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Decoding Your 1965 Ford Mustang's Data Plate & VIN

Whether you're on the hunt for a 1965 Ford Mustang or you already own a '65, it's important to know how your Mustang was originally built, when it rolled off the Ford assembly line. Should you be looking to buy an old Ford pony car, how the Mustang was originally equipped is a big key to establishing her value. Knowing this upfront can be used in negotiating a fair price, or deciding whether or not you wish to make an offer in the first place. If you're already a Mustang owner and you're restoring her to factory new, you'll need her DNA of how she was born (built) from back in the day.

Petersen Museum Showcases Lowriders with New "Best in Low" Exhibit

"Lowriding unites more than just families, it unites cultures. You go to a show and you're gonna see that melting pot," explained Albert De Alba, Sr. He's part of a three-generation legacy of lowrider builders, starting with his father Mario and continuing to his son Albert Jr. Several of the De Alba family's custom creations are part of a new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA, appropriately titled "Best in Low."

Over 100 1st Generation Camaros Renewed & Still Counting

Over 100 is quite many! A Camaro enthusiast should definitely be considered a Camaro connoisseur, if he has owned more than 100 first generation Camaros (1967, 1968, 1969) through the years. More specifically, a Camaro convertible collector since most of the over 100 cars have been convertibles.

Ruffian '67 Mustang Fastback: A Gentleman's Racecar

Back in the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra 289 FIA dominated races throughout Europe and the United States, putting the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Jaguar in its rear view mirror. In 1965, it became one of the first American cars to win the FIA's International Championship for GT Manufacturers. For Chris Ashton of Ruffian Cars, this legendary history served as inspiration for a '67 Mustang Fastback project, which he called a "gentleman's racer." It features a custom widebody, 364ci aluminum small-block V8, 5-speed TKX manual transmission, and lots of cool racing-inspired details.

Visiting the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center - Mr. Shelby is Smiling!

A Classic Industries coworker told me several months ago to go visit the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center, in Irvine, California, and several times thereafter over the passing months. Every time he mentioned it, I'd make a mental note to myself while responding to him with something like, "Yeah, I gotta go there and check out all the Shelby Mustangs, Cobras, and Shelby Daytona coupes." 

Fast & Loud: TheCraig909's 1971 Ford F-100

It's often said that a picture is worth 1,000 words, but when it comes to cars, the sound of a raucous V8 engine might be worth even more. From the rumbling, choppy idle to the screaming redline, we always enjoy a classic car that sounds as good as it looks. Craig LoPresti, also known by his YouTube handle TheCraig909, has a 1971 Ford F-100 that most certainly falls into this category. He describes the sound of its built, cammed, 500-horsepower Ford small block as "insane," and after hearing it, we agree with the description.

"Apocalypse" - An 800hp 1969 Camaro Built During COVID

Sometimes life gives you lemons and you've got to make lemonade. When COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns hit, Gio, the owner of this 1969 Camaro, took it as an opportunity to finally finish the restomod project he started in 2016. The resulting build features an 800-horsepower supercharged LT5 V8, T-56 Magnum transmission, Chris Alston G-Machine chassis, 3-piece wheels, unique custom interior, and much more. The Camaro was nicknamed Apocalypse, which "seemed fitting" given the timing, Gio said with a smile.

Classic Industries Employees' American Muscle Cars

Though we spend our five- and six-day work weeks catering to the needs of our honored customers who own and are working on, driving, showing, and enjoying American muscle machines, many Classic Industries employees are wrenching away, driving, and enjoying our own vintage vehicles in our free time. Some of us drive our old cars daily. 

1966 Martini Mustang T-5R: The Mustang Racecar That Never Was

Whether it's fictional tales of alternate history or sci-fi movies about parallel dimensions, many of us enjoy pondering what might've happened if the past played out a little differently. In the automotive realm, there were many period-correct parts and upgrades that, in retrospect, could've been combined to create a fantastic vehicle from an alternative timeline. This thought process led Steve Strope, of Pure Vision Design in Simi Valley, California, to build his 1966 Ford Mustang into a truly unique racecar that never existed. Starting with a Ford/Lotus Indy car engine from the same year, and drawing inspiration from road rally cars and the iconic Martini & Rossi racing team livery, Strope's Mustang is the best kind of automotive fantasy.

Muscle Car Royalty: 1970 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible

"When you think of muscle cars, if there's a Holy Grail, it probably has to be this: the 1970 Hemi 'Cuda," said Jay Leno. On a recent episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Leno met with Craig Jackson, the Chairman and CEO of the famous Barrett-Jackson Auction company. Jackson is the owner of this stunning, all-original Hemi 'Cuda, and he explained to Leno how he came to own this very special car. Despite its rarity and multi-million-dollar value, Jackson still drives and enjoys it.