In case you've missed the big news, Classic Industries recently announced eight all-new catalogs for Buick and Oldsmobile models, and we're excited to offer a wide array of classic car restoration parts for these models in the near future. Our catalogs will be coming soon for many of these vehicles, but the first one of these lines has already been released.

Every classic car owner we meet has a specific reason for owning and restoring his or her vehicle. Unlike a new car, you can't simply drive to your local dealership and purchase a classic with the exact options you're looking for. These timeless vehicles are chosen, built, and rebuilt with a purpose beyond going from "point A" to "point B".

John Hoisington, of Anaheim, California, built his 1955 Chevy pickup truck in memory of his mother. She passed away in 2010 as a result of cancer, and he restored his truck to honor her memory. He also uses the vehicle to spread the word about cancer awareness and early detection — certainly a noble cause.

Since the company's inception in 1976, Classic Industries has always been forging ahead to provide much-needed restoration parts for classic cars and trucks. The Classic Industries product line started with carpets for the first-generation Camaro, but it certainly didn't stop there.

After becoming the industry leader in Camaro restoration parts, Classic Industries expanded into Firebird / Trans Am, Chevy II / Nova, Impala / Bel Air / Biscayne / Caprice, Chevy and GMC Trucks, 1955-57 "Tri-Five" Chevy, and most recently Mopar Dodge / Plymouth A, B, and E-body. The innovation and expansion still isn't stopping — in Spring 2017, Classic industries proudly announced a new line of catalogs for Buick and Oldsmobile models.

The Buick Grand National was an unconventional car, to say the least. Rather than sticking with the traditional American muscle car formula of squeezing a large-displacement V8 under the hood, GM engineers tried something different: a V6 with a turbocharger. This configuration was a major risk, since turbochargers were still in their infancy when Buick launched the first turbocharged Regal model in 1978. But, after working through a steep learning curve, the configuration produced some astonishing results.

We're often asked what shows and events Classic Industries attends, and in the past that list was short due to other pressing commitments. However, we're glad to announce that we'll be attending several new events in 2017! Keep an eye on our Events & Appearances section for more upcoming opportunities to meet us.

Every classic car has a story, and one of the best parts of our jobs here at Classic Industries is to hear these stories firsthand. This allows us to see the stunning end result of a project that was many years (or sometimes decades) in the making. It also serves as a reminder of all the blood, sweat, and tears that go into completing a difficult project, or realizing a lifelong dream.

Every classic car restoration project has a starting point. Sometimes it's a rusty basket case sitting on cinder blocks in a backyard, other times it's an excellent-condition survivor that just needs a few replacement parts. More often than not, projects start somewhere in between these extremes, with a running and driving car or truck that's a little rough around the edges.

The Tri-Five Chevy Bel Air has a distinctive look that appeals to just about everyone, whether you're a classic car fanatic or someone who knows very little about these vehicles. The sleek curves, bright chrome,and finned rear yield an appearance that has stood the test of time.

The '56 Bel Air seen here is beautiful to look at and nice to drive, and the top-of-the-line 265ci engine originally available on this model was certainly quick for its time. However, by modern standards, the 225 horsepower produced by the 265 V8 isn't exactly blistering. This is why many Tri-Five owners have restomodded their vehicles with newer, more powerful engines, upgraded suspension, and disc brakes.

When you really think about it, classic car parts are simply a precise amalgamation of metal, rubber, plastic, vinyl, and wood. The essential elements of authenticity, fit, and attention to detail also come into play, but a part is little more than a cool-looking paperweight until it's actually put to use.

The 1964 Impala is a true icon of American automotive design. It's one of those vehicles that is recognizable even to those who wouldn't consider themselves classic car enthusiasts, and its long sleek lines exude style from every angle. No matter who you are, when one of these rolls up, you'll know something special has arrived.