The sort of vehicles that we get exposed to in our upbringing can influence the kind of cars and trucks that we wish to own later in life. If the vehicle is old enough (and the car's would-be caretaker has sufficient spending cash), it could be the sort of car/truck that an auto enthusiast wishes to purchase as a project vehicle to maintain (if it's running), renovate, or resto-mod. The various forms of media — radio, TV, movies, the internet, video games, etc. — all can contribute in a big way to this sort of automotive exposure and influence. Today, we'll discuss a few of our favorite American classic cars from movies and TV shows.

The late sixties were a groundbreaking time in America, from the Summer of Love to the ongoing space race. Automotive technology was moving quickly as well, with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler all vying for top position in the peak of the muscle car era. No matter your preference, there was one pair of Mopar cars that captured every car enthusiast's attention: the Dodge Charger Daytona and the Plymouth Superbird. Some liked their sleek sheet metal and instantly-recognizable rear wings, while others thought they were too ostentatious, but everyone was transfixed by these race-ready Mopar "wing cars."

Over the years, we've seen quite a few restomod builds arrive at the parking lot in front of our Retail Showroom. This category of vehicles combines original-style restoration parts with modern components to create a unique blend of old and new. Many restomods add only a handful of subtle changes under the skin, and some take this further, replacing the entire engine and suspension with brand-new parts. However, few restomods we've seen are as extreme as this 1973 Charger. In fact, so many of its parts have been swapped out that some might say the term doesn't adequately describe it.

These days, many people associate the Dodge Charger with its modern four-door Mopar namesake, whether it's in the form of a fun family hauler, police car, or tire-shredding Hellcat. Many others recall the muscular B-body Charger of the late '60s and early '70s, as well as its appearances in Bullitt and The Dukes of Hazzard. But the history of this automotive icon started back in 1966 with the first-generation fastback Charger.

We've spoken to many classic car owners over the years who drive their restored vehicles frequently, rain or shine. But it takes a special kind of owner to hop behind the wheel of a 50-year-old muscle car with a 500ci V8 and manual transmission and embark on a 2,600-mile road trip just for fun. It also takes a special vehicle to remain reliable and comfortable on such a journey. Jasper Thomas, of Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada is that kind of owner. His 1968 Dodge Charger is that kind of car.

When someone mentions the Dodge Charger, many classic car enthusiasts will think of the iconic 1968-70 models immortalized in Hollywood productions such as The Dukes of Hazzard, Vanishing Point, and even The Fast and the Furious. While there's certainly no denying the importance and beauty of these second-gen B-body Mopars, we feel just as strongly about their predecessor: the 1966-67 Charger.

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.

In the early 1970s, the American muscle car had entered a dark time. The Clean Air Act of 1970 caused manufacturers to add smog controls to their vehicles, leading to reduced horsepower and a move toward smaller-displacement engines. Then, in 1973, the OPEC oil embargo caused fuel prices to skyrocket, and made supplying thirsty big-blocks a difficult task.

R/T--two letters that will instantly put a smile on the face of any classic Mopar enthusiast. Representing "Road/Track", the R/T package bridged the gap between an ordinary street car and a hardcore track machine. In the case of the 1970 Charger seen here, the R/T badges mean it came standard with a 440ci Magnum V8 that produced 375hp and a whopping 480lb-ft of torque. The R/T model also included heavy-duty suspension components, simulated scoops on the doors, sleek one-piece tail lamp trim, and a longitudinal rear "bumblebee" stripe. In 1970, the Charger R/T replaced the Charger 500 at the top of the model's three-level performance hierarchy (aside from the race-ready Daytona model).

Classic Industries is proud to announce its latest MOPAR catalog, packed full of new A, B, and E-Body restoration parts and accessories! In this post, we've compiled a sample of the many all-new products you'll find in the pages of our latest MOPAR book. To see even more groundbreaking products, check out the 2015 catalog, now available in full-color printed format or as a PDF digital download.