Shop ClassicIndustries.com
classic-news-blog-main-header-1

D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

1987 Buick Grand National GNX Tribute - Great Looks and Performance

A 1987 Buick Grand National GNX expert might be able to confirm that Omar Navarro's '87 GNX tribute isn't one of the 547 real ones that Buick manufactured, but it would have to be a GNX guru. The reason for this is that Omar took his solid original 1987 Buick Grand National and purchased an original GNX as a parts car from a car auction in Nevada that had been in a roll over crash.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Built for Driving and Showing

Vintage Pontiac GTOs from the 1960's through the 70's have been expensive for many years. Having that sort of muscle car as your favorite while you're a broke high school student could make you yearn for something that's simply out of reach. Evan Rose was a GTO fan for these formative gearhead years as a kid. Thankfully, he one day happened to see a 1979 10th anniversary Firebird Trans Am at a car show that really caught his eye.

The Ford Heritage Vault: Unlocking Decades of Automotive Legacy

In a landmark move to celebrate and share its storied automotive history, the Ford Motor Company launched the Ford Heritage Vault in June 2022. This expansive digital archive grants public access to over a century’s worth of materials from Ford, Lincoln, and the now-retired Mercury brands. Created as part of Ford’s efforts to make its heritage more accessible and to commemorate the company’s 119th anniversary, the Heritage Vault is a goldmine for car enthusiasts, historians, collectors, educators, and anyone with a passion for American automotive culture.

Buicks at Bates 2025: A Turbocharged Triumph in Valley Center

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the rolling hills of Valley Center, California, played host to the 31st Annual Buicks at Bates car show at Bates Nut Farm. This iconic gathering, renowned as the largest Turbo Buick event on the West Coast, attracted over 100 classic and turbocharged Buicks, including the legendary Grand Nationals and Turbo Regals. Also in attendance were several early Buick GS’s and close to 20 GMC Syclones and Typhoons with one of the 10 Marlboro special edition Syclones coming out of hiding for the show.

Growing Up with Muscle Cars: A Journey Through Time and Family

Consider this, if you will. You have an impressionable 10-year-old boy, who worships his dad and has gone to car shows with him since he was four years old. Thanks in large measure to his pops, he appreciates and learns about cars from the early 1900's up to the present day, but has a soft spot in his heart and his gearhead brain for automobiles from the Art Deco Design 1930's up through the swingin' muscle car 1950's, 60's, 70's and the exotic super and hyper cars of today.

1970-1977 Ford Maverick: History, Specifications, and Options

The Ford Maverick, introduced in April 1969 as a 1970 model, marked a key moment in Ford Motor Company's evolution. Positioned between the era of muscle cars and the dawn of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the Maverick was Ford's answer to growing demand for economical, compact cars—especially in response to competition from imports like the Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Corolla. Over its production run from 1970 to 1977, the Maverick carved out a niche as a stylish yet practical alternative in the compact car segment.

1969 Camaro: A Perfect Blend of Classic Style and Modern Muscle

You have a recipe for American muscle car success, when you mix up a jet-black exterior paint scheme. Add 18-inch custom three-piece dog dish wheels. Achieve the perfect stance with custom chassis underpinnings both front and rear. Install disc brakes fore and aft. Drop in a new stroker V8 engine, backed by a five-speed manual. With the car being a 1969 Camaro that's just dying to be driven - your time was well spent bringing another piece of American automotive history back.

1967 Corvette Sting Ray: History, Specifications, and Options of the Final C2 Corvette

The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray holds a special place in automotive history as the final model year of the celebrated second-generation C2 Corvette. Originally intended to debut an all-new design, the C3 generation was delayed due to aerodynamic inconsistencies uncovered during testing. This postponement gave Chevrolet the opportunity to refine the existing 1963-67 platform one last time—resulting in what many enthusiasts consider the most perfected C2 Corvette ever built. Read on as we take a look back at the history, specifications, and factory options of the legendary 1967 Corvette.

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.