Classic Cruising with Larry D'Argis

One of the most iconic cars from the 1970s was the Hemicuda.

The 425-horsepower, 426-cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi V8 had been available in most of the mid-size Dodge and Plymouth line since the mid-1960s, but it wasn't a factory option in the Barracuda until the E-body car hit the showrooms in 1970 …

The third-generation Mustang, completely restyled and re-engineered, made its debut as a 1969 model.

Loosely based on styling cues from the 1967-68 Mach I show car, it had simulated rear-quarter air scoops, rear spoiler, fiberglass hood scoop, hood-lock pins, quad headlamps and a lower swept-back roofline.

The new Mustang retained its 108-inch …

The Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced in 1964 as a mid-size model between the Impala and the Chevy II.

Chevrolet felt a mid-sized car would be appealing to young families wanting a bit more room and driveability than the compact, yet not financially ready to step up to a full-size car.

But the …

In 1938, the Dodge lineup received just a modest facelift over the 1937 models.

A new, cleaner-looking grille was added, and the headlamps were now mounted on top of the fenders instead of the radiator shell. Other features included all-steel "Silent-Safety" body construction with insulated roof, fenders and cowl, as well …

The first 1955 Thunderbird was introduced to the public on February 20, 1954 as a two-seat personal luxury car.

While the interest was there, sales were slow until the T-Bird moved to a four-seat configuration in 1958. Sales quadrupled with the four-seat model, one of the few successes for Ford in …

Pontiac introduced their compact Tempest in 1961. Pure Pontiac in appearance with twin grilles and sculptured body panels it fit right in with the rest of the Pontiac line-up.

With an all-new unibody frame, it differed from other Pontiac models and was particularly innovative in its drivetrain offerings.

The base powerplant was …

When buyers cast their eyes on the 1957 Ford lineup, many must have felt they were transported to the future. The Ford was a total departure from previous years' production and totally all new from the ground up. A new cow-belly frame allowed the floor pans to be recessed between …

A custom car is an individual's interpretation of what the vehicle should be. It takes patience, planning and various degrees of skill and imagination.

Once the plan is in place, the actual build needs someone familiar with metalworking and often adapting and fitting components from other vehicles into the build. For …

Chevrolet introduced the compact Chevy II Nova in 1962 as a no-nonsense economy model to compete with the Ford Falcon. Styling refinements, along with performance and handling upgrades, were made through 1965, and the Nova was a solid sales success.

A totally new body made the scene in 1966, featuring clean, …

Following the Second World War, civilian automobile production resumed to meet the growing demand of new car-buyers.

Chrysler's Plymouth line was still based on the pre-war 1942 models, but was restyled and given mechanical refinements along with safety glass and run-flat safety rims. Available in 10 models in both Deluxe and …