For many enthusiasts, building a classic truck begins with months - sometimes years - of searching for the perfect project. For Denny Ruan, it began with a single phone call. Today, nearly three years after that moment, his 1987 GMC Sierra R10 stands as a lowered, tastefully modified cruiser that blends late-’80s squarebody style with personal touches and family craftsmanship.

Classic Industries has released a brand‑new digital version of its full‑color Buick Regal parts and accessories catalog for the 1978–1987 era, with full support for all Buick Regal and Grand National variants (Grand National, GNX, T‑Type, Turbo‑T, and Sport). You can now download the catalog as a PDF or request a free printed copy, making the entire restoration resource instantly accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile.

Restoring a classic Mustang from the first generation (1965 - 1973) is both a rewarding journey and a technical challenge. These cars - ranging from early 1965 models to the muscular 1973 fastbacks - are classics of American automotive history. However, many restorers fall into common traps that undermine both the integrity and value of the final build.

Whether you're tackling a numbers-matching 1966 GT coupe or a 1970 Boss 302, here's a thorough guide to the 10 most common and costly restoration mistakes, complete with historical context and technical insight.

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, produced from 1967 to 1969, holds an iconic place in American muscle car history. Whether it’s the aggressive stance of the ‘69 RS/SS or the elegant simplicity of the ‘67 base coupe, restoring one of these classics is a dream project for many car enthusiasts. However, bringing a vintage Camaro back to life is no small task. Restorers, especially first-timers, often make critical errors that can cost time, money, and value.

The 1967 Mercury Cougar roared onto the scene as a stylish and powerful alternative in the pony car segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar brought a touch of European flair and a lineup of potent V8 engines to the table. Ford intentionally slotted the Cougar between the Mustang and the Thunderbird. The following narrative is a detailed breakdown of the powertrain choices, transmission options, performance packages, and notable extras that made the Cougar a standout in its debut year.

Above: 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions

If you're an automotive enthusiast, the name James May should sound familiar. As one of the three hosts of the legendary BBC TV series "Top Gear" and later "The Grand Tour" on Amazon Prime, he has driven and reviewed a greater variety of vehicles than almost anyone. He's also well known as someone who has a deep appreciation for the classics, with a collection that has included vintage vehicles from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Triumph, Porsche, and Ferrari. In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, he drives and reminisces about a uniquely American classic: the 1969 Ford Torino convertible.

The 1970 Pontiac Firebird marked the beginning of the second generation of Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Launched in the spring of 1970, the second-gen Firebird underwent a radical redesign that distanced it from the boxy aesthetic of the 1960s and embraced a more European-inspired, aggressive styling. Often hailed as one of the most beautifully sculpted American muscle cars of its era, the 1970 Firebird wasn't just about looks - it also packed serious performance credentials and helped Pontiac maintain its reputation as General Motors' performance brand.

The years 1966 to 1972 are widely regarded as the golden age of Trans American (Trans Am) racing, a thrilling period that saw factory-backed muscle cars, legendary drivers, and fierce rivalries come together to create one of the most exciting chapters in American motorsport history. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) launched the series in 1966 to promote showroom stock sedans, but what followed was a war between automakers on the racetrack that would shape the identity of American performance cars for decades.

"To me, this is the golden era of the Camaro," said legendary car collector and restoration enthusiast Jay Leno. "I think it's the prettiest one, the most focused... Just beautiful lines, and nothing it didn't need to have." While we love every generation of Camaro, we can certainly agree with Jay that the 1969 Z/28 is truly something special. It's nice to watch him reminisce about everything GM did right with this car, which is owned by bestselling author Glenn Stearns.

In the muscle car era, where speed ruled and style was king, no name echoed louder than Mustang. And of all the years in its glorious run, 1969 marked a turning point. It was the year Ford went all-in - expanding the lineup, ramping up performance, and putting rubber to the racetrack. The result was a legendary machine that cemented Mustang’s place in history not just as a pony car, but a true performance legend.