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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

Video: A Wooden Wonder Wins Pebble Beach’s Top Prize

A one-of-a-kind Hispano-Suiza with an aviation-inspired design stole the spotlight at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, taking home the coveted Best of Show award.

Out of 229 cars from around the world - 55 of them shipped in from 22 different countries - the winning entry was a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, lovingly presented by Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida.

Concorso Italiano 2025: A Celebration of Italian Automotive Excellence

This year, gearheads and classic car fans took over the Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, California to mark the 40th anniversary of Concorso Italiano. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Monterey Peninsula rumbled with the sights and sounds of Italian automotive legends. Now under the International Car Week banner, the show keeps true to its heritage—only with more horsepower, chrome, and car camaraderie than ever.

Videos: Reliving the Glory of Vintage Racing at Laguna Seca Raceway

Every year in mid-August, the crew of Monterey Car Week enjoys a vacation in Central California for the goings on in Carmel by the Sea, Laguna Seca, Seaside, Monterey, and Pebble Beach. For automotive enthusiasts, the moniker of Monterey Car Week and the listing of those magnificent Central California towns should give you a clue as to what the MCW crew is doing during this glorious week. 

From Chance Find to Showpiece: Denny Ruan’s 1987 GMC Sierra R10

For many enthusiasts, building a classic truck begins with months - sometimes years - of searching for the perfect project. For Denny Ruan, it began with a single phone call. Today, nearly three years after that moment, his 1987 GMC Sierra R10 stands as a lowered, tastefully modified cruiser that blends late-’80s squarebody style with personal touches and family craftsmanship.

Classic Industries Launches Great New Digital Buick Regal Catalog

Classic Industries has released a brand‑new digital version of its full‑color Buick Regal parts and accessories catalog for the 1978–1987 era, with full support for all Buick Regal and Grand National variants (Grand National, GNX, T‑Type, Turbo‑T, and Sport). You can now download the catalog as a PDF or request a free printed copy, making the entire restoration resource instantly accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile.

Top 10 Restoration Mistakes on the First-Generation 1965–73 Ford Mustang

Restoring a classic Mustang from the first generation (1965 - 1973) is both a rewarding journey and a technical challenge. These cars - ranging from early 1965 models to the muscular 1973 fastbacks - are classics of American automotive history. However, many restorers fall into common traps that undermine both the integrity and value of the final build.

Whether you're tackling a numbers-matching 1966 GT coupe or a 1970 Boss 302, here's a thorough guide to the 10 most common and costly restoration mistakes, complete with historical context and technical insight.

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Restoring a 1967–1969 Camaro

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, produced from 1967 to 1969, holds an iconic place in American muscle car history. Whether it’s the aggressive stance of the ‘69 RS/SS or the elegant simplicity of the ‘67 base coupe, restoring one of these classics is a dream project for many car enthusiasts. However, bringing a vintage Camaro back to life is no small task. Restorers, especially first-timers, often make critical errors that can cost time, money, and value.

1967 Mercury Cougar History, Performance Specs, Colors, & More

The 1967 Mercury Cougar roared onto the scene as a stylish and powerful alternative in the pony car segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar brought a touch of European flair and a lineup of potent V8 engines to the table. Ford intentionally slotted the Cougar between the Mustang and the Thunderbird. The following narrative is a detailed breakdown of the powertrain choices, transmission options, performance packages, and notable extras that made the Cougar a standout in its debut year.

Above: 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions

The 1970 Pontiac Firebird: A Muscle Car Evolution

The 1970 Pontiac Firebird marked the beginning of the second generation of Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Launched in the spring of 1970, the second-gen Firebird underwent a radical redesign that distanced it from the boxy aesthetic of the 1960s and embraced a more European-inspired, aggressive styling. Often hailed as one of the most beautifully sculpted American muscle cars of its era, the 1970 Firebird wasn't just about looks - it also packed serious performance credentials and helped Pontiac maintain its reputation as General Motors' performance brand.

Jay Leno's Garage Video: The Golden Era of Trans Am Racing (1966–1972)

The years 1966 to 1972 are widely regarded as the golden age of Trans American (Trans Am) racing, a thrilling period that saw factory-backed muscle cars, legendary drivers, and fierce rivalries come together to create one of the most exciting chapters in American motorsport history. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) launched the series in 1966 to promote showroom stock sedans, but what followed was a war between automakers on the racetrack that would shape the identity of American performance cars for decades.