There is something about a old muscle car that is unlike any other. For those who understand the thrill and certain rush of adrenaline that comes with driving such a monster, you know exactly what I am talking about. For those who lacked the experience of being behind the wheel of one, I'll do my best to describe it to you. The slick edges and roar of the engine is unlike any modern creation. I don't think they will ever be able reach years like the 60's and 70's ever again.
As stereotypical as it is, take the 69 Camaro for instance. Everything about that car makes me want to drive fast until I hit ocean, then turn back till I hit the other side. The smell of the car has a distinct old yet familiar smell that instantly brings you back in time and makes you feel like a 16 year old kid who wants to do burn outs in the parking lot of some school or mall. The sound of the RPMs rising as you shift up the gears acts as if one of your friends are egging you on to add an extra 10 pounds to your right foot and drop the pedal to the floor. There is something about the glare you get from the people you pass down the street that makes you feel invincible. The tire marks left at stop lights is almost like making hand prints in fresh cement or carving your name into some old wood. Once you feel what it's like to drive a 69 Mustang or a 72 Barracuda you'll ask yourself what your doing with your 2004 Chevy Malibu.
I've been lucky enough to own a 1980 Fire-bird with a 78 nose. I was 17 when I learned how to drive that car. I stalled it more then you can possibly imagine but I can tell you everything about the first day I put that car in gear and felt the rush I've anticipated for so long. Something like that is unforgettable. All it took was a few laps around a local state park and I knew that this was something different. I abused that car perhaps more then I should have but I regret none of it. There isn't much I would trade for the memories of screeching the tires onto Commack Road or even the little bit of air time I got at an almost invisible hill on some side roads. During those moments, you feel like a 16 year old Rick Bobby. It is such a different experience and if you never took the initiative to drive one, do it, you wont regret it.
