE FWD cars, just the rest of the average joes around here. I'm just a regular, right-thinking, RWD-lovin' real driver, just like all the other normal car guys.
      A totally unrelated question: You know that theory that guys who are totally homophobic are supposedly masking unspoken insecurities about their sexuality…you think there's any truth to that?

      Reply
      1. Vavon Avatar
        Vavon

        Whahahaha!!!
        By the way, you owe me a new laptop.

        Reply
  26. buzzboy7 Avatar
    buzzboy7

    Large, front engine, rear wheel drive, manual transmission sedans? Oh, Generally Derided by the people of Hooniverse.
    Slammed pickups. God knows I want a 2wd, 5spd, 4cyl Ranger with a little drop
    <img src="http://imageshack.us/a/img73/7296/cimg0018kx6.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      Dude…
      <img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/307369_10150352001497853_2243340_n.jpg&quot; width="450">
      I wouldn't lower my truck though. I like sitting up high in traffic. Besides, I like being able to roll over (small) things.

      Reply
      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        I'd advise fitting a rollbar before rolling over that small thing though, or the roof might cave in…
        😉

        Reply
  27. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    This'll prolly get me down voted back to 50p- but I liked Monster Garage and whatever else junk Jesse James was working on.
    He is a jackass and contradicts himself often. I did like his work ethic when he actually gave a crap.

    Reply
    1. Alcology Avatar
      Alcology

      I'll just file this here then! I watch a lot of automotive TV. Powerblock disappeared though so I can't load a bowl full of sugary cereal on saturday mornings anymore. I liked Jesse James' stuff too.
      A big one is overhaulin'. Specifically because of Chip Foose. The guy churns out so much stuff and I don't really like it, but it's clear that he likes what he does. Makes a big difference.

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        I like Stacey David's hair.

        Reply
  28. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
    Rust-MyEnemy

    §calextric! I'm on the phone so I can't post a photo, but…
    I just turned 32 so it's high time I got into slot-car racing.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      The perception of people being "slotcar-ists," as an identity or part of a subculture seems to be more of a "thing" in the UK than in the USA.

      Reply
  29. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    Okay, here's a deep dark secret:
    <img src="http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_honda_inspire_mugen_3.jpg&quot; width=500>
    Don't…don't even say anything…

    Reply
  30. Alcology Avatar
    Alcology

    For what it's worth, twinkies go bad in about 2 months. You can still eat them, but they're no longer…fresh.
    I have a thing for unloved malaise era vehicles, like most here.

    Reply
  31. Devin Avatar
    Devin

    I like crazy Japanese vans.
    <img src="http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DSC_2064.jpg&quot; width="500">
    I just like the completely insane personal expression that they represent. I mean sure, since I live at the top of a very small hill that van wouldn't actually make it to my door, but I've gotta say that I appreciate the amount of work and imagination that went into creating it.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      I thought this was about things that are generally derided, not things that are generally thought of as five galaxies beyond awesome.

      Reply
    2. vroomsocko Avatar
      vroomsocko

      Dajiban for me please. http://hooniverse.info/2010/02/24/japanese-combine…

      Reply
    3. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      How can people stay intoxicated long enough to get this done? And it would be really impressive if he unfolds that giant underbite and turns it into one plush, furry bed. Campers!

      Reply
  32. Devin Avatar
    Devin

    In a different direction, I kind of want a Wingle Motorhome. I know it's based on an especially terrible Chinese pickup, but it has a certain weird charm.
    <img src="http://www.statemotor.com.ph/images/wingle-motorhome.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. Number_Six Avatar
      Number_Six

      I think you just veered into the Hooniversal "that's awesome!" category.

      Reply
    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      I'm going to guess that there are some nasty toxins offgassing inside that thing.

      Reply
  33. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    Most of my friends think trains are the future, can't understand why anyone would live in a place that requires you to own a car, and won't easily open up to how fun it can be to drive something awesome. So what am I embarrassed to admit? That I'm a car guy.
    Thank scientists for the internet then. I still talk about cars all the time though and just hope that the whole "cars are evil"-concept will dry out.

    Reply
  34. vroomsocko Avatar
    vroomsocko

    I absolutely, positively love boogie vans. The more wizard murals, port holes, pin stripes and shag carpet the better.
    <img src="http://www.toptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/custom-van.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      You can cruise along with me when I ride my digger.

      Reply
      1. vroomsocko Avatar
        vroomsocko

        Solid!

        Reply
    2. Garland137 Avatar
      Garland137

      I feel ya, but for me it has to be space wizards.
      <img src="http://image.truckinweb.com/f/editorials/pick-which-van-is-in-the-mag/15179354/star-wars-van.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        With Arthurian wizards as a fall-back position.
        <img src="http://theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/1970s-custom-van-airbrush-paint-job-beauty-queen.jpg&quot; width="512">

        Reply
        1. vroomsocko Avatar
          vroomsocko

          Might I suggest a noble steed for yon wizard.
          <img src="http://cdn.fd.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/horse-van-FYEAHVANS.jpg&quot; width="600">

          Reply
    3. nutzforautos Avatar
      nutzforautos

      Me too…Give me a DenimMachine Econoline…or any Dodge Tradesman or Chevy Vandura…

      Reply
  35. Slow_Joe_Crow Avatar
    Slow_Joe_Crow

    I like tractor pulls and really need to visit the local combine demolition derby. Other than that I really want to build a Shakotan/Bosozoku style car with the crazy exhaust and cow catcher airdam wth a big oil cooler on it.

    Reply
  36. wunno sev Avatar
    wunno sev

    might be a subset of herrafrush and "stance" but i am really a fan of the "VIP" cars
    take older luxury cars, herrafrush stance them, tint the windows, park them in expensive-looking places and put pictures on stanceworks. the paint is always immaculate and the cars always spotless.
    they really look sharp, with a dose of swagger. like a pitch-black double-breasted suit with a skinny black tie and a bright white shirt, but on four wheels.
    <img src="http://motormavens.com/emAlbum/albums/Allen%20Chu/Feature%20Cars/Justin%20Wu%20Infiniti%20M35/2EER6332_Justin_Wu_infiniti_M35_vip_11.jpg"&gt;
    i don't know maybe i'm a huge ricer but i think they're cool. probably cost a ton to build, too.

    Reply
    1. Tomsk Avatar
      Tomsk

      That M45 is HAWT.

      Reply
      1. wunno sev Avatar
        wunno sev

        yeah i wish i could have found some better pictures out there but for some reason all i'm finding is the newer model. nothing against it, but it has nowhere near the gangster appeal of the m45.

        Reply
  37. RichardKopf Avatar
    RichardKopf

    Malaise and Broughams for me, please.

    Reply
  38. kayoteq Avatar
    kayoteq

    <img src="http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s451/zenmonkees/picsay-1352133273.jpg&quot; width="480" height="480">
    managed to join the Japanese, pickup, and offroading groups at once.
    Already in the 'cars made before airbags' vintage group..

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Nobody, but NOBODY here will deride you for that thing!

      Reply
    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Plus the ultra-exclusive "cyclops headlamp" group.

      Reply
  39. BobWellington Avatar
    BobWellington

    I don't know you guys anymore. 😛
    Donks are one of my most hated things in this world, as well as lowered trucks. I guess I'll survive somehow.

    Reply
  40. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
    FuzzyPlushroom

    I'll say it… there are very few donks I like. What's odd, however, is how many directly related vehicular categories I adore. Lowriders, for instance, probably because they're safer and rarely have stupid themes. Weird cars lifted for rallying or set on 4wd pickup frames with big ol' mud tires, so long as the wheelbases are near-identical. Even old classics that don't require sketchtastic lifts to fit larger wheels, like the Buick posted above. It's just the lifted-to-the-sky examples covered in unpaid advertising that cause me to shake my head.
    Oh, and minitrucks are cool too, but that's a given, right?

    Reply
  41. Tomsk Avatar
    Tomsk

    I guess if I had to pick onecontroversial and/or unpopular facet of the car world, it would be rat rods. Yes, they're way past played-out and yes, their builders often put as much money and effort into creating "fauxtina" as they do normal paint and bodywork. But dammit, I just love the idea of driving a cool old car with good performance and not having to worry about where I park it or spray-on-waxing it every half hour.
    Also, this:
    <img src="http://ekhatch.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/rat-rod-vw-06.jpg&quot; />

    Reply
    1. BobWellington Avatar
      BobWellington

      That thing is way too over-engineered for my liking.

      Reply
  42. Shaheer Avatar
    Shaheer

    Broughamania is the way to go…….

    Reply
    1. vroomsocko Avatar
      vroomsocko

      Thank you for giving my unhealthy love of all things Brougham a name. I am afraid I have an incurable case of Broughamania.

      Reply
  43. calgoat Avatar
    calgoat

    Hellaflush. Not poked, not slammed, but just hellaflush.

    Reply
  44. Mad_Hungarian Avatar
    Mad_Hungarian

    1. "Automatic Stickshift" VW Beetles and Ghias. Part of this being that in the process of identifying as a fan of autostick cars, you are basically outing yourself as someone who doesn't drive manuals, or at least you will be perceived that way (for me, the former, let's get that out of the way).
    2. Banger racing. Makes demo derby seem so lame. Probably tells us a lot about the Brit culture. [youtube SVloL0jIYhc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVloL0jIYhc youtube]

    Reply
    1. AteUpWithMotor Avatar
      AteUpWithMotor

      Hey, don't forget that both Porsche and NSU also used the automatic stick shift — the latter on the Ro80, no less. You can always win back some points with a Ro80.*
      * I actually have no idea if this is true.

      Reply
      1. mdharrell Avatar
        mdharrell

        SAAB also offered a Saxomat. I'd love to find one.

        Reply
    2. nutzforautos Avatar
      nutzforautos

      I think we have the same thing here..but call it 'Beater racing" and it's all good!

      Reply
    3. Vavon Avatar
      Vavon

      In France it is called "Stock-Car" and I like it too!
      <img src="http://www.dna.fr/fr/images/93B960E5-2157-46C3-82C3-FEF347EDA6DD/DNA_03/coupe-de-france-de-stock-car.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
  45. Is Cellulite Factor Real Avatar
    Is Cellulite Factor Real

    Say yes to this comment and we will save a fictional animal!

    Reply