What is a classic car? It seems like a simple question, but in reality, the definition is always changing. Back in the late '60s, first-generation Camaros and Firebirds were considered cool cars, but they were also rather commonplace. Now, those cars are highly prized and acknowledged by everyone as true classics. In the 1980s, the same could be said of second-gen Camaros—they weren't seen as classics then, but now they certainly are.

Here at Classic Industries, we're always pleasantly surprised to meet classic car enthusiasts from outside the US. Of course we know that most Americans appreciate vintage muscle cars like the Camaro, but it's nice to see the popularity of these cars is growing overseas, too. Lately, it's becoming more common to meet car guys at our showroom from places like Sweden, Norway, Australia, and the UK. And, just like us, they are passionate about restoring and preserving classic American cars. The love of classic muscle cars is certainly becoming a global phenomenon.

Throughout history, prized possessions have been passed down from generation to generation. If you were lucky, maybe you inherited a massive tract of land or herd of livestock from your father—if you were unlucky, maybe you got a bottle cap collection. Although we don't typically depend on our inheritances to define our futures anymore, important items are still passed from father to son (or daughter) as family heirlooms to preserve. The 1965 Chevy C20 seen here is one example of a family heirloom, and through son Gary Skinner's loving hands, his father's old truck has been reborn.

The 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas was packed to the gills with cool custom cars of every size, shape, make and model. Whether you like timeless classic cruisers, resto-modded street machines, purpose-built drag racers, modern muscle, trucks, or even motorcycles, the show has some of virtually everything. So, we walked the show and snapped photos of some of our favorite cars to share with you.

1955-57 "Tri-Five" Chevys were especially popular this year, with a wide variety of different models on display. However, there were some that stood out more than others. So, without further ado, here are our Top 5 Chevy Tri-Fives of this year's SEMA Show.

The Classic Industries team has been at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas all week, walking through the aisles and looking for the coolest cars and trucks to share with you. Today, we came upon this absolutely jaw-dropping 1956 Chevy 210, and knew we had to snap some photos. Its shocking orange paint and glistening chrome sparkled like a beacon in the Nevada sunlight, drawing us in to get a closer look.

Think of a car that represents American car culture, or even automotive culture in general, and you'll be hard-pressed to find one more iconic than the '57 Chevy Bel Air. From the aircraft-inspired hood ornaments, to the sweeping wheel arches, to the raked tail fins, every element of this car's design is eye-catching and memorable. There really is no angle from which the Bel Air doesn't look good, and that's a claim few cars have lived up to since. In fact, this car has been around for over half a century, but it still remains relevant and undeniably cool.

Think of a car that represents American car culture, or even automotive culture in general, and you'll be hard-pressed to find one more iconic than the '57 Chevy Bel Air. From the aircraft-inspired hood ornaments, to the sweeping wheel arches, to the raked tail fins, every element of this car's design is eye-catching and memorable. There really is no angle from which the Bel Air doesn't look good, and that's a claim few cars have lived up to since. In fact, this car has been around for over half a century, but it still remains relevant and undeniably cool.

Mention the Chevy Nova today, and most people will envision a high-performance muscle car. However, the Nova's beginnings were much less glamorous than that—it started out as an optional trim level on the unassuming Chevy II commuter car. The Nova's image has changed so much, most people even forget the car wasn't offered with a V8 engine for the first two years of its production, even in its top-of-the-line Super Sport form. Back in '62, you got to choose between a 153ci four-cylinder or a 194ci inline-six—not particularly exciting.

As car enthusiasts, we tend to think of our vehicles as much more than a simple mode of transportation—to us, they're rolling works of art. However, it's also important to keep in mind that these timeless automotive creations are meant to be functional, not just sit collecting dust like pretentious sculptures. Every car or truck has a purpose, a role it was designed to fulfill. As for this 1961 Impala SS convertible, its purpose is clear: this car was built to cruise.

Up through the 1960s, GM trucks were famous for their smooth sculpted lines and aerodynamic curves. Even though the 1967-72 models were a slight departure from the curvy styling with their beveled beltline, the C10 trucks still retained their sleek look into the early seventies. Then, in 1973, everything changed with the introduction of what soon became known as the "square body".

Certain things in life just seem to naturally go together. Burgers and fries, American cars and V8 engines, country music and pickup trucks. Yet another of these iconic pairings is surfers and station wagons. It has almost become a cultural cliché to see the image of a classic Woodie wagon with a surfboard on top, overlooking the beach and distant waves. With the versatility, roominess, and flat-out cool factor of classic station wagons, it's no wonder why they have become the ride of choice for the surfer subculture.