Think of a car that represents American car culture, or even automotive culture in general, and you'll be hard-pressed to find one more iconic than the '57 Chevy Bel Air. From the aircraft-inspired hood ornaments, to the sweeping wheel arches, to the raked tail fins, every element of this car's design is eye-catching and memorable. There really is no angle from which the Bel Air doesn't look good, and that's a claim few cars have lived up to since. In fact, this car has been around for over half a century, but it still remains relevant and undeniably cool.

Think of a car that represents American car culture, or even automotive culture in general, and you'll be hard-pressed to find one more iconic than the '57 Chevy Bel Air. From the aircraft-inspired hood ornaments, to the sweeping wheel arches, to the raked tail fins, every element of this car's design is eye-catching and memorable. There really is no angle from which the Bel Air doesn't look good, and that's a claim few cars have lived up to since. In fact, this car has been around for over half a century, but it still remains relevant and undeniably cool.

Mention the Chevy Nova today, and most people will envision a high-performance muscle car. However, the Nova's beginnings were much less glamorous than that—it started out as an optional trim level on the unassuming Chevy II commuter car. The Nova's image has changed so much, most people even forget the car wasn't offered with a V8 engine for the first two years of its production, even in its top-of-the-line Super Sport form. Back in '62, you got to choose between a 153ci four-cylinder or a 194ci inline-six—not particularly exciting.

As car enthusiasts, we tend to think of our vehicles as much more than a simple mode of transportation—to us, they're rolling works of art. However, it's also important to keep in mind that these timeless automotive creations are meant to be functional, not just sit collecting dust like pretentious sculptures. Every car or truck has a purpose, a role it was designed to fulfill. As for this 1961 Impala SS convertible, its purpose is clear: this car was built to cruise.

Up through the 1960s, GM trucks were famous for their smooth sculpted lines and aerodynamic curves. Even though the 1967-72 models were a slight departure from the curvy styling with their beveled beltline, the C10 trucks still retained their sleek look into the early seventies. Then, in 1973, everything changed with the introduction of what soon became known as the "square body".

Certain things in life just seem to naturally go together. Burgers and fries, American cars and V8 engines, country music and pickup trucks. Yet another of these iconic pairings is surfers and station wagons. It has almost become a cultural cliché to see the image of a classic Woodie wagon with a surfboard on top, overlooking the beach and distant waves. With the versatility, roominess, and flat-out cool factor of classic station wagons, it's no wonder why they have become the ride of choice for the surfer subculture.

We've said it before and we'll say it again—here at Classic Industries, we love seeing our customers' cars, and learning their stories. Whether it's a simple Facebook message saying "Thanks for the parts!" or a mailed multi-page build sheet with printed-out photos, it always makes us smile to see what customers are doing with the restoration parts we supply. It really is the best part of our job.