Got a story of a car you "loved & lost" or sold? & found...years later? Share it

[jeffg1010]

I am a huge Mopar guy so I thought I'd share this in case anyone out there has a story worth telling...

#96 on my bucket list is to write a book. But, when I first put it on there, I had no idea where the content would come from. But I am moving forward with it now.

I grew up in WV when coal mining was taking a dive. So, needless to say, we saw some tough economic times. 

My dad was a car guy and he was always hauling home some rusty worn out car to build. As I grew up I learned a lot about car restoration and I saw many beautiful transformations in our driveway. However, it never failed, every couple of years, my dads company would close, or lay off. And the dreaded "For Sale" sign would come out in an effort to pay for a trip to the Beach, or Christmas toys.

Unfortunately for my dad, we have no clue as to the fate of his old cars. They have disappeared into our memories and the only remaining artifact is a few Polaroid photos.

So... tell me some of your stories. I have an ISBN with a publisher to author a book titled "The Ones That Got Away". The project draft is already registered and my first draft is due very soon (I've already got an extension.)

The book will be a compilation of stories from folks who had classic cars trucks, or motorcycles that "got away" and they were able to locate them years later. I am looking for unique twists. So, even if it isn't a Mopar... go ahead and let me know about it.

OR... if you are searching, I may be able to help. So far, I've helped 2 people locate their cars, and I even helped a current owner find the original owner (kind of ...my plan, in reverse) Since I started this project 2 years ago, I have processed hundreds of leads, so I have read through some unique ideas in finding a car that could help others who are looking. Just let me know what info you have, and I may be able to lend some advice.

Share them with me here on the forum on our website or at jeffg1010@yahoo.com. Please send me a description of the story and give as much detail as possible. I will be especially interested in stories with unique twists, or searches to uncover the mystery of "where it is now"

And if you know someone with a good story, feel free to refer this to them to follow up.

Thanks
Jeff
jeff@theonesthatgotaway.com
www.theonesthatgotaway.com
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[moparman82]

I don't have a cool story yet, but I'll buy that book when your done!

[ec_co]

there are a couple cool stories on here, just can't think of what categories. one of a guy who was looking for his dads old Challenger, finding it in Japan I think and bringing it back. hopefully you'll get someone more intelligent than myself to answer properly. sounds like a great project and worthy of the time and efforts. much luck


*edit: nice it was towards the top http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=89547.0

[moparman82]

there are a couple cool stories on here, just can't think of what categories. one of a guy who was looking for his dads old Challenger, finding it in Japan I think and bringing it back. hopefully you'll get someone more intelligent than myself to answer properly. sounds like a great project and worthy of the time and efforts. much luck


*edit: nice it was towards the top http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=89547.0

Oh yeah!! "koby" has an amazing story of hunting down his dad's car in japan that his dad let go 30 years ago

[dutch]

sounds like a pretty cool book    good luck with it and make sure you present it here when done.
my dad was a bookseller and drove Renault station wagons all his life... never had the itch to try and find one..... 

[4Cruizn]

Recent story of a hemi cuda that was stolen and finally found 13 years later but in pieces . . . .

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=100375.0

[plumcrazy704406]

Well, I was looking for them and they were looking for me. I found them first. Does that count?

[Tim L]

Jeff,
  our story is of a 69 Daytona we spent the last 6 years restoring and the search to find the original owner:
- sold new at Reedmans Auto World Langhorne, PA
- used as a get away car in an armed robbery in 1971 (have newspaper article)
- rolled/wrecked by original owner in 1976 (have newspaper article)
- stored in a barn in Iowa with several others from 1979-1994 (have photos)
- purchased through Galen Govier in 1994 by a guy in new york
- bought by us and shipped to Australia 2008 where the car underwent phenominal body work (have to see photos) and restored back to original
- after emailing hundreds of people (no joke) ringing people all over NY/PA I finally wrote to a newspaper in PA and they ran an article about two Australians searching for the owner of their car and I was contacted by a several people, one of which lead to the original title from the pendot microfiche archive.

Here is where I documented the cars restoration and my 6 year search for its original owner. The original owner passed away in 2001 and i have located one of his brothers, the brother confirmed who the owner was but after his initial reply and confessing he often thinks of the car he does not appear to want to speak anymore?? I have respected that and let it be, but im hoping down the line I can contact other family members and see if theres any old stories/back in the day photos?

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=44092.0

If you are interested please take the time to go through all 22 pages as it really shows the cars ressurection.

Cheers, Tim

[jeffg1010]

Thanks to all who have reached out.  This has led to a few good leads.  I will share the book info when it hits the shelves.

Thanks
Jeff