The first-generation Plymouth Road Runner was one of the quintessential muscle cars of the late '60s, and remains an icon of the era to this day. The long-nosed body, quad headlamps, and sweeping C-pillars offer a distinctive and memorable look.

The metallic green 1969 Road Runner seen here belongs to Joe Bahash, of Huntington Beach, California.

Like many auto enthusiasts, Leo Logacho's love for classic cars began at a young age. Leo's father owned a Trans Am Special Edition, painted in an eye-catching metallic gold color. He loved everything about his dad's car—the vibrant paint, the hood bird decal, the wide tires, and the deep rumble of the big V8 engine.

Gold isn't a color you see too often on cars these days, with the possible exception of the champagne color used on some luxury sedans. However, back in the early '70s, gold was a much more popular choice—even for muscle cars. This resto-modded 1971 Camaro serves as a reminder of how much gold paint can complement a classic car.

After the groundbreaking success of the 1955-57 "Tri Five" models, Chevrolet had some big shoes to fill in subsequent years. Fortunately, the automaker managed to launch the successful Impala line the very next year, with the 1958 model becoming an instant classic. And rather than resting on its laurels, Chevrolet redesigned the Impala again the very next year, producing a design that hit the peak of the tailfin styling trend in 1959.

Speak to any classic car enthusiast, and you'll realize that memories are often a big part of their love for vintage cars. Seeing these vehicles during childhood, taking road trips with the family, and learning to drive—these memories stick with you, and create a personal attachment that's unforgettable.

Jesse Green, of Midway City, California, shares this sentiment. He remembers sitting behind the wheel of his older brother's 1963 and 1964 Impalas during his teenage years, and it made an impact on him. Many years later, he had the means to buy an Impala of his own, and make new memories behind the wheel, so he did just that.

If you're anything like us, few things get your blood pumping more than the rumble and roar of an American V8. Better yet, that V8 should be under the hood of a classic car that has the timeless looks and aggressive disposition to match the engine's sound. Wide rubber, glossy paint, and sparkling chrome are all part of the equation, too. The 1972 Camaro Z28 seen here is a fine example of what we're talking about—it has all the boxes checked, and then some.

Here at Classic Industries, we're privileged to get to see all kinds of beautiful classic cars on a daily basis, from pristine restorations to custom cruisers and hot rods. However, every so often, something comes along that leaves us simply awestruck. Just when you think you've seen it all, something like this 1947 GMC COE pickup pulls into the parking lot.

The 1955 Bel Air seen here has a history of long-distance travel, and it's about to depart on a new voyage. According to owner Milan Dokic, this Chevy was originally built here in the United States, but spent most of its life south of the border in Mexico. About 10 years ago, it returned to California, after being purchased by a Los Angeles resident. More recently, Milan purchased the car here in California, and will be taking it back home with him—all the way to Melbourne, Australia.

This year marks a historic event for General Motors: the Chevrolet Camaro 50th anniversary. It's a little hard to believe that a car we've come to love so much has been around for five whole decades, but that's certainly not to say it's washed-up by any means. Far from it, in fact—from first-generation to sixth-generation, the Camaro remains an American icon and an important part of our car culture.