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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

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.

1972 Chevrolet Suburban Addiction Satisfied at Auto Addiction

You could say that someone had a two-year Suburban addiction as he scoured the world wide web for a Chevrolet Suburban. Success came in August of 2023, when Facebook Marketplace yielded an advertisement for a 1972 Suburban at a vintage car restoration and consignment shop in Lake Forest, CA called Auto Addiction.

Video: Graveyard Carz and Classic Industries - Reviving Mopar Legends

Mark Worman, the passionate and meticulous mind behind Graveyard Carz, has spent his career breathing life back into the rarest and most iconic Mopar muscle cars. Known for his unwavering dedication to originality and detail, Worman has turned his Springfield, Oregon-based restoration shop into a beacon for car enthusiasts worldwide. Partnering with Classic Industries, a premier supplier of restoration parts, Worman has amplified his mission to ensure these legendary vehicles are restored to factory condition.

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.