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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

1973 Ford F-350 Super Camper Special - Renewing with Skill and Heart

In July 2022, a vintage American powerhouse found a new lease on life when Matthew Alexander became the proud owner of a 1973 Ford F-350 Super Camper Special. The truck, purchased from a private seller who had acquired it in trade for some construction work, came without a clear history — but plenty of character. Driven by curiosity and a passion for classic vehicles, Alexander began researching the truck’s history and breathing new life into its well-worn frame.

Nick Cannon’s Orange 1975 K5 Chevy Blazer: A Celebrity’s Custom Ride

Nick Cannon is renowned for his multifaceted career as a comedian, actor, producer, and television host. Beyond his entertainment endeavors, Cannon has a deep appreciation for automobiles, particularly classic vehicles. One of his standout possessions is his custom 1975 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, a vehicle that not only reflects his personal style but also showcases his commitment to craftsmanship and individuality.

Drag School Boot Camp: A Transformative Program in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania

Nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania, the Drag School Boot Camp in Lewisberry stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for young adults facing the consequences of their past actions. Operating under the umbrella of National Drag School Youth Projects Inc., this program has been a cornerstone of rehabilitation and community service for over two decades.

The Cars of Mannix: A Stylish Ride Through TV Detective History

When it comes to classic television detectives, few were as cool — or as car-savvy — as Joe Mannix, played by Mike Connors in the long-running CBS series Mannix (1967–1975). A tough, street-smart private investigator with a penchant for physical confrontations and old-fashioned grit, Mannix was also notable for the parade of stylish, performance-oriented automobiles he drove across the show’s eight seasons. These cars not only underscored his rugged yet sophisticated persona, but also became stars in their own right, many of them customized by legendary car builder George Barris, of Batmobile fame.

Let’s take a deep dive into the cars Mike Connors drove as Joe Mannix, season by season.

From Heartbreak to Triumph: Fernando's 1985 Corvette Comeback

For many car enthusiasts, there’s always that one car—the one that stays in your mind, tied to memories of youth, grit, and a little bit of heartbreak. For Fernando Martinez, that car was a 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. His journey with this iconic piece of American engineering spans decades, marked by passion, perseverance, and a powerful sense of coming full circle.

Mopar VIN Decoder & Fender Tag Decoder: A-Body, B-Body, & E-Body Specs

The golden era of American muscle cars brought us some of the coolest vehicles in automotive history, with Mopar — a combination of "Motor" and "Parts" under Chrysler — leading the charge. Between 1960 and 1976, Mopar manufactured a wide array of A-body, B-body, and E-body cars under its Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth divisions. These included legendary models like the Charger, Challenger, Barracuda, Road Runner, Super Bee, GTX, Dart, and Duster. Enthusiasts and restorers alike often rely on decoding information such as VINs, fender tags, and broadcast sheets to verify originality, specs, and authenticity. Below, we've provided a detailed VIN decoder and step-by-step guide to help you learn more about your classic Mopar car.

Classic Industries' All-New Digital Mustang Parts & Accessories Catalog

Mustang fans, get excited—Classic Industries has just launched a brand-new interactive catalog experience, offering a streamlined and feature-rich experience for gearheads, restorers, and weekend warriors alike. Whether you're restoring a '65 fastback or upgrading a Fox Body or SN95, this catalog is a game-changer for finding the parts you need faster and easier than ever before.

Allan Yoshida's Stunning 1971 Camaro: A Muscle Car Enthusiast's Dream

Exira, Iowa resident Allan Yoshida is a man of few words, we suspect. He kindly emailed Classic Industries three photos of his black over blue 1971 Camaro. Mr. Yoshida went on to explain that the Camaro has a 350-cubic inch V8 engine and is backed by a four-speed manual transmission. 

Steve Saleen and Saleen Supercars: Pioneers of American Performance

When discussing the world of high-performance American automobiles, few names resonate as deeply as Steve Saleen. A visionary racer, engineer, and entrepreneur, Saleen is best known for his eponymous brand, Saleen Automotive, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American performance vehicles. From transforming Mustangs into track monsters to building one of the few true American supercars—the Saleen S7—Steve Saleen’s legacy is as fast-paced and fascinating as the cars that bear his name.

1984-1987 Buick Grand National or '87 GNX - Hunting for Rare or Unicorn

The 3.8L turbocharged V6 engine that powered the Grand National and GNX was a unique creation in an era still recovering from the muscle car collapse. Unlike most performance cars of the time, it didn’t rely on a big V8. Instead, Buick engineered a torquey, boost-happy V6 that could blow the doors off cars with twice the displacement (1987 GNX #51 produced of 547 built - lead photo).