Johnny Hunkins, a name synonymous with the roaring engines and passionate culture of muscle cars, has carved a remarkable career at the intersection of automotive journalism and hands-on mechanical expertise. Born in 1963 and primarily raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Hunkins’ lifelong love affair with automobiles, particularly the iconic American muscle cars, began at a young age. This passion, nurtured alongside his musical upbringing—his parents were a music teacher and composer—would ultimately steer his professional path.
Hunkins’ early years were marked by a dual interest in music and the raw power of vehicles. He started playing guitar at age 6, a pursuit that would lead him to become a recording artist on the independent label Grooveyard Records. Simultaneously, his fascination with muscle cars, model car building, and the thrill of NASCAR and drag racing began to take shape. This blend of artistic sensibility and mechanical inclination would prove to be a potent combination. After graduating from Southeast Guilford High School in 1981, Hunkins pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art with a concentration in Design from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G), graduating in 1985.
His professional journey in the automotive world began while he was still in college, working as an auto service writer at Montgomery Ward Auto Express. It was here that his hands-on experience with vehicles deepened, providing a practical foundation for his future endeavors. In 1987, Hunkins purchased a Ford Mustang LX 5.0L, a platform he immediately began modifying, signaling the start of his celebrated project car lineage.
The year 1991 marked a significant turning point when Hunkins began contributing freelance articles to Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords (MM&FF). His insightful and technically grounded writing quickly gained traction, leading to a pivotal move to New Jersey in the fall of 1992, where he became the full-time tech editor for MM&FF. This role allowed him to immerse himself fully in the muscle car scene, sharing his expertise with a dedicated audience.
Hunkins’ influence in the automotive media landscape continued to grow. In 1995, he played a key role in creating and subsequently became the editor of GM High-Tech Performance magazine (originally High-Tech Performance). During his tenure at MM&FF, he demonstrated his innovative thinking by inventing the popular “True Street” drag racing class, a format that has since been adopted by numerous sanctioning organizations, a testament to his understanding of performance automotive competition.
Relocating to California in 2003, Hunkins took the helm as editor of Popular Hot Rodding magazine, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in the industry. His career progression continued with his appointment as editor of Mopar Muscle magazine in July 2014, following a rebranding of the TEN network.
Throughout his career, Hunkins has been deeply involved with a diverse array of project cars, each a reflection of his passion and technical skill. Notable builds include his 1987 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 (Project Excalibur), a 1993 Pontiac Firebird Formula (Project Thunderchicken), and a 1968 Chevy Chevelle (Street Sweeper), among many others. These vehicles represent not just mechanical projects, but also the living embodiment of his automotive journalism.
Beyond the roar of engines, Hunkins’ interests extend to fine cigars, writing and recording rock music, and an appreciation for mid-century modern architecture and design. He currently resides in Desert Hot Springs, California, continuing to contribute his unique perspective to the world of automotive culture.
Johnny Hunkins’ enduring legacy lies in his ability to blend deep technical knowledge with compelling storytelling, making him a respected figure among car enthusiasts and a significant contributor to the rich history of muscle car journalism. His contributions have not only informed but also inspired generations of gearheads and aspiring mechanics.
References:
- Johnny Hunkins biography. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/staff/johnny-hunkins