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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

Jay Leno Hijacks Bill Ford's 1964.5 Mustang Indy 500 Official Pace Car

Bill Ford, the Executive Chairman of the Ford Motor Company - yes that Bill Ford - paid a visit to Jay Leno's Garage one day to show off his fully restored 1964.5 (early 1965) Mustang convertible. Mind you, this isn't just any Mustang drop top. She was the 1964 Indianapolis 500 Official Pace Car - the very one that paced the race in 1964.

Second Owner's 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Goes Like . . . the Business

This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu looks somewhat mild mannered, apart from those aggressive American Racing Torq-Thrust II wheels, a chin spoiler, and a lowered stance. Those of us at Classic Industriesknow better. We work with the Chevelle's owner - Luke Shaffer. He is one of our bright merchandisers/buyers, and Luke's quite the American muscle car enthusiast, builder, and owner. 

1968 Mustang VIN Decoder - Data Plate and Build Sheet Insights

For the 1968 Ford Mustang model year, the Ford Motor Company continued to improve upon the already outstanding significance of America's first pony car — the Ford Mustang. Saddle up your Mustangs and let's go for a ride to decipher several data tags and VIN codes. There are a few stunning examples ahead, so stay tuned. We hope this 1968 Mustang VIN decoder will help you learn more about your classic Mustang, or research a car you're planning to buy.

Video - Sweet Big Block V8 Chevy Powered Barn Finds in Oklahoma

Wandering around the internet when one is an automotive enthusiast, one can while away the hours, especially with barn find content. Patrick Glenn Nichols Musclecars Barn Finds is a YouTube channel and also found on Facebook. 

Video & Noise: V12 F50 Ferrari & Concorso Italiano 2024 - Perfecto!

Held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 towards the end of Monterey Car Week, Concorso Italiano celebrated all things Italian, especially pertaining to Italian automobiles and the Italian way of life. For 2024 as with in many other years of the Concorso, non-Italian marques were also invited to attend. There was a smattering of American, British, and German vehicles also on exhibit, as if to provide a contrast to the numerous artful Italian automobiles that comprised a commanding presence at this year's event. Indeed, the Concorso Italiano media team even invited Classic Industries to partake in covering this longstanding Italian-themed super car and vintage iconic Italian marques celebration.

73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - a Classic Automotive Utopia

Pebble. This one word has abundant meaning for avid golfers. The same is true for those who have a passion for vintage automobiles. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the pre-eminent concours vintage car show on this great planet that we somehow manage to cohabitate. Classic Industries was at this prestigious event this year to cover all of the glorious action for the 73rd celebration on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

50 Years of Racing History: Rolex Monterey Motorsports at Laguna Seca

Classic Industries was at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to witness and celebrate 50 years of vintage auto racing history with the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2024. When Classic Industries' humble scribe (namely me) learned about this vintage racing extravaganza, he knew where he wanted to be from August 14 through August 17, 2024.

A 1958 Impala Convertible Named Eight Ball - for Obvious Reasons

Some American muscle cars you can just stare at into infinity. You don't even need to drive them to fall in lust with them. Such is the case with one ever so lovingly restored, maintained, shown, and driven 1958 Chevy Impala convertible.

1967 Mustang Data Plate and VIN Decoder

The Ford Mustang captured the hearts of millions around the U.S. and all over the globe when she burst onto the scene on April 17, 1964. When the redesigned 1967 Mustang emerged off the assembly line, pony car fans had a sequel that many felt was even better than the premiere offering. By decoding the '67 Mustang's data plate and VIN code, we'll be able to discern what makes these babies such an automotive icon, and perhaps even an improvement over the original galloping automotive icon. Read on for our complete 1967 Mustang VIN decoder, list of paint colors and engine options, and more fun facts.

Reviving a 1959 Chevy Apache: A Patina Pickup Masterpiece

Having an old farm pickup at the start of a truck project build can provide a large blank canvas to build upon, especially if your last name is Maestro. You might find yourself envisioning, crafting, and creating a patina pickup that's worthy of any hot rod hauler hobbyist's hot rod garage. Eddie Maestro found a 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside pickup on Instagram.