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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

Video: Seven Years of Great Work - Sublime 1967 Chevy II Nova SS Build

A four-car garage that offers an extensive set of automotive tools and plenty of room to work - this is the sort of space where a gearhead can enjoy a well-earned retirement. 

A Barn Find Bounty: 1995 Mustang Cobra Drop Top with Removable Hardtop

There are a number of vintage Ford Mustang enthusiasts who work at Classic Industries. In fact, the CI colleague who spied this very 1995 Mustang Cobra convertible with the removable hardtop at the 2024 Mustang Madness show, had never seen a '95 Mustang Cobra convertible with a removable hardtop in person before. When photos were shown around the CI office, none of us knew what the heck we were viewing on the colleague's cell phone.

Video: Chip Foose & Classic Industries: Revolutionizing Car Renovation

Chip Foose is a name synonymous with automotive artistry and innovation. Known for his seamless blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and passion for car restoration, Foose has become a legendary figure in the custom car industry. His iconic television show, Overhaulin', has not only showcased his remarkable skills but has also inspired millions of automotive enthusiasts around the world. Among his many partnerships, Foose's collaboration with Classic Industries stands out as a perfect marriage of talent and resources, resulting in automotive magic.

From Surgery to Classic Car: A 1960 Chevy Brookwood Adventure

Finding an old car on the internet that's in another western state can lead to several twists of fate for any American muscle car enthusiast. Flying to this other state while you're recovering from knee surgery and then intending to drive your new/old vehicle home to California - that's also a recipe for some potential adventures in your life. One wonders whatever could go wrong in these sorts of circumstances? Hmmm...

Joe and Amanda Martin Lead Iron Resurrection with Classic Car Revivals

The world of custom car restoration and fabrication has long been a realm where passion meets artistry. Few exemplify this as well as Joe and Amanda Martin, alongside their talented team at Iron Resurrection. Known for their expertise in breathing new life into rusted-out relics and forgotten classics, the Martins and their crew continue to set the gold standard in automotive restoration.

An Early 1965 K-Code Notchback Ford Mustang in Raven Black Restored

More so than any other hue, Fords with gloss black exterior paint schemes hearken back to the early days of the Ford Motor Company. Back in the early 1900's, Ford Model T customers could purchase any color Model T that they so desired, so long as it was black. Pretty much any restored vehicle looks great in black, if the bodywork and paint prep is superb. 

Pepsi Frank Prefers Pony Cars - 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang Tribute

The vast majority of men and women in the old car hobby are doing something that is awesome with their free time. They're preserving history by restoring or restomodding old cars and giving them a second or third or fourth life. They're using their brains, and their hands, and their money, and their friends, and their families, and passionate professional builders they hire to create and renovate what was magical when it was new and now is superlative renewed and functional in current times.

From Childhood Dream to Reality - Restoring a 1967 Chevy II Nova

There's a great chance that if you looked up to your big brother when you were growing up, and your older brother was a gearhead, you may well become a motorhead too. Especially if your older bro owns an American muscle machine that he uses to drive you to school - that's a sure-fire recipe for imprinting in the muscle car section of your brain an ambition to own a similar vehicle someday.

Jeff Leonard Classic Industries CEO Receives ARMO Person of the Year Award at SEMA 2024

Las Vegas, NV – November 2024: Jeff Leonard, the esteemed CEO of Classic Industries, has been awarded the prestigious ARMO Person of the Year Award at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. This award, presented annually by SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovation in the restoration industry. Leonard’s award underscores his invaluable contributions to the field and his passion for preserving automotive history.

1974-77 OER Camaro Taillight Lens Assemblies Win 2024 SEMA Global Media Award

At the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, an impressive innovation for classic car enthusiasts took center stage: the 1974-77 OER Camaro Taillight Lens Assemblies (part # 5954137 LH side & part # 5954138 RH side), a product designed to combine modern technology with vintage aesthetics. Earning the prestigious 2024 SEMA Global Media Award, this product resonated strongly with both judges and attendees, showcasing the value of quality craftsmanship in the restoration market.