I was the same as you guys. Being raised in St. Louis, I couldn't wait for the next magazine to hit the rack so I could read more about all those cars.
After getting discharged from the Army I stayed in Colorado springs to finish my education. As I had more time, going to school and working 3 part time jobs, I got to see the car culture there.
Well to my surprise most car guys there didn't have the same respect for California cars. As a matter of fact California was a very unpopular word to use. I remember one speed shop even had bumper stickers that said, I DON'T CARE HOW THEY DO IT IN CALIFORNIA!
Ken