It's every car enthusiast's worst nightmare to find out their prized vehicle has been stolen. We shudder to think about a classic car sitting safely at home one day, only to disappear the next day without a trace, never to be seen again. This awful scenario is exactly what befell Ivan Ramirez's 1970 Chevy Nova... or so he thought. In reality, the Nova was actually being dismantled and restored by none other than the crew of the hit TV show Overhaulin'.

Trends may come and go, but a true classic never really goes out of style. The first-generation Camaro is a perfect example of this principle. More than 50 years after its debut, this automotive icon still looks just as good as it did when it left the showroom floor. And even though many of the components of these cars have worn out and aged, the availability of a myriad of original-style replacement parts makes it easy to restore a Camaro to like-new condition.

These days, many of us think of the Chevy Nova as a muscle car. While it has certainly been a popular platform for hot-rodders and drag-racers, the Nova was more than just a muscle car. It was born from the Chevy II, a simple and practical commuter car, with four-door variants that could carry the whole family. And in its later years, it turned towards luxury and refinement with models such as this 1978 Nova Custom Cabriolet.

American classic cars are certainly popular here in the states, but there are also enthusiasts around the world who love and appreciate these timeless vehicles. Classic Industries ships restoration parts internationally to many of these individuals. However, it's not always easy for overseas customers to find good-condition project cars, so many turn to exporters in the U.S. who inspect, repair, and ship vehicles to interested buyers. The 1965 Chevy Impala seen here belongs to Piot Wojcik, who makes his living helping car enthusiasts in Europe find their dream cars.

Although the Nova was originally based on the Chevy II, a thrifty and practical commuter vehicle, this memorable name quickly grew to represent a true high-performance muscle car. There's no doubt that the Nova SS could hold its own on the street or the drag strip, but even base-model Novas have often been modified to produce tire-melting power from a small block V8 engine.

These days, the Sport Utility Vehicle segment has become a dominant force in the automotive industry. Anywhere you look, you'll see dozens of SUVs, whether they're small crossovers or full-size family-haulers. In many cases, these versatile vehicles outnumber trucks, sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks. But back in the 1960s, the idea of an SUV was just beginning thanks to innovative models like the Chevrolet Suburban.

The phrase "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" may seem like a rather strange saying, but it makes more sense when you know the origin. It refers to the practice of evaluating a horse's age and health by looking at its teeth — in other words, questioning the value of a gift by inspecting it for small flaws. When Chuck Stubbings, of Huntington Beach, California, received this 1966 Mustang as a gift, it had its fair share of flaws. However, he happily overlooked them and embraced the opportunity for a fun restoration project.

There are many situations in which "too much of a good thing" is a real possibility. Even the things we love can get tiresome if we experience them in excess, like eating chocolate at every meal or listening to a favorite song 24/7. But for Katina Kaliterna, of San Pedro, California, this logic doesn't apply to her restored 1968 Firebird. She drives it every chance she gets, racking up miles with a smile on her face. Take one look at the beautiful Pontiac, and you'll understand why she feels this way.

Back in 1969, the Nova SS could be purchased from any Chevrolet dealer with the standard 350ci small-block V8 or optional 396ci big-block. But some enthusiasts felt there was no replacement for displacement, and wanted more. The iconic Yenko Nova came with a 427ci V8, but those very special cars were rare back then, and they're far rarer today. This led some Nova buyers to follow in the Yenko's footsteps and install 427 big-blocks into their own cars.

In 1965, Ford changed the course of automotive history with the first full model year of Mustang production. Technically, the Mustang was first available in mid-1964 as what enthusiasts call a "1964 1/2", but the success Ford achieved in these early months and years built a foundation for decades of greatness. The restored 1965 Mustang pictured here belongs to Bernard Alvano, of Huntington Beach, California.