Some work vehicles dedicate their entire lifespan to the grind of driving and hauling. While others transition from factory-fresh work trucks to pristine showpieces. The 1970 GMC panel delivery in question has been a steadfast worker for most of its existence, albeit in diverse realms of industry and purpose.

All 1966 Ford Mustangs rolled off the Ford assembly lines complete with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a Data Plate. The VIN is stamped atop the driver's side engine bay wall. The Mustang data plate, which is riveted on the driver's side doorjamb, also contains the VIN. These two items provide all the details of how the Mustang was first manufactured — the Mustang's DNA if you will.

Nowadays, if you are a vintage Shelby Mustang enthusiast and you have sufficient cash to purchase a 1965-1970 Shelby Mustang, you might be most likely to simply find, test drive, negotiate, and purchase the best possible example GT350, GT500, or GT500KR that you can afford. You might not be too concerned about the Shelby's exterior paint scheme.

Whether you're on the hunt for a 1965 Ford Mustang or you already own a '65, it's important to know how your Mustang was originally built, when it rolled off the Ford assembly line. Should you be looking to buy an old Ford pony car, how the Mustang was originally equipped is a big key to establishing her value. Knowing this upfront can be used in negotiating a fair price, or deciding whether or not you wish to make an offer in the first place. If you're already a Mustang owner and you're restoring her to factory new, you'll need her DNA of how she was born (built) from back in the day.

Over 100 is quite many! A Camaro enthusiast should definitely be considered a Camaro connoisseur, if he has owned more than 100 first generation Camaros (1967, 1968, 1969) through the years. More specifically, a Camaro convertible collector since most of the over 100 cars have been convertibles.

A Classic Industries coworker told me several months ago to go visit the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center, in Irvine, California, and several times thereafter over the passing months. Every time he mentioned it, I'd make a mental note to myself while responding to him with something like, "Yeah, I gotta go there and check out all the Shelby Mustangs, Cobras, and Shelby Daytona coupes." 

Though we spend our five- and six-day work weeks catering to the needs of our honored customers who own and are working on, driving, showing, and enjoying American muscle machines, many Classic Industries employees are wrenching away, driving, and enjoying our own vintage vehicles in our free time. Some of us drive our old cars daily. 

Recently, Classic Industries published an article for the multitude of 1st Generation Mustang owners and enthusiasts (1964.5-1973) called: Decoding the 1964-1973 Mustang VIN: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide. This article is specifically designed to enable 1964.5 Mustang (early 1965) caretakers and fans to decode the pony car's Data Plate, which gives us useful information such as assembly plant, body style, color, interior trim, engine, transmission, and much more.

Inspiration comes from many places. After watching Hollywood writers/directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez' double feature movie, Grind House, Classic Industries' customer Clark Hogan decided to purchase a muscle car. Clark saw Grind House back in 2007. At the time, he had just sold a 1998 Ducati and a 900 Chromo and thought he could fill an adrenalin rush void in his heart and soul with a powerful four-wheel muscle car, as opposed to dodging bad drivers when riding his two hyper fast, exotic motorcycles. His wife likely also approved of such a wise choice.

Spending her entire work life as a Yuma, AZ farm truck, her well-earned hard work scars now shine bright in the Southern California sun. According to her personalized black and yellow vintage California license plate, she may still be working for a living. Though that may just be a disguise.