The Indianapolis 500 has used an official pace car since its very first race in 1911, setting the pace for what would become one of the most celebrated traditions in motorsport. Here's a detailed look at the evolution—from pioneering makes of the early 20th century to today’s high-performance supercars.

In 2010, a classic car enthusiast stumbled across a forgotten gem that the previous owner had discovered in a ramshackle barn: a 1965 Ford Fairlane 500. The Fairlane 500's current owner, Robert Weber, named her Lainey—a moniker that reflects both her graceful lines and the affection she has earned over the years. Covered in a thick layer of green mold and grime, Lainey at first glance looked like she had seen better days. But what lay beneath was nothing short of remarkable.

When John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States on January 20, 1961, the ceremony and surrounding festivities were marked by a powerful blend of tradition and modernity. One of the most visually striking and historically notable elements of the 1961 Inaugural Parade was the use of a fleet of specially modified 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertibles, known as the Presidential Thunderbirds. These unique vehicles embodied the glamour, innovation, and forward-looking spirit of the new Kennedy administration.

The 1961 Ford Thunderbird was a styling triumph for the Ford Motor Company during the space race American car styling epoch of the late 1950's and early 1960's. No one person is credited with coining the nickname Bullet Bird, just as no one designer for the Ford Motor Company is acknowledged with creating this superlative automotive shape that so aptly characterizes space race automotive styling during this era.

In a landmark move to celebrate and share its storied automotive history, the Ford Motor Company launched the Ford Heritage Vault in June 2022. This expansive digital archive grants public access to over a century’s worth of materials from Ford, Lincoln, and the now-retired Mercury brands. Created as part of Ford’s efforts to make its heritage more accessible and to commemorate the company’s 119th anniversary, the Heritage Vault is a goldmine for car enthusiasts, historians, collectors, educators, and anyone with a passion for American automotive culture.

Consider this, if you will. You have an impressionable 10-year-old boy, who worships his dad and has gone to car shows with him since he was four years old. Thanks in large measure to his pops, he appreciates and learns about cars from the early 1900's up to the present day, but has a soft spot in his heart and his gearhead brain for automobiles from the Art Deco Design 1930's up through the swingin' muscle car 1950's, 60's, 70's and the exotic super and hyper cars of today.

The Ford Maverick, introduced in April 1969 as a 1970 model, marked a key moment in Ford Motor Company's evolution. Positioned between the era of muscle cars and the dawn of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the Maverick was Ford's answer to growing demand for economical, compact cars—especially in response to competition from imports like the Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Corolla. Over its production run from 1970 to 1977, the Maverick carved out a niche as a stylish yet practical alternative in the compact car segment.

Nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania, the Drag School Boot Camp in Lewisberry stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for young adults facing the consequences of their past actions. Operating under the umbrella of National Drag School Youth Projects Inc., this program has been a cornerstone of rehabilitation and community service for over two decades.

When it comes to classic television detectives, few were as cool — or as car-savvy — as Joe Mannix, played by Mike Connors in the long-running CBS series Mannix (1967–1975). A tough, street-smart private investigator with a penchant for physical confrontations and old-fashioned grit, Mannix was also notable for the parade of stylish, performance-oriented automobiles he drove across the show’s eight seasons. These cars not only underscored his rugged yet sophisticated persona, but also became stars in their own right, many of them customized by legendary car builder George Barris, of Batmobile fame.

Let’s take a deep dive into the cars Mike Connors drove as Joe Mannix, season by season.

Mustang fans, get excited—Classic Industries has just launched a brand-new interactive catalog experience, offering a streamlined and feature-rich experience for gearheads, restorers, and weekend warriors alike. Whether you're restoring a '65 fastback or upgrading a Fox Body or SN95, this catalog is a game-changer for finding the parts you need faster and easier than ever before.