Behind the scenes, auto manufacturers and engineers often give their projects code names. This allows them to discuss those projects without leaking secrets to the public, but these nicknames often also indicate the spirit of the project. So, when Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) began developing a special supercharged version of the 4.6L DOHC V8 for the 2003-04 Mustang SVT Cobra, they called the engine "Terminator" — a name that conveyed it would be muscular and almost unstoppable. The Cobra Terminator would go on to become a legendary performance car and modern-day classic. AutotopiaLA recently featured this heavily-modified '03 Cobra Terminator, which makes 1,000 horsepower at the rear wheels.

When Pontiac released the third-generation Firebird in 1982, many enthusiasts felt underwhelmed by the performance. As a result of tightening emissions restrictions, the top-trim 305ci V8 engine in the '82 Trans Am produced only 165 horsepower. These numbers would improve by the end of the third gen's run in 1992, but there was always a desire for an even more potent Firebird — one that could challenge GM's flagship Corvette. A startup called Street Legal Performance (SLP) partnered with Pontiac dealers to make this dream a reality. The resulting car was dubbed the SLP Firehawk, and only 25 were sold that year, making it an extremely rare vehicle today.

When the U.S. military needs a vehicle, it's got to be rugged and tough. You're likely familiar with the HMMWV, also known as the Humvee, which would eventually become the primary "jack-of-all-trades" choice for a light four-wheel-drive military vehicle. But back in the early 1980s, the Humvee program was still in its infancy, and the vehicle that filled this role was based on something you should be equally familiar with: the Chevy K5 Blazer. This heavily-modified, diesel-powered Blazer — built by GM for a U.S. government contract — was known as the M1009 CUCV.

The 1969 Camaro is one of those cars that has seemingly been restored and resto-modded in every imaginable way. As a result of its widespread popularity, the '69 Camaro seems to appear at every classic car show, whether it's a carbureted original-style restoration or a pro-touring build with a modern fuel-injected V8. But for the Camaro owner who wants something truly unique, legendary custom shop Ringbrothers can build a car from the ground up with one-of-a-kind parts. This 1,000hp carbon-fiber-bodied Camaro, named "Strode," is a perfect example of what they do best.

NASCAR vehicles are designed to withstand truly extreme conditions. They lap the track hundreds of times at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour, and in the event of a crash, must withstand the immense force of slamming into a wall at triple-digit speeds. However, once their time on the track is done, they're often retired to an unceremonious end. When Lance Smith of RaceRods found an old 1999 Craftsman Truck Series NASCAR chassis, he saw the perfect opportunity for a project. Grafting on a Chevy C10 body turned this into a mean-looking race truck for the street.

Losing a family member is a painful experience, but one which leaves us only one option: find a way to keep going. When Robert's brother in law passed away, he had been working on a '65 Mustang restomod project that was left incomplete, so Robert decided to finish the build in his honor. The result, as documented by YouTube channel AutotopiaLA, is this stunning 427ci V8-powered car with cantilever suspension and a long list of one-of-a-kind components.

Whether you use the term gearhead, petrolhead, greasemonkey, or car guy/gal, the love of automobiles is a universal principle. For nearly 50 years, we've shipped restoration parts to classic car enthusiasts all over the world, and we're always happy to see those enthusiasts complete their dream projects. We recently saw a video from YouTube channel Petrolicious that perfectly encapsulates the restoration journey of a Frenchman named Jacques who decided to restore a '68 Mustang Fastback in his home city of Strasbourg, France.

Air suspension can be a controversial mod, since some enthusiasts love the smooth ride and versatility, while others think slamming a classic car detracts from its original purpose. No matter what your opinion is, a nicely-built classic truck on air bags has a few clear benefits. It's easier to load the bed, easier to level once there's weight over the rear axle, and rides like a dream. This '66 Chevy C10 built by Old Anvil Speed Shop is a great example, and the 500hp LS motor under the hood is just the cherry on top.

Recently, while scrolling through YouTube, we came across a video from the channel Rare Cars that caught our eye. It lists recommendations for six pre-1982 muscle cars that can serve as fun and affordable projects for under $20,000. After watching the video, we were pleasantly surprised by how thorough the the analysis was, even going so far as to recommend specific years, body styles, and drivetrains that can maximize bang for the buck. Rare Cars also took into account the availability of restoration and performance parts for each of these affordable muscle cars.

Nature can be cruel, and what it does to classic cars sitting outside in the elements isn't pretty. It's always sad to see a vehicle sitting in a field or barn, waiting for someone to rescue and restore it. Dylan McCool, whose YouTube videos we've featured here before, certainly understands this feeling. In his most recent episode, he takes on the challenge of getting this forlorn 1957 Chevy 210 wagon to run and drive again. It's not easy, since the Chevy hasn't moved under its own power in more than 40 years!