Iron Horse Stables: A Place Built for More Than Just Cars

By Nicholas Sakelaris | September 24, 2026

Jerry’s Texaco was named in memory of Rusty’s friend, Jerry Brierton, a fellow car collector whose legacy lives on through this heartfelt tribute. Photos by KEN OLTMANN
Jerry’s Texaco was named in memory of Rusty’s friend, Jerry Brierton, a fellow car collector whose legacy lives on through this heartfelt tribute. Photos by KEN OLTMANN

Rusty Vaughn coined the term Iron Horse Stables long ago for the man cave where he stores his classic cars, motorcycles, and other racing memorabilia.

Walking around his venue in Argyle, you’ll find a 1967 Chevrolet El Camino parked next to a 2001 convertible Ferrari 360 and a 2022 Chevrolet C8 Corvette, believed to be the only white Corvette from that year. There’s a street legal NASCAR driven by JJ Yeley and maybe the fastest vehicle of all is a 540-horsepower C10 Chevrolet pickup.

“If it makes a lot of noise, drinks a bunch of fuel, goes too fast and is a little scary, I’m probably going to like it,” Rusty said.

Last year, he had an exact replica of a 1950s-style Texaco station built on the property to add to the nostalgia. He named it “Jerry’s Texaco” in honor of his friend and fellow car collector, Jerry Brierton, who passed away from cancer. Jerry’s widow revealed the station’s sign at the grand opening, having no idea it was dedicated to Jerry.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” Rusty said.

A lowered Chevrolet C10 pickup is perhaps the fastest vehicle in Rusty Vaughn’s collection at Iron Horse Stables Foundation.
A lowered Chevrolet C10 pickup is perhaps the fastest vehicle in Rusty Vaughn’s collection at Iron Horse Stables Foundation.
A prized piece of NASCAR history: Richard Petty’s trademark hat, won by Rusty Vaughn at a charity auction. Vaughn recalls “plucking it right off Richard’s head.”
A prized piece of NASCAR history: Richard Petty’s trademark hat, won by Rusty Vaughn at a charity auction. Vaughn recalls “plucking it right off Richard’s head.”
A custom chopper motorcycle was “chopped up” to form end tables at the Iron Horse Stables Foundation.
A custom chopper motorcycle was “chopped up” to form end tables at the Iron Horse Stables Foundation.

Rusty, 70, has felt the need for speed his whole life – until one day it was suddenly taken away. On March 31, 2025, he was diagnosed with detached retinas in both eyes and went completely blind. Within days, he had emergency surgery, but still faced a two-month recovery. Shortly after, he developed cataracts, which left him legally blind for another two months.

Suddenly, he couldn’t see his beautiful vehicles, let alone drive them.  It’s been a long road to recovery, but he regained his vision, in more ways than one.

“I did a lot of soul searching. You’re two months blind and you don’t know if you’re going to get your sight back,” Rusty said. “I’ve always had a heart that wanted to give back and help others. What is new, is the intensity of trying to do so, which led me to form Iron Horse Stables Foundation.”

Iron Horse Stables Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts events each year to raise funds for Denton County nonprofits.

Inspired to expand the foundation’s impact, Rusty and his daughter, Lauren Gamett, who helps with its operations, offer the venue to other nonprofits in need of event space. Instead of paying rental fees, organizations can make a donation to the foundation and invest more of their fundraising proceeds back into their missions.

Between this property and his homestead, he estimates he has five or six CoServ meters – and possibly more to come as he expands! CoServ is proud to play a small part in supporting Rusty’s vision as he uses his foundation and venue to create opportunities for nonprofits and strengthen the community.

A portion of Rusty Vaughn’s car collection.
A portion of Rusty Vaughn’s car collection.
The Iron Horse Stables Foundation Event Venue.
The Iron Horse Stables Foundation Event Venue.

Organizations they’ve helped:

  • Help Hope Live: Raised money for Sanger resident Tammy Lee Konz’s
    liver transplant.
  • Kyle’s Place: A transitional living campus for Denton County teenagers.
  • Broken Halos Haven: Helps widowed mothers and their children.
  • Iron Horse Stables Foundation’s next event will be the Stampede at the Stables on Oct. 11 and is open to the public.
  • Proceeds benefit Kyle’s Place.