Shop Tour – Horsepower Hacienda!

This author was introduced to “RD” a few years ago and wanted to share more about RD and Horsepower Hacienda with our readership. This one-of-a-kind facility is a blend of world-class collectible vehicles, iconic Dodge trucks, Mazda race cars, Chrysler performance legends, outstanding Corvettes, and many other rides most enthusiasts only dream about. Complementing the collection is a remarkable display of memorabilia from major manufacturers—rare pieces that are nearly impossible to find today. The Horsepower Hacienda and the Davis family are rooted in ohana and aikāne—family and friends.

A little about Darrell and RD: Darrell brings 38 years with Chrysler Motors, serving as Vice President of Chrysler Corporation/DaimlerChrysler as well as CFO, and also holds the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He is a Pebble Beach honorary judge and has served on the board of the Walter Chrysler Museum since 2001. He has also authored more than a dozen reference books on Max Wedge and Race Hemi engines that are considered essential in the performance world.

RD spent 30 years with Mazda, rising to Senior Vice President of Mazda North America, where he oversaw U.S. sales, marketing, parts and service, dealer relations, public relations, and owner loyalty programs. Throughout his leadership roles, he helped bring Mazda into North American motorsports prominence, created the MAZDASPEED driver development ladder and Road to Indy programs, and competed behind the wheel in NASA events as well as vintage racing with the Mazda 787 Group C Le Mans car. His achievements include Mazda’s Rolex Manufacturers Championship, wins at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, NASA National Championships, and victories at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. His wife Bonnie, an avid equestrian, remains his strongest supporter in all things motorsport.

Inside the facility, two worlds come together: a hands-on workshop for maintenance, repairs, and race preparation, and a museum-quality showroom filled with award-winning vehicles

and rare memorabilia. RD remains deeply involved in the shop, handling everything from engine swaps to show and race prep, supported by his favorite tools and a well-earned hands-on approach. When he’s not working, he can often be found unwinding in the shop, enjoying a cigar and a cold beer—putting in roughly 30 hours a week in his personal sanctuary. One of his ongoing goals is mastering automatic transmission repair, a challenge he is already well on his way to tackling.

The collection itself is extraordinary. The Corvettes on display rank among the finest anywhere, including Pebble Beach award winners. Priceless artifacts include Chrysler commissary dinnerware, vintage gas pumps, Coca-Cola machines, and historic plaques from Amelia Island, Meadow Brook, Hilton Head, and Pebble Beach. A standout piece is an original 1958 Chrysler passenger car announcement tape featuring Pat Boone and Joie Chitwood—still preserved in its original can. RD also restored his mother’s 1968 VW Beetle, now part of the family collection, alongside rare signage such as an original 1957 Chevrolet “Coming Soon” banner and a Duntov Award-winning 1957 Corvette.

Among RD’s personal favorites are a 1963 Max Wedge Sports Fury, a 1985 RX-7 Twin Turbo, and a 1954 Plymouth Convertible—one of two in existence and preserved in near-original condition. RD regularly attends regional car events, participating in roughly 15 shows a year, but his favorite tradition is hosting the annual BRO’s luncheon at Horsepower Hacienda. Special thanks to Darrell, RD, and family for opening the doors to share their passion, history, and remarkable collection.