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.

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.

Many of the restored classic cars that show up in our Retail Showroom parking lot are driven frequently, and this fact always makes us smile. After all, while these timeless vehicles look great standing still, they're truly at their best in motion. The men and women who originally designed and built them intended them to be driven, so we're glad to play our part in making sure that's still happening several decades after these cars and trucks rolled off the assembly line.

By 1973, the Camaro had long since established itself as a fun and engaging vehicle, but Chevrolet was looking to expand the appeal of this successful model even further. For some drivers, a hardcore track machine was less attractive than one with more focus on comfort and refinement. In pursuit of a trim package that would draw in these buyers, Chevy developed the 1973 Camaro Type LT. This shift in direction was especially relevant considering the increasing emissions restrictions of the early '70s.

Michael Williams, of Ontario, California, has owned this 1969 Camaro RS convertible for more than four decades. He originally bought the car back in 1977, and quickly fell in love with its timeless style and open-air driving experience.

Walking through the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is an overwhelming experience. Each year, the show fills the Las Vegas Convention Center (and its outdoor parking lots) with thousands of custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles of every kind. Whether you're into modern muscle cars, meticulously-restored classics, lowriders, trucks, pro-touring resto-mod builds, or any other subset of the automotive culture, you'll find countless examples of vehicles that fit your favorite theme.

Autocross is a form of racing that pushes a car and its driver to the limit. On the surface, it seems relatively simple: navigate a cone course as quickly as possible without hitting any cones or losing control. Most autocross courses are relatively compact, and don't provide enough room to reach the triple-digit speeds you might see on a full-size track. However, the sport places a heavy emphasis on precise acceleration, braking, and handling. Making a car dance through the cones is far from easy.

Restoring a classic car can be a great bonding experience that bridges the gap between generations. A parent may have fond memories of driving a specific car during their youth, and can share that with their children, allowing them to make memories of their own behind the wheel. Seeing through a restoration project to completion isn't always easy, but it's certainly a worthwhile endeavor.

With a 6.2L aluminum block, high-flow heads, and a 1.9-liter Eaton TVS supercharger, the Chevrolet LSA is one seriously potent motor. This engine was originally found in the 2012 through 2015 Camaro ZL1, but is also available from Chevrolet Performance as a crate configuration that produces 556 horsepower and 551 ft-lbs of tire-melting torque.