Classic cars were made to be driven, and the best way to appreciate them is from behind the wheel with an open road ahead. However, there's an inherent element of risk every time a car leaves the garage. Whether it's the result of a distracted driver or an honest mistake, there's always a chance that another motorist might crash into your prized vehicle. That's exactly what happened to this 1972 Road Runner. Fortunately, Thelma Garcia was able to rescue the damaged Plymouth and restore it to its original condition.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to have a car during high school has vivid memories of that vehicle. For some of us, it was a real junker, barely getting us where we needed to go as we struggled to keep it running. For others, it was a first project car, a little rough around the edges but something we took pride in restoring. John Velasquez, of West Covina, California, falls into the latter category. He bought this 1970 Camaro RS back in 1983 while he was in high school, and has owned it ever since.

Every classic car is an expression of its owner's tastes. Some prefer to restore a vehicle to immaculate original condition, with every nut and bolt the way it came from the factory. Others add subtle modifications for street driving, drop in more powerful engines for drag racing, or heavily customize their vehicles for something unique and eye-catching. Sammy Covarrubias, of Santa Ana, California, built his 1962 Chevy Impala to cruise the streets and look good doing it.

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.