Burn Rubber Owner Rick Williams Picks His Top 10 Chevrolets

He's leaning toward the new looks.

May 7, 2013

Image via Complex Original

Michigan-native Rick Williams is owner of Burn Rubber, Detroit's finest sneaker boutique. He's also the founder of The Distinct Life, a creative agency specializing in brand development. Through both enterprises, Williams has brought Detroit flare to an array of creative endeavours including (but of course not limited to) a camouflage wrap collaboration with AGI in commemoration of the 2013 Detroit International Auto Show. While the project was Williams' first foray into automotive design, it didn't mark the beginning of his love affair with cars. No, no. This guy knows his local industry inside out.

Naturally, we hit him up to talk cars and share his 10 favorite Chevrolets of all time. Here's what he had to say:

For as far back as I can remember I have always been surrounded and influenced by the General Motors culture. With my grandfather, mother, and uncle all being employed by GM, the company has always been in my life. I have grown to have a special affinity for the company and its brands. This week I will be assisting Chevrolet as they hold the “Chevy Urban Design” event this Wednesday, May 8th. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be able to contribute to the company in this capacity.

10. 1996 Cavalier

"I know you have to be wondering, 'why would he include the 1996 Cavalier on this list?' Well, this was one of the first cars that I bought with my own money. That meant a lot to me, and it was a turning point in my life. This car taught me some valuable lessons about responsibility."

9. 1995 Impala SS

"When I would see the 1995 Impala as a kid, I always thought it was dope. I remember seeing them decked out by the hustlers around the way with rims and a trunk rattling sound system. This car has always looked mean to me."

8. 1997 Corvette

"Prior to me seeing the 2014 Corvette, this was my favorite Corvette. In 1997 I was in high school working for a car dealership detailing new cars before customers took them home. I remember detailing the 1997 Corvette and having conversations with my co-workers about how dope the re-design of the back was. The 1997 Corvette is a solid vehicle."

7. 2006 Camaro

"The change in the body styling of this car takes you back to the 1967 Camaro. I love how they took old design queues and incorporated them into this clean vehicle."

6. 1964 Impala

"Being that I was born in 1980, I was not around for the release of this vehicle. However, I am a fan of Snoop and Dr. Dre and for my generation seeing that car in the "Ain't Nothing But a G Thang" video introduced it to me in a whole new way. Being from the midwest, I wasn't accustomed to seeing old-school Impalas with hydraulics."

5. 1998 Camaro

"This car made my list, because, around the time I got my license to drive, my mom had one. I thought this car was amazing, especially since everyone that I knew was getting old used cars. If only I could have had this one when I turned 16."

4. 1970 Chevelle SS 454

"The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 is the definition of a Detroit muscle car. If I had the opportunity to get an old-school, this one would be it."

3. 1969 Camaro Z28

"The 1969 Camaro has some of the best lines of the early Camaros. This is a car that a lot of enthusiast would jump at the chance to own."

2. 2014 Impala

"I have had the chance to test drive the 2014 Impala for about a week, and it has been a pleasant surprise. This car has a luxurious feel. The interior design is amazing and it has so many discoverable details that make it stand out. If you get the chance to drive one, you should definitely take it."