Shop ClassicIndustries.com
classic-news-blog-main-header-1

1968 Camaro - Displacement Replacements

It's not uncommon these days to come across a classic car that has undergone an engine swap. In fact, for some models, there are many more examples that have been swapped than those that retain the original-spec engine. However, it's certainly less common to see a vehicle that has gone through as many different engines as this 1968 Camaro.

The '68 Camaro seen here belongs to Steve Koster, of Huntington Beach, California. Those who are familiar with these cars might guess it has a 327, 350, or even a 396. While it likely rolled off the factory floor with one of those engines, it's long gone now.

1995 Impala SS - A 700hp Monster

When someone mentions the name Impala SS, most people think of the 1961 through 1969 Super Sport models. That shouldn't come as a surprise, since this original 9-year production run yielded some of the most iconic vehicles of the muscle car era. We'll always love these early cars, but there's another Impala SS that developed its own cult following and certainly deserves recognition: the 1994-1996 Impala SS.

In 1994, General Motors resurrected the Impala SS name to create a high-performance car based on the Caprice platform. The new SS cars received performance-oriented suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 5.7L LT1 V8, among other upgrades. The model was discontinued in 1996 after a three-year production run.

Detroit News Interviews Jeff Leonard

Growth from Necessity

The saying: “Necessity is the mother of invention” is true in so many of life’s scenarios, and has had an continuous impact on society. Where would civilization be without the wheel? Where would technology be if it weren’t for Bill Gates and Steve Jobs? Where would the exotic car world be if Ferruccio Lamborghini didn’t have his “unpleasant customer experience” when he tried to get his Ferrari fixed? Well, that last example was more about needing to “stick it” to someone rather than to build a car—but he still changed the automotive world!

1969 Chevy C10 - Subtle 454 Restomod

In more ways than one, this Chevy C10 isn't what it seems. Glancing at the front end, you'll see cues that indicate it might be a 1967 or '68 model: the lower-profile hood, "Chevrolet" lettering, and grille style all match these earlier model years. The lack of side markers on the fenders and bedsides would make seem to indicate a '67 model, but the cab's large rear window says it's at least a '68 model, since 1967 trucks had a small rear window.

The owner of this truck — Darin Smith, of Huntington Beach, California — tells us it's actually a 1969 Chevy C10. Darin found the truck out in the California desert, and rebuilt it with a mixture of parts to achieve the look he wanted. He liked the appearance of the '68 front end, so he purchased a replacement hood, grille, and emblems for that model year. The fenders and bedsides bear no side markers, because he liked that clean appearance only found on the '67 trucks.

Behind the Names: Chevrolet Apache, Viking, and Spartan

1970 Camaro - Stealthy Split-Bumper

Here at the Classic Industries Retail Showroom, we often see vehicles you might call "head-turners". They're decked-out in red, yellow, green, or purple paint, airbrushed with stripes or flames, and covered in sparkling chrome galore. However, a few vehicles we see in our parking lot take things in the opposite direction with an understated stealthy look.

At first sight, this 1970 Camaro had us subconsciously humming "Paint it Black" by the Rolling Stones. Every inch of the car's exterior has been blacked-out, from the split bumpers and projector headlamp housings to the steering wheel, Wilwood disc brake calipers, and 19-inch Intro billet wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires.

Barnfind Cars: What is a "Barn Find" and How Can It Be Restored?

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. We fantasize about discovering a rare, original, and highly sought-after classic car that had been stowed away in a barn, garage, or yard for decades, preserved like a time capsule from the past. Unfortunately, the reality is that these barnfinds are still old cars. They've been sitting in the same spot without use or maintenance, often for decades. So, if you come across one of these vehicles, how should you examine, repair, and restore it?

1967 Camaro SS - Rotisserie Restomod

The term "rotisserie" is often used in a culinary context, such as the whole roasted chickens that you'll find under heat lamps at the grocery store. But you'll also hear the term in the automotive restoration industry. So what does this mean in the context of a classic car?

Fortunately, rotisserie restoration has nothing to do with skewering a car over an open flame — we shudder at the thought. As you may have guessed, rotisserie restoration involves suspending the front and rear of a car on a special rack, and rotating it to access every nook and cranny of the underbody. Short of disassembling and removing the body for a full frame-off restoration, it's one of the best ways to thoroughly restore a vehicle.

This 1967 Camaro SS belongs to Graeme Chapman, of Huntington Beach, California. Graeme bought the car in 2008, and proceeded with a full rotisserie restoration to achieve the stunning results seen here.

1972 Chevy Nova - One-Owner Project Car

Time has a way of changing most things in life. As the years pass, new relationships form, families grow, career paths develop, and hobbies change. That's why it's so impressive to come across a one-owner classic car. Over the course of four and a half decades, most people go through several vehicles. It takes a special individual to stay dedicated to one car for that long.

This 1972 Chevy Nova belongs to D.J. Jimenez of Garden Grove, California. He tells us he is the original owner, and after all this time, he knows every inch of the car. D.J. recently retired, so he plans to utilize some of his newly-acquired free time to restore it.

D.J.'s Nova might not look like it needs much restoration, since he has kept it in excellent shape over the years. The stock 350ci V8 was worn out after 20 years of use, and D.J. dropped in a replacement 350 engine, which has served him well for over 40,000 miles. The car has retained its rare original floor-shift Saginaw 3-speed manual.

1972 Chevy Cheyenne - The $1 Pickup

One dollar doesn't get you much these days. You can head down to the local fast food restaurant and buy an item off the value menu, or here in California, you can put about 1/3 gallon of gas in your car. Even at the dollar store, many items you'll find on the shelves cost more than a buck. That's why Robert Henderson, of Costa Mesa, CA, calls his 1972 Chevy Cheyenne the "best deal ever" — he bought it for just $1.

As you might imagine, there's more to the story of this purchase. This truck originally belonged to Robert's grandfather, who bought it brand new in March 1972 for $4,010. Robert's grandfather drove it almost every day for the next 40 years, racking up nearly 500,000 miles. In 2013, he finally decided to let the truck go, and generously passed it on to Robert for a measly $1.