Here at Classic Industries, we see a wide range of customer cars, from modernized resto-mods to original-style restorations. Occasionally, however, we come across a car so pristine and original that it looks as if it just rolled off the showroom floor. Karen McDermott's '58 Chevy Impala is one such car. Its immaculate silver-blue metallic paint, glistening chrome, and multi-stripe blue vinyl interior instantly transport us back to the 1950s.

As classic car enthusiasts and restorers, our cars are often much more than simple machines or forms of transportation. Over many years, our cars take on personalities of their own and become irreplaceable parts of our lives—almost like members of the family. The '67 Pontiac Firebird seen here became a member of Tim Woolard's family back in 2000, during the midst of a stressful time in his life. Tim was acting as a caregiver for his ailing, elderly parents, and the restoration of his rusty old Firebird gave him an outlet for his near-overwhelming levels of stress.

If you owned an auto restoration shop, how would you advertise your skills? Sure, you could spend big bucks on billboards, TV commercials, and print ads, or you could cut to the chase and build a vehicle that shows off what you can really do. That's exactly what Edgar Hernandez did to promote his business, Starlite Rod & Kustom Shop, in Torrance, California. The slick customized '72 GMC C30 dually seen here is the result of his efforts. Even better, it's not just a show vehicle. It also serves as the parts hauler for the many restoration projects he works on.

If you imagine a muscle car, odds are that you picture something with wide tires, a loud exhaust, a huge motor, and aggressive styling cues. Although this traditional interpretation is undoubtedly cool, there are many ways that the idea of a muscle car can be interpreted. Here at Classic Industries, we love muscle cars of all shapes and sizes, and that's why Jack Petitt's refined take on a muscle car is so appealing to us. Jack restored this deep blue '69 Nova with the help of his daughter, and together they created a car that's as sophisticated as it is powerful.

One of the things we love about classic cars is their wide range of variation in shapes, sizes, and styles. Some classic cars appear aggressive and muscular, with wide flared fenders and gaping grill openings, while others appear poised and refined, with intricate chrome ornaments and sweeping lines. If we had to use a single word to describe this 1964 Plymouth Valiant, that word would be cheerful. The wide-set round headlights, bright red body, and peppy 318ci V8 would put a smile on anyone's face.

If you've ever owned or restored a classic car, you'll no doubt know that it can be an expensive endeavor. Iconic classics such as the '57 Bel Air and '69 Camaro fetch large sums of money whenever they are sold, even in barely drivable condition. Then there's the cost of parts and labor, which must also be taken into consideration. So, how does a young enthusiast afford to get into classic cars? Thomas Coursey, of Anaheim, California, found a solution to this dilemma via the 1980 Firebird Esprit seen here. It has all the pedigree, V8 rumble, and sculpted good looks that initially attracted Thomas to American muscle cars, but lacks the steep price tag of older or higher-trim models.

One of the most difficult things about restoring a classic car or truck is envisioning what the end result will look like. Sure, those shiny new parts look great in the photos online, and even in their boxes in your garage, but how will they look on your project vehicle? Also, how do you choose the right paint color, wheel size, and ride height with nothing more than a mental picture? You can always make an educated guess at what will look good, but sometimes it's best to visualize a goal before the project begins—that's where a rendering comes into play.

What is the fastest production Pontiac Trans Am? This question is the source of much debate, since many factors contribute to its answer, including driver skill, altitude, and tire compound. However, there's no question that the 1989 20th Anniversary Edition Turbo Trans Am is one of the fastest T/As ever, if not the fastest. Car and Driver magazine clocked this limited-production car at a blistering 4.6-second 0-60 time, calling it "the quickest 0-60 sprinter available in any US production-car showroom at any price." The car's 13.4-second quarter mile time may not sound particularly fast today, but in 1989, it was comparable to that of Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It wasn't until almost a decade later, and the release of the LS1-powered fourth-gen cars, that another production Trans Am could come close to these figures.

Here in southern California, the mention of a 1962 Impala makes many of us think of one thing: lowriders. Impalas, especially the '62 and '63 models, are extremely popular among the lowrider crowd, to the point that we see quite a few of these cars roaming the streets of SoCal while riding low on wire wheels and whitewall tires. Case in point: this '63 Impala SS that showed up in our parking lot not long ago. However, there's much more to this era of Impala than the common lowrider style. This '62 Super Sport coupe was built as a lightly modified cruiser, and features a timeless design that anyone can appreciate.