For car enthusiasts, it's always enthralling to watch classic vehicles appear on the silver screen, whether they're piloted by the dashing hero or the nefarious villain. Engines roar, tires squeal, and inevitably some unfortunate street vendor's fruit stand gets knocked over during the chaos. But in the end, these cameos can provide new appreciation for our favorite vehicles, and also inspire younger generations to learn to love these cars as we do. The 2000 action film "Gone in 60 Seconds" has an incredible lineup of classics, with the most recognizable being a '67 Mustang known as "Eleanor."

Classic Industries is all in favor of California Legislation AB 210 passing. It is incumbent that every Classic Industries customer and every automotive enthusiast who resides in California, spreads the word that this bill needs to be heard and passed. This legislation has been introduced in California to exempt motor vehicles prior to the 1983 model year from an emissions inspection requirement. Current law requires the biennial (once every other year) testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. This bill is still pending and needs a hearing in the committee by January 17. The hearing has to be scheduled prior to the legislative deadline if the bill is to move forward. 

Over the years, we've seen quite a few restomod builds arrive at the parking lot in front of our Retail Showroom. This category of vehicles combines original-style restoration parts with modern components to create a unique blend of old and new. Many restomods add only a handful of subtle changes under the skin, and some take this further, replacing the entire engine and suspension with brand-new parts. However, few restomods we've seen are as extreme as this 1973 Charger. In fact, so many of its parts have been swapped out that some might say the term doesn't adequately describe it.

The 1955-57 Chevy "Tri Five" is an undeniable classic that has remained popular and desirable across generations of automotive enthusiasts. Its sleek lines and elegant curves look just as good today as they did at Chevrolet dealers more than six decades ago. As time passes, it brings new trends, and the Tri Five has been adapted to fit many of them, from gassers to hot rods to modern pro-street or pro-touring builds. And of course, many of these vehicles have been restored to original condition or lightly resto-modded to fit the owner's taste.

Christmas has come and gone, and the jolly bearded guy clad in red and white has returned to his North Pole abode once more. We know his traditional method of transportation is a flying sleigh and pack of reindeer, but a customer recently stopped by our Retail Showroom in a vehicle that looks like it'd be a fitting four-wheeled alternative for Mr. Claus. Rudolph and his pals can take some time off, because this red and white two-tone '56 Bel Air forgoes reindeer-power in favor of good old horsepower.

Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, it takes considerable time and patience to complete any classic car restoration project. But good things come to those who wait, and patience pays off in the end. All the work and waiting just makes seeing the finished vehicle even more satisfying. Such was the case with this 1967 Firebird, which was restored by Ernesto Castro and his sons in their home garage.

Modifying production cars into race machines is nothing new. Ever since the automobile was invented, enthusiasts, tinkerers, and adrenaline junkies have been figuring out creative ways to squeeze every last drop of performance out of these four-wheeled conveyances. However, many distinct build styles have stemmed from this mission. In the late 1950s and early '60s, the "gasser" style grew in popularity, especially among the 1955-57 Tri Five Chevy models. Even today it remains instantly recognizable. This 1955 Chevy gasser is a beautiful example of this historically-significant hot rod category.

In 1977, the film "Smokey and the Bandit" hit the silver screen and took the automotive world by storm. The black and gold Trans Am Special Edition driven by Burt Reynolds quickly became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time, and inspired countless Americans to head to their local Pontiac dealers. Sales for the Trans Am skyrocketed after the film's debut. Even today, this increased demand has caused true Special Edition cars to maintain higher value. However, the availability of reproduction parts has enabled Firebird and Trans Am owners to create their own more-affordable tribute builds, such as the example seen here.

The Chevy Impala models of the 1960s offered a long, sleek, and imposing appearance that few modern cars can hope to replicate. Although some have poked fun at the yacht-like size of two-door cars of this era, none can deny the head-turning presence of the sweeping lines of a classic Impala. These cars especially stand out today, with their lengthy proportions and big V8 engines contrasting strongly with roads filled by bland 4-cylinder compact cars.

Classic muscle cars were built for speed, whether it was at the drag strip, on a road course, or between stop lights on the street. These days, with many of them restored to immaculate condition and prices climbing higher for preserved examples, it's understandable that most of these cars live more relaxed lives than they did in the '60s and '70s. However, Chris Thompson still takes his 1969 Super Bee on cross-country road trips and often puts the pedal to the metal at the track. Every horsepower under the hood of this muscle car still gets used to the fullest.