The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, produced from 1967 to 1969, holds an iconic place in American muscle car history. Whether it’s the aggressive stance of the ‘69 RS/SS or the elegant simplicity of the ‘67 base coupe, restoring one of these classics is a dream project for many car enthusiasts. However, bringing a vintage Camaro back to life is no small task. Restorers, especially first-timers, often make critical errors that can cost time, money, and value.

The 1967 Mercury Cougar roared onto the scene as a stylish and powerful alternative in the pony car segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar brought a touch of European flair and a lineup of potent V8 engines to the table. Ford intentionally slotted the Cougar between the Mustang and the Thunderbird. The following narrative is a detailed breakdown of the powertrain choices, transmission options, performance packages, and notable extras that made the Cougar a standout in its debut year.

Above: 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions

If you're an automotive enthusiast, the name James May should sound familiar. As one of the three hosts of the legendary BBC TV series "Top Gear" and later "The Grand Tour" on Amazon Prime, he has driven and reviewed a greater variety of vehicles than almost anyone. He's also well known as someone who has a deep appreciation for the classics, with a collection that has included vintage vehicles from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Triumph, Porsche, and Ferrari. In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, he drives and reminisces about a uniquely American classic: the 1969 Ford Torino convertible.

The 1970 Pontiac Firebird marked the beginning of the second generation of Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Launched in the spring of 1970, the second-gen Firebird underwent a radical redesign that distanced it from the boxy aesthetic of the 1960s and embraced a more European-inspired, aggressive styling. Often hailed as one of the most beautifully sculpted American muscle cars of its era, the 1970 Firebird wasn't just about looks - it also packed serious performance credentials and helped Pontiac maintain its reputation as General Motors' performance brand.

The years 1966 to 1972 are widely regarded as the golden age of Trans American (Trans Am) racing, a thrilling period that saw factory-backed muscle cars, legendary drivers, and fierce rivalries come together to create one of the most exciting chapters in American motorsport history. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) launched the series in 1966 to promote showroom stock sedans, but what followed was a war between automakers on the racetrack that would shape the identity of American performance cars for decades.

"To me, this is the golden era of the Camaro," said legendary car collector and restoration enthusiast Jay Leno. "I think it's the prettiest one, the most focused... Just beautiful lines, and nothing it didn't need to have." While we love every generation of Camaro, we can certainly agree with Jay that the 1969 Z/28 is truly something special. It's nice to watch him reminisce about everything GM did right with this car, which is owned by bestselling author Glenn Stearns.

In the muscle car era, where speed ruled and style was king, no name echoed louder than Mustang. And of all the years in its glorious run, 1969 marked a turning point. It was the year Ford went all-in - expanding the lineup, ramping up performance, and putting rubber to the racetrack. The result was a legendary machine that cemented Mustang’s place in history not just as a pony car, but a true performance legend.

Before the days of the world wide web, old car enthusiasts would find vintage automobiles listed for sale in the classified section of their local newspaper. Or perhaps they'd have a subscription to Hemmings Motor News, where antique cars would be listed for sale across the U.S.A. and in later years even the world over. They might also purchase Auto Trader magazines at neighborhood magazine newsstands. Back when Road & Track magazine was still published, that monthly also had several pages of classified ads in the back of the mag with cars and parts listed for sale.

When it comes to restoring a classic car, there are two schools of thought. Some owners prefer to take the car to a restoration shop and let the pros do most of the work. There's nothing wrong with that plan, but for owners who have a tighter budget and more spare time, it often makes sense to take a "do it yourself" approach. That's exactly what Omar Guevara, the owner of this '71 Mustang Fastback, did after buying this car from his father. The result is a cool streetable classic Mustang that didn't break the bank.

Classic Industries, a trusted leader in the automotive restoration and performance parts industry, is excited to announce the release of the new digital version of the Camaro Parts and Accessories Catalog. This online resource brings all the quality and detail of the printed catalog into a powerful, easy-to-use digital format—perfect for customers who want fast, convenient access to parts on the go, without replacing the traditional catalog many still know and love.

Whether you prefer flipping through pages at your workbench or browsing online from your phone or tablet, Classic Industries now offers the best of both worlds.