I got my HS Camaro back!
 

There has been a couple members on the site posting about finding their old cars or finding the history of their cars. Because of that, it inspired me to re-post my experience on finding my high school car. I mentioned this story about a year ago, but it has been such a big part of my life, I thought I would re-share it;

My father helped me buy my first car in 1985. It was my dream car, looking back, I still find it to be surreal. It was a 1969 RS/SS 396/325 4 speed, Hugger Orange, black vinyl top. The car was well optioned with comfort weave interior, tach and gauges, deluxe seat belts, speed warning, tilt wheel, wood wheel, spoilers and a enduro bumper. The car was stored most of its life, completely rust free with only showing 26,000 original miles on the odometer. I loved this car and took very good care of it, but when I went to college out of state in 1991, I reluctantly had to sell the car. After college I spent numerous years looking for the car. I posting want adds on multiple forums looking for the car, I even went as far as hiring a private investigator to look for the car. After I exhausted all my possible avenues, I finally gave up.
January 14, 2019, my father unexpectantly had a heart attach in his sleep and passed away at the age of 72. This was obviously devastating for me. That week while morning, numerous odd things happened to me; My wife and I were going through some pictures to post at the wake. I picked up the first picture of my father and handed it to my wife. I started to explain the picture to her, when the light above our heads at the kitchen table exploded. Something I have never previously experienced. Another unusual experience happened the next day. I was talking to my sister on the phone before walking into a Hallmark store to get a card. My dad was a music lover, my sister mentioned to me that she just played one of his favorite songs, don’t stop the rain by CCR. After our conversation, I walked in the Hallmark store. One step after I enter through the door, the DJ on the radio station said “CCR, don’t stop the rain by request”. These two events, though being odd, I just chalked them up as being a coincidence
The next day I was walking into my fathers wake, when my phone rang. I was very surprised at the time that I did not turn my phone off or leave it in the car. I also felt it was inappropriate to answer it, but I felt compelled to do so. A gentleman on the phone came right out and said; “I know where your old Camaro is and it is for sale!” He give me the name and contact information for the owner Scott. The next day I called Scott, after a long conversation I realized the car was out of my price range because I just purchased a 1968 Z28. After telling Scott my situation, he told me he would do whatever he could to make a deal work for me. I mentioned to him I also had a 1969 RS Z28 that was a driver, that I could work into a trade. He said that was the car he was looking for and he would trade me straight up for my car back!

This story has had so many crazy variables, I feel there was much more then luck in me getting my old Camaro back... All I can say, is thank you Dad!

… Sounds like everyone was happy with your deal !

… Great story :biggthumpup:

:flag:

Great story! Glad the car finally made it "home"....:biggthumpup:

Stories like this are rare! Happy for OP. Glad I kept my HS car all these years too.

Awesome story... can't wait to see pics.

Dan

Great story, any current and back in the day photos to share? Thanks Rob

Didn't happen without pics..... :-)

Great story, Paul!

Great story! I'm close on mine after getting it back from paint jail.

What did it need, or does it need and where are you in the process? Are you going back exactly like you had it in high school or current taste?

R

It got painted in 1985, so I did strip the car to metal and get it repainted. I am putting the SS hood back on it. Pictures will be posted shortly

Great story, glad you found it.

Posting a few of Paul's pics. Looks so much better with the original VE3 bumper on it!

https://photos.smugmug.com/SYc-Site/...83AFC46-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/SYc-Site/...78F892B-X2.png

https://photos.smugmug.com/SYc-Site/...DDEFD73-X2.jpg

Wow...and what a cool story! :beers:

Two words; bad ass. Am I allowed to say that?

Tony, thank you for posting some pictures. The guy I bought the car from tried to keep the perfect original VE3 bumper. Some persuasion and a hand full of cash, I was able to buy it with the car.

The car originally came with SS rims...

Great story! Congrats!

Nice car, CONGRADS. I too have been looking for my old HS car, 1968 GTX rag CLONE/TRIBUTE. Story I got was the the ORIGINAL GTX was involved in a street-racing crash, the guy bought the car back, found a 1968 Sport Satellite convert, and changed EVERYTHING (440 4sp Dana 4.10 front torsion bars rear springs) over. The Original car went sideways into a pole on the passenger side door.

Anyways, I sold the car as we all do. I was able to relocate the car about 12 yrs ago in a Chevy guys collection. I spoke to him 4 yrs ago and still not willing to sell. I came to find out he passed away about 2 yrs ago now and the car was sold off. Still looking as depending on condition and the $$$, would buy it back ASAP.

Nothing like being 16 with a mild built GTX rag, 4sp 4.10 car. Black with black top and red interior. Fun times.

I see why people get attached to their old cars, I know I sure do. If I can get it, it WILL be in my will for my 2yr old son.

EZ Nova, good luck on your search! If you have VIN, put some want adds out on the MOPAR forums. Maybe the car will find....

Actually, I DO have the VIN. And here in Ontario one can take that VIN and find out the current owners name and town they live in. My car is 2 names (figure husband and wife oro something along that lines). Been to busy with my other 3 cars, business, having a baby and taking care of my mother. That will change this summer as I should have some more time to search it out.

I was perfect for me in HS. Now with the 2 yrs old son, that style of car would be great again. Sniper EFI and TKO 5sp would really make this a nice DRIVER car for the family. And being cloned/tribute whatever, not as concerned about driving and having problems like you would a REAL #'s car.

Thanks, I'm sure you will enjoy driving your old car. Mostly good memories I bet! Street racing, and "issues" with local law enforcement always come up!!!!LOL

those were not coincidences. Dad is watching over you. Congrats!

Well found the owner I thought was the current owner. NOPE sold the car. So asking for the contact info. Now the issue, it went states side. I know you guys can trace them through the DMV there right????

After 911, it has been extremely hard to trace a car through the DMV or law enforcement.

What would you recommend?? PM if you like.

Wes Eisenschenk has a FaceBook page called Lost Musclecars that has found quite a few cars for owners.