Mopar Madness at Hemi Hideout

Tucked away in Brookshire, Texas stands a temple to American automotive culture that defies expectations. This week, we broadcast live from HEMI Hideout, where owner John Hovis welcomes us into what he modestly describes as "a man cave that got a little bit out of control."

The result is breathtaking – over 4,500 pieces of rare automotive memorabilia and signage covering nearly every available surface, alongside a meticulously curated collection of classic Mopar muscle cars. Walking through HEMI Hideout feels like stepping into a time capsule, with neon and porcelain signs dating back to the early 1900s creating a dazzling backdrop for Detroit's finest horsepower machines.

John shares fascinating stories about his collection process, revealing that only 7% of his 324 neon signs are actually illuminated – an optical illusion that makes the space feel even more vibrant and alive. The wooden interior siding carries its own history, salvaged from his grandparents' two-story dry goods store built in Brookshire during the late 1800s.

The automotive highlights are equally impressive, from an 880-horsepower 1968 Dodge Charger to a 750-horsepower 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner. John's collecting philosophy is refreshingly practical: "Buy these cars already done – you can do this yourself and then it's worth half what you spent." Each vehicle has a personality, including a 1970 Dodge Charger RT nicknamed "Nadine" that John describes as "possessed," keeping a wrecker on speed dial whenever he takes it out.

Despite the seemingly packed spaces, John reveals the collection continues growing, with several significant signs added just months before our visit. "It looks full," he notes with a collector's gleam in his eye, "but it's never going to be full." For anyone who appreciates American muscle, vintage advertising, or simply the passion of dedicated collectors, HEMI Hideout represents something truly special – a living museum where the rumble of V8 engines meets t

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Hemi Hideout
• 3:05 John Hobus and His Collection
• 8:45 Signs and Vintage Memorabilia
• 15:47 John's Mopar Car Collection
• 25:39 Motor Minute: Race Driver Salaries
• 28:15 Show Closing and Next Events