The 1960s and 1970s were transformative decades for the automotive world. The post-WWII boom had led to the birth of a new era of car design, and designers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of style, innovation, and performance. This was a time when cars were not just modes of transportation—they were symbols of status, freedom, and a rapidly evolving culture. From sleek muscle cars to futuristic concepts, the contributions of key automotive designers during these two decades shaped the vehicles we know today. Below are some of the most influential and visionary designers of the 1960s and 1970s.

The "Coke bottle" design, characterized by its curvaceous body that mimics the silhouette of a classic glass Coca-Cola bottle, stands as a testament to the golden age of American automotive design. This design ethos was especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s, a period that saw the birth and evolution of some of the most iconic pony and muscle cars. Here, we explore the top 10 "Coke bottle" designs that have left an indelible mark on automotive history.

There are a number of vintage Ford Mustang enthusiasts who work at Classic Industries. In fact, the CI colleague who spied this very 1995 Mustang Cobra convertible with the removable hardtop at the 2024 Mustang Madness show, had never seen a '95 Mustang Cobra convertible with a removable hardtop in person before. When photos were shown around the CI office, none of us knew what the heck we were viewing on the colleague's cell phone.

Chip Foose is a name synonymous with automotive artistry and innovation. Known for his seamless blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and passion for car restoration, Foose has become a legendary figure in the custom car industry. His iconic television show, Overhaulin', has not only showcased his remarkable skills but has also inspired millions of automotive enthusiasts around the world. Among his many partnerships, Foose's collaboration with Classic Industries stands out as a perfect marriage of talent and resources, resulting in automotive magic.

As classic car enthusiasts, we're always skeptical of any new law that aims to restrict our ability to enjoy our beloved vehicles. California, a state that's already known for its strict emissions laws managed by the California Air Resource Board (CARB), has recently considered some policies that might adversely impact classic car owners in the state. But one Golden State congressman, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, recently spoke out against these policies in front of the U.S. House, concluding "You will pry my '68 Mustang gear shift out of my cold dead fingers."

More so than any other hue, Fords with gloss black exterior paint schemes hearken back to the early days of the Ford Motor Company. Back in the early 1900's, Ford Model T customers could purchase any color Model T that they so desired, so long as it was black. Pretty much any restored vehicle looks great in black, if the bodywork and paint prep is superb. 

The New York World's Fair was an international expo that showcased technology, art, and culture from 80 nations in an elaborate 646-acre fairground complex. Between 1964 and 1965, the event served more than 51 million visitors, many of whom left the event excited for the futuristic inventions and innovations they had seen. But one product that appeared at the World's Fair had an especially significant and lasting impact: the new Ford Mustang. Ford Motor Company partnered with Walt Disney to design a Magic Skyway attraction where fair attendees could ride in new Ford convertibles along an "automated turnpike of tomorrow."

The vast majority of men and women in the old car hobby are doing something that is awesome with their free time. They're preserving history by restoring or restomodding old cars and giving them a second or third or fourth life. They're using their brains, and their hands, and their money, and their friends, and their families, and passionate professional builders they hire to create and renovate what was magical when it was new and now is superlative renewed and functional in current times.