A 1969 Chevy Camaro returns home after being stolen 17 years ago, bringing relief to its owner as he reconnects with an important part of his family’s history.
As reported by CBS NewsThe Camaro stolen in 2009 was recently recovered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in Whittier, California, about 30 miles from where it was originally taken. Even though the Camaro is in pretty rough shape, with missing wheels, a missing front end, a stripped interior, missing doors, and no engine, the owner says he’ll make sure the old Chevy is fully restored.
After seeing the vehicle’s chassis, owner Victor Munoz said he immediately recognized the car as his, even after nearly two decades. His father, David Munoz, bought the Camaro after returning from the Vietnam War, then handed the keys to Victor as a 16th birthday gifts.
“At that time, when I was 16 years old, I didn’t know how important this car was, but let alone losing it, for me now it is more important than ever,” Munoz said. “I still can’t believe that this car is actually in my garage. It’s amazing.”
Investigators said the person who owned the vehicle did not know it had been stolen. How the car came to the property is unclear.
With the family car now back where it belongs, Munoz estimates a full restoration will cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, he has launched a social media and crowdfunding campaign, and plans to return the car to its original green color.
Although the project is expensive and time consuming, restoring a Chevy Camaro represents something much more significant than a typical restoration. For Munoz, it was a chance to reconnect with his father’s legacy, thought to be lost forever.
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