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

Patrick McCarthy

Recent Posts by Patrick McCarthy:

Buick Regal T-Type & Turbo T: The Grand National's Turbo Siblings

The Buick GNX was General Motors' ultimate turbocharged variant of the G-Body Buick Regal, and a mere 547 original GNXs were produced in 1987. Due to the difficulty and expense involved in finding an all-original GNX today, many classic car buyers and restorers have sought out its closest sibling, the Grand National. However, this wasn't the only other high-performance, turbocharged Regal variant. In this article, we'll take a look back at two other performance-oriented, forced-induction Buick Regal models, the Regal T-Type and Turbo T.

1958-64 Impala Identification Guide & Model Year Changes

The Chevy Impala is one of General Motors' most famous and recognizable vehicles, thanks to its widespread appeal. There's an Impala / Full Size Chevy model for almost everyone, from wagons and sedans with room for the whole family to two-door Super Sport models with exhilarating performance and handling. If you're not already an expert on the Impala, you might not know all the design cues and changes that separate one model year from the next, so we've created a simple 1958-64 Impala identification guide that shows the front, rear, and side profile of each year. With this guide, you should have a much easier time spotting Impalas in the wild!

1955-57 Chevy Bel Air, 210, and 150 Production Numbers - How Many Were Built?

From 1955 through 1957, Chevrolet produced the series of iconic vehicles that enthusiasts now refer to as Tri Five Chevy models. More than one million of these cars rolled off the assembly line every year to be distributed throughout North America and the rest of the world. However, as with any car, certain body styles and trim levels were common while others were rare. This is relevant to anyone who wishes to buy or restore a classic Chevy 150, 210, or Bel Air today, since it means that some variants will be easier to find than others. Read on as we take a look at the production numbers for each Tri Five Chevy sub-model.

How to Identify Classic Dodge and Plymouth A, B, and E-Body Vehicles

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Dodge and Plymouth produced some truly fantastic vehicles, which many enthusiasts now refer to as Mopar cars. Classic Dodge models such as the Dart, Charger, and Challenger, and Plymouth models such as the Valiant, Barracuda, and Road Runner, are timeless icons of that era. However, if you're new to Mopar cars, it can be difficult to tell the difference between model years and platforms (the A-body, B-body, and E-body). That's why we've created an illustrated reference guide to help you identify classic Dodge and Plymouth cars.

1955, 1956, & 1957 Chevy Colors and Paint Codes - Solid Colors & Two-Tones

In a recent blog post, we provided a comprehensive guide to interior trim codes for 1955-57 Chevy cars. This week, we're moving our focus from the interior of the vehicle to the exterior. Tri Five Chevy cars were offered in a wide range of eye-catching paint colors and two-tone color combinations, and these options changed with each model year. Read on for a guide to identifying 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevy colors and paint codes.

Many of the reference photos in this article are courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

1955-57 Chevy VIN Decoder & Trim Tag Decoder

If you've ever seen a 1955-57 Chevy classic car and wondered what its original specifications were, there's one way to find out for certain: examine the VIN plate and the trim tag. These two pieces of metal were riveted onto the body of all Tri Five Chevy vehicles, and each provides some valuable information on the way they looked when they left the GM assembly line back in the 1950s. Read on to learn how to use our 1955-57 Chevy VIN decoder and trim tag decoder to find out more about your own '55-57 Chevy, or one you're thinking about buying and restoring.

1967, 1968, & 1969 Camaro Trim Tag Decoder

Given the massive popularity of the first-generation Camaro, it's no surprise that owners of these classic cars are interested in learning more about their vehicles' origins. Some of them have been restored, some have been resto-modded, and a few have been turned into hot rods that greatly diverge from their original specs. Thankfully, it's still possible to check how each of these cars left the General Motors production line, as long as you know where to look. Our 1967-1969 Camaro trim tag decoder can help you learn important details about your Camaro's assembly plant, interior trim, exterior paint color, and more.

Buick GNX Specs - Examining the Ultimate Grand National

The year was 1987, and General Motors was preparing to phase out the popular rear-wheel-drive G-body chassis. In order to give this legendary platform a fitting send-off, Buick engineers got to work to create what some have called one of the most menacing cars to ever roll out of Detroit. The result was known as the Buick GNX, short for Grand National Experimental. A total of 547 GNXs were produced, and each began life as a fully-optioned Grand National. So, what's the difference between a Grand National and GNX? Read on as we take a detailed look at the '87 Buick GNX specs.

1967-2002 Trans Am & Firebird VIN Decoder

The Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am are among the most recognizable classic American cars of all time, alongside their GM cousin the Camaro. It's no surprise that car enthusiasts around the world are drawn to these sporty and elegant vehicles, and undertake restoration projects to bring them back to original condition. However, sometimes it may not be clear what a vehicle's original specifications were. In this case, a VIN decoder can be used to gain some insight. Read on to learn how to find your car's details using our comprehensive 1967-2002 Pontiac Trans Am & Firebird VIN decoder.

What is a Tri Five Chevy? - 1955, 1956, & 1957 Chevrolet Identification Guide

Many who are new to the classic car world have wondered, "what is a Tri Five Chevy?" or "why is it called a Tri Five Chevy?" The nickname Tri Five is used to represent a specific set of classic Chevrolet vehicles, namely the iconic 1955, '56, and '57 Chevrolet cars. This includes the well-known One-Fifty, Two-Ten, Bel Air, and Nomad models, as well as lesser-known sub-models such as the Delray coupe, and Handyman, Townsman, and Beauville wagons. In this article, we'll take a detailed look back at the various configurations, paint codes, and some noteworthy optional accessories for the 1955-57 Chevy Tri Five.