Chaparral Antique Cars
Families enjoying the Chaparral Cars
As one of the park’s oldest and longest-operated rides, the Chaparral Antique Cars entertained literal generations of visitors to Six Flags over Texas. Added in 1962 for the park’s second operating season, the Chaparral Antique Cars feature gasoline-operated cars driven by guests. Drivers have full control over the acceleration and steering along with a guide rail that prevents guests from taking the cars off course. The ride’s 1962 opening makes it the second oldest continuously-operated ride in the park, surpassed only by the Six Flags Railroad.
Ride Changes
The cars originally had tops to them until they were removed in the early 1970s, before being re-added again in the 1980s and finally removed again.
For the 2011 season, the entrance to the Chaparral cars was relocated to what was once the “Coca Cola Cool Zone” vending/misting area, allowing the New Texas Giant to use Chaparral’s former queue house as part of its queue line. The change was eventually reverted back.
In 2023 it was announced that Dino Off Road Adventure would be replacing Chaparral Antique Cars, after 61 years of continuous operation. It is unknown if Dino Off Road Adventure is planned to be a permanent replacement of the classic Chaparral Antique Cars or if the ride will return at some point in the future.
Sign on Walkway
Sign placed on Texas Giant’s exit bridge
Original Loading Station
The original loading station for the Antique Cars before it was turned into queue line for the New Texas Giant
Ride
Cars take a scenic ride through the Texas section of the park
Twisting Road
Some of the twisting “roads” take you around shaded areas
Blind Turn
Since the cars’ speeds are governed, drivers fear not blind turns like this one
Themed Building
A themed building adjacent the old loading station
Chaparral Antique Cars Stats
| Year Added: | 1962 |
| Manufacturer: | Arrow Development |
| Ride Model: | Antique car ride |
| Height Requirement: | None with adult, no lap children, no single riders |
| Thrill Rating: | Mild |
| Park Section: | Texas |
| Status: | Operating |
| Flash Pass Enabled: | No |
Where Is It?
The entrance for Chaparral is currently located in the plaza where the New Texas Giant entrance and Texas Depot train station are.
4 Comments
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I drove one of these cas when I was a kid and would like to know Where I could buy one of these cars
Where can I buy one of these cars
The park isn’t selling Chaparral Antique Cars as far as I’m aware. Some of the cars were modified and are still in use on the updated ride — Dino Off Road Adventure.
Not true, they bought 17 new cars based on the original Arrow Development blueprints, but will feature a new jeep front end and left hand steering.
I personally own a slightly different version of this Arrow car and can tell you first hand, they are well past due for retirement! The frames are rust buckets. I ended up building a brand new frame from scratch for mine and converted to an ATV engine with reverse.
Most 6 flags parks are starting to get rid of these cars as they just need to much work.
I know where 4 more are currently located, but they’ll cost you over 4k each and will need lots of work.