The Amazing World of Classic Car Restoration: From Model-T to the Classic Mustang

Any given year there will be more than a dozen classic car shows across the United States. All over this great nation, there are vintage car collectors that like to relive and celebrate the past in a very unique way. You’ve likely seen your fair share of classic car shows in El Paso or seen that shiny 69 Mustang driving through your neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon. Even if you are not a car aficionado, the unique characteristics of the car evoke something: admiration for the creativity and engineering that has brought us to where we are today. Here at Sergio Lewis Body Shop, we have done our fair share of repairs on classic cars, so we thought we’d take a look at some of America’s most popular classic cars and some unique classic car history. 

Let’s begin with Ford. Sir Henry Ford. This is a legendary name in the arena of American exceptionalism, entrepreneurship, innovation, and tenacity. The name Ford, of course, stands for much more than just the name but the engineering that his company contributed to the development of cars. Ford was, after all, the man that said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” Nothing could stop Ford as he pushed his way through finding the best engineering solutions for his vehicles. Ford began his journey into building cars behind his house, in a workshop in Detroit. He formed the Ford Motor Company and only a few years later the legendary Model T was introduced. This vehicle would significantly transform America, spearhead a movement of engineering in the automotive industry, and create a vehicle that would eventually be accessible to the average American. 

Ford famously also claimed that “You cannot build a reputation on what you are going to do.” He was a go-getter, a doer, and an incredible businessman that would leave a legacy that is still very much alive today. Ford wasn’t the only one, of course, to make significant leaps and contributions to the world of auto engineering and production. Early inventors like Nikolaus August Otto, Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, John Lambert, Rudolf Diesel, and more. Each had their particular contribution to what would be a movement towards absolute mobility for every person. 

There are plenty of cars that appear to be pretty quintessentially American and that turn heads wherever they hit the road. This might be because certain designs are so iconic and so entrenched in the culture that they are widely beloved. According to some compiled list, the most iconic cars in America include:

• The 1960s Ford Mustang— smooth and stylish until the end, only the cool survive
• Stutz Bearcat — often considered the first sports car with an open back
• Ford Model T — and oldie but a goodie that transformed the culture of America
• Wiilys Jeep — A post-war icon and symbol of American toughness
• Shelby Cobra — A British body with an American engine and a love for speed
• 1963 Chevrolet Corvette — Elegance in movable form with unique futuristic look
• 1961 Lincoln Continental — Minimalist but full of swagger

There is Something About the 60s

Aside from the civil unrest, the involvement in an unpopular foreign war, and major assassinations and political upheaval, the sixties are also known as a great decade for cars. How do we know this? Well, there is no shortage of classic cars from the 60s. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, a report on the most searched classic cars led to a list of some of the most popular. That list looked a little like this:

1. 1969 Dodge Charger
2. 1967 Ford Mustang
3. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
4. 1965 Ford Mustang
5. 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra
6. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 
7. 1966 Ford Mustang 
8. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle

When it comes to the most popular classic trucks in America the list looks like this:

1. Ford F-Series Second Generation
2. Chevrolet C/K Second Generation
3. Dodge Li’l Red Express
4. Ford F-Series First Generation

Many will argue, of course, that lists are subjective. It depends on what you’re into and people seek different features to make the perfect classic car. 

There is an entire subculture of Americans that have a deep love and obsession for classic cars and will talk your ear off about them. Restoring a classic car has many different components and requires quite a bit of knowledge about the engineering of the vehicle. Even those that are closely familiar with their vehicle’s makeup, might need some professional help when it comes to certain parts of the restoration. Here at Sergio Lewis Body Shop, we love bringing these old beauties back to life. A classic car restoration involves several steps. 

1. Finding classic parts that fit the vehicle. 
2. Figuring out the type of restoration that best fits the vehicle
3. Prepare yourself for setbacks 

As a professional auto body shop, we have learned that every classic car is stubborn in its own way. It takes great skill and knowledge to make the car stand out and functional on today’s modern roads. As car nerds ourselves, we love the beauty and style of some of America’s most iconic classic vehicles and why we offer high-quality restoration services for many models. 

Our services include restoration for:

• Engines
• Bodywork
• Cleaning
• Paint job

If you’re looking to restore a classic car, call Sergio Lewis today and find out how we can bring the brilliance of the past into the modern world. 

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