The Chevy Impala is a vehicle we've seen rebuilt in just about every imaginable configuration, ranging from resto-mods packed with modern high-performance parts to intricate custom lowriders made for cruising low and slow. But despite these many eye-catching variations on the platform, the Impala is a vehicle that can still look gorgeous in its original condition or with a few subtle modifications. The 1963 Impala seen here is a wonderful example of what we mean.

These days, if you want a taste of the windswept convertible experience but don't want a car with a soft top, you can always look for a vehicle with a sunroof. However, it wasn't always so easy. Back in the 1960s, models with an optional sunroof were few and far between, and power-operated ones were even rarer. Chris Howder, of Lakewood, California, wanted a sunroof on his '64 Impala, so he sourced one from a Cadillac and had it retrofitted into the Chevy's roof.

Restoring a classic car is a labor of love, and that often means it takes a substantial amount of time to complete the project. As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day. But ask anyone who has poured hard-earned money, sweat, and possibly even some blood into bringing their beloved car back to its flawless original condition, and they'll certainly attest that it was worth it in the long run. Ron Pinegar, of Huntington Beach, California, is no exception. His 1962 Chevy Nova convertible underwent a 10-year restoration.

After decades of hard work, retirement can provide a welcome period of relaxation and time to pursue hobbies. But Ron Keller, of Huntington Beach, California, wanted more than to spend his retired days on the golf course. Instead, he decided to take on a long-term restoration project for one of his all-time favorite classic cars: the 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Although the top-of-the-line Chevy Bel Air has always been popular among classic car fans, we've been pleased to see an increased trend of restoring other variants of the Tri-Five as well. Some of this is due to the popularity of Bel Air models making unrestored examples harder to find, but it's also a result of a growing appreciation for the entire line offered by Chevrolet from 1955 to 1957. If you ask us, all Tri-Fives are cool, from 150 to 210 and Bel Air to Nomad.

The term "shadetree mechanic" is used to refer to a do-it-yourselfer or tinkerer who works on vehicles, often at home in a driveway, garage, or literally under the shade of a tree. We've sometimes heard this term used with a negative connotation, implying that a hobbyist could be under-qualified and might be doing more harm than good by making repairs. However, we've seen firsthand that many of these so-called shadetree classic car restoration projects turn out great. In some cases, the care and attention to detail put into these home builds rivals the work produced by experienced professional shops.

This was the year it all began for the now-famous Tri-Five Chevy. In 1955, Chevrolet released the first model year of this iconic line. The 150 and 210 models were certainly well-received, especially when outfitted with the optional V8 engine. However, the flagship Bel Air was truly a sight to behold. Its carpeted interior, chrome trim, stainless window moldings, and script emblems set this '55 Chevy apart from the rest of the line, and made it memorable to this day.

Unassuming "sleeper" cars can be a lot of fun, since it's always entertaining to surprise onlookers by achieving impressive horsepower and performance in an otherwise ordinary-looking vehicle. However, it can be just as much fun to build a vehicle that has no qualms about showing off its potential for the world to see. Much like a venomous snake with brightly-colored stripes that tell predators "don't mess with me", these raucous cars send a loud and clear message about their potential.

As the years pass, many classic cars diverge from their stock form. Often this is due to the inevitable wear and tear on original components from driving or exposure to the elements. Instead of sourcing original-style reproduction parts, some owners will take their cars in a different direction and begin making modifications. While there's certainly nothing wrong with modding a car to make it your own, we also enjoy seeing classics restored to exactly as they looked when they rolled off the assembly line.

1973 marked a turning point in the history of the automobile. Increasing restrictions on tailpipe emissions had already begun to impact horsepower ratings, and new crash protection safety standards led to increases in the size and weight of vehicles. Then, in October of '73, the OPEC oil embargo would cause fuel prices to skyrocket. Despite these challenges facing the muscle car segment, fun and exciting cars could still be found if you knew where to look.