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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

Classic Industries: Your Ultimate Firebird & Trans Am Parts Resource

When it comes to restoring, customizing, or upgrading a Pontiac Firebird or Trans Am, having access to high-quality parts is essential. Whether you're working on a first-generation 1967 Firebird or a late-model 2002 Trans Am, Classic Industries has been a trusted name in the restoration industry for decades, offering a comprehensive catalog of parts and accessories for every year of the Pontiac Firebird.

Comprehensive Guide to Classic Mopar Restoration and Customization

For Mopar enthusiasts, the 1960-1976 period represents a golden era of performance and design. Chrysler’s A, B, and E-body vehicles—spanning iconic models such as the Dodge Dart, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Charger, and the legendary Plymouth Road Runner—are among the most revered in automotive history. Restoring and customizing these vehicles requires access to quality, period-correct parts, which is where Classic Industries steps in. Known for offering high-quality reproduction and aftermarket parts for classic cars, Classic Industries provides an indispensable catalog that caters to the unique needs of A, B, and E-Body Mopar restorations.

Essential Buick Regal Parts Catalog: 1973-1987 Restoration Guide

The Buick Regal is a legendary nameplate in the world of American muscle cars and luxury coupes. From its introduction in 1973 to its final models in 1987, the Regal underwent numerous changes but remained a beloved symbol of performance, refinement, and innovation. Whether you're restoring a 1973 Buick Regal, modifying a 1980 Regal Turbo, or enhancing your 1987 Regal Grand National, the Classic Industries 1973-1987 Buick Regal Parts and Accessories Catalog is a must-have resource. This catalog offers a wide selection of parts that cater to all generations of the Regal, from OEM-style replacements to performance upgrades and custom accessories.

Classic Industries' 1955-1957 Chevrolet Catalog: A Must-Have Guide

For vintage car enthusiasts, particularly those who have a soft spot for the iconic 1955-1957 Chevrolet models—known collectively as the “Tri-Five Chevys”—having access to original parts and accessories is essential for both restoration and customization. Classic Industries, one of the leading suppliers of restoration parts for classic cars, has long been a go-to resource for restoring these timeless vehicles. The Classic Industries 1955-1957 Chevrolet Parts and Accessories Catalog is an indispensable guide for anyone looking to bring their Tri-Five Chevrolet back to its original splendor or enhance it with custom parts.

Ultimate Guide to Classic Industries' Camaro Parts Catalog (1967-2002)

Before diving into the catalog’s offerings, it’s important to understand the evolution of the Chevrolet Camaro over the years. The Camaro was introduced in 1967 as Chevrolet’s response to the Ford Mustang, marking the beginning of a legendary rivalry. Over its 35-year production run (and beyond), the Camaro underwent numerous transformations, from a classic muscle car to a more modern, tech-heavy performance vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the Camaro generations covered in the 1967-2002 catalog:

Celebrating 75 Years of Hot Rodding Excellence at the Grand National Roadster Show

The 75th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, celebrated America’s longest-running indoor car show. From January 31 to February 2, 2025, the Pomona Fairplex hosted hundreds of the nation’s finest hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks, and motorcycles for a weekend that showcased automotive artistry of the highest level.

Classic Industries' 1964-04 Mustang Parts Catalog: A Restorer's Dream

Classic Industries is a leading provider of high-quality restoration parts and accessories for American muscle cars, and their Mustang Parts and Accessories Catalog is an essential resource for any Mustang enthusiast. Spanning four generations of Ford Mustangs, from the 1964½ debut model through the 2004 edition, this catalog offers a comprehensive selection of parts to restore, repair, or enhance every aspect of the vehicle. Whether you’re looking to maintain the original charm of your Mustang or upgrade its performance, Classic Industries provides a vast array of parts suited to both first-time restorers and seasoned builders.

Videos: The Top Eight Automotive Designers of the 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s were transformative decades for the automotive world. The post-WWII boom had led to the birth of a new era of car design, and designers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of style, innovation, and performance. This was a time when cars were not just modes of transportation—they were symbols of status, freedom, and a rapidly evolving culture. From sleek muscle cars to futuristic concepts, the contributions of key automotive designers during these two decades shaped the vehicles we know today. Below are some of the most influential and visionary designers of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Top 10 Pony Car and Muscle Car Coke Bottle Designs of All Time

The "Coke bottle" design, characterized by its curvaceous body that mimics the silhouette of a classic glass Coca-Cola bottle, stands as a testament to the golden age of American automotive design. This design ethos was especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s, a period that saw the birth and evolution of some of the most iconic pony and muscle cars. Here, we explore the top 10 "Coke bottle" designs that have left an indelible mark on automotive history.

Video: A 1970 Dodge Charger in Mellow Yellow

Most American pony cars and muscle cars of the 1960's owe their Coke bottle styling to an industrial designer named Raymond Loewy. Mr. Loewy originated the Coke bottle shape with his design of the 1962 Studebaker Avanti. The silhouette is characterized as having a narrow midsection where the doors are located and curvaceous bulges atop the front fender located where the front wheel is and the rear wheel atop the quarter panels.