While browsing our favorite classic car channels on YouTube, we recently came across this 1972 Chevy Nova in a video from AutotopiaLA. With its 550-horsepower LS3 V8, 6-speed manual transmission, and autocross-oriented suspension setup, it's a very cool build. However, it also has a memorable story behind it. This Nova has been in owner Mike's family for nearly 50 years, and was previously owned by his mother, father, and older brother. "My brother and I basically grew up in the backseat of this car," he recalls.

Many parents hope to share their interests and hobbies with their kids, whether it's fishing, sports, music, or cars. For Andrew Barker, of Lakewood, California, an appreciation for classic cars definitely runs in the family. When we met Barker in the parking lot outside our Retail Showroom, we asked him what motivated him to restore this beautiful '64 Impala wagon. His response was simple: his kids wanted a project car, and he was more than willing to oblige. The license plate "KIDS64" is a testament to this backstory.

The Chevrolet division of General Motors first used the name Impala for its 1956 General Motors Motorama concept car. The graceful African antelope was used as the car’s logo starting with this show car that incorporated Corvette-like design cues, especially in terms of the vehicle’s front grill. Notice the word grill is missing the ‘e’ at the end of the word. For some reason GM always left the ‘e’ off the end, ala BBQ grill, while other car companies use the more common and generally accepted spelling of grille replete with the ending ‘e’.

At Classic Industries®, we believe our ultimate responsibility is to ensure that you will get not only the parts but the information you need to keep your project on the road. So whether it's help sorting your way through the maze of electronic parts, selecting the right belt system for your specific application, selecting the right spring rate, or straightening the body on your classic, Classic Industries has the experienced tech support and the products to help you complete your restoration.

Times are changing in hot-rodding, there's no question about it. Classic Industries, recognizing the increase in the popularity of modern suspension and drivetrain parts in muscle cars and the high-caliber quality of parts now produced by the aftermarket, set out to build a heavily modified, modernized 1969 Camaro.

Our 1953 Chevy 3100 truck was not a typical restoration project for Classic Industries; it is a completely new vehicle built with original-style GM Truck restoration parts. Although we didn't have to deal with the notorious rust and body rot that makes trouble for most restoration projects, we did pound, bend, and stretch the new sheetmetal to fit into our plans for a custom parts hauler. Rather than hiring a professional shop to build the truck, it was built in-house by employees at Classic Industries, enthusiasts who used the skills they developed while wrenching on their own projects.

Since 1958 GM has built a cross-market following from low-down land yachts to quarter mile winning cutters. The Impala has been a part of that diverse culture sailing through America. 1964 we saw the waning of the “Populuxe” era of jet inspired styling move toward luxury cruise ship size elegance. So, how does a restoration and performance parts supplier modernize those features some 43 years later?

Classic Industries®, recognizing both the emerging desire for modern suspension and drivetrain parts in vintage cars and the high caliber of parts now produced in the aftermarket, built this heavily modified 1966 Chevy II/Nova.

My show and go car is a 1967 Camaro SS. She has a 383 small block Chevy stroker engine with over 600 horsepower. The powertrain includes a 671 Weiand blower with a Turbo 400 trans and a nine-inch Ford differential/rear axle.