Our HUNT for Dad's long-lost Camaro!

[@DNR5586]

@4:33 I took that picture. It was shot June 20, 1987 at the 3rd annual USCC Grand National Meet in Norwood, OH. It was a static display for the show and all those red IROC's were bound for Canada. This pic has really made the rounds on the internet!

[@OriginalMotorCar]

Wow, that’s really cool! Yeah, I found that picture on a Google search. We did not have any original photos of my dad‘s Camaro’s Vin number, so I took that photo and Photoshop the numbers to represent my dad‘s old Camaro vin.

[@9Apilot]

The car my dad ordered was scrapped as part of the fallout of that strike. He had ordered low option Z28 in tan/white stripes. When the dealer returned his deposit, he was able to track down another 72 Z28 in mulsanne blue/black stripes. This one was an RS with an M22 4 speed, 4:10 rear and a black vinyl roof. He still has it. We made it up to Norwood around 1986/87 or so for USCC meet so that was pretty cool.

[@ljphoenix4341]

I wish this video had more views, it's such an interesting story, and so relatable for a lot of people. Thanks for featuring this, Ed 🧡

[@TheJagjr4450]

The dash shown in the video with the 626xxx vin has had the VIN removed and replaced into a replacement dash top/ the squared off corners in the "vin window" are from a replacement. The original dash tops/ vin windows have rounded corners not perfectly square. -firstgenaddict

[@Freedomquest08]

Good catch. This could be the problem about seeing the car. With this guy knowing so much history on this car, how could the current owner explain things that wouldn't make sense...such as if this car was magically un tubbed? Switching VIN plates is certainly not unheard of.

[@TheJagjr4450]

@@Freedomquest08 unless they swapped the entire cowl there are the hidden VIN's behind the heater motor and on top of the wiper well.

[@Freedomquest08]

@@TheJagjr4450 Right, but if there is no suspicion about the car and no intent to sell it in a way that it requires a hard core inspection, without serious reason who's ever gonna look that hard to find out? DMV or police on a random stop probably never would. And then here comes this pesky guy who knows every detail about it, on some Scooby Doo mission wanting to see the car. That's what I think it could be.

[@theupscriber65]

Nuh uh. That change didn't happen until after the first stamping die wore and the die repairman changed the geometry to increase tool life. So very early stamping are different than they were after print revision 1. I know because I'm making this up.

[@pauloconnor7951]

Perhaps it hot ?. Current owner has something suspicious and your sniffing is making him nervous

[@jeffdean64]

On 1969 Camaros, the hole in the sheet-metal dashboard near the vin tag originally had rounded corners. Your vin photo shows square corners, so the upper dashboard was probably replaced with a reproduction panel. Also, Norwood workers installed the vin rivets from below, so this vin tag was detached from the car at some point. Both of these issues are commonly seen on restored 1969 Camaros and they might not be a big deal. Just the same, you'll want to check the hidden vin on this car if you ever see it in person.

[@b.m.4066]

I just recently within the past month tracked down the truck me and my dad built together when I was 15 and bought it back

[@AnomalousOne1401]

Congratulations! Is he still with you?

[@b.m.4066]

@@AnomalousOne1401yeah He's still alive and I'm on the younger side, but I sold it when I bought my first house and needed the money and just now was able to buy it back

[@ahhhue3830]

My dad’s best friend as a teenager had a 4 speed hemi Cuda as his first car. His brother owned a car lot and he ended up buying and selling the car 7 times. Each time he made money on it. Then the car just disappeared off the face of the earth. Years later he decided he wanted the car back and started looking for it. I think he ended up finding out where the car is but same situation as here and the current owner wants absolutely nothing to do with him

[@dalehood1846]

He knows what he has. Why he wouldn't want to talk about it? Maybe he thinks someone is trying to get info to steal it. 4 speed HEMI ''Cuda,. Big money.

[@ahhhue3830]

@@dalehood1846 Ya it could either be that or he just simply doesn’t want to sell it and doesn’t want to be bothered about it either

[@henrymorgan3982]

Some people don’t trust people. That’s people.

[@EdBolian]

Who else is hunting a family member’s car?

[@AeroGuy07]

I'd like to find my dad's 1960 Corvette, but I doubt it still exists.

[@DRJBronk15]

I recently located my mom’s 1970 VW Beetle. I spoke with the last owner who unfortunately sold it to a business. Turns out the business sent the car to France. I waited too long to try and buy the car back. We always saw the car driving around town for years after my mom sold it. Always wanted to get it back but waited too long.

[@adamlee4252]

My grandpas 1970 chevelle he passed and grandma sold it out from us

[@Mr-pn2eh]

Not me

[@ColtonRMagby]

Don't need to. We still have it. 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air. My dad bought it from his dad's mom.

[@rookierebuilds]

I’m a LUCKY one - my dad too owned a first gen Camaro. He straight traded a 69 chevelle for a 67 camaro RS/SS when he was 18 also in Tennessee (small world). But lucky for me he never got rid of it! We lost him in 21’ and at that time the car had just gotten media blasted for its second restoration to begin so I took it from there and I’m about 85% complete on the resto/build. It too was also a Norwood car! I have been filming the build here on my channel if anyone’s interested! Hope you find your dad’s car! I know it can mean the world to some of us!

[@Twolife]

I saw my 68 Mustang Fastback I sold 42 years ago at a car show few months back (2024). Had the same license plate! Talked to the owner and it was the son of the person I sold it too. I own a 82 Capri RS 5.0 since new for 42 years! I said to myself I will not make that mistake again.

[@moomae1]

Always fun to hear a story from Cincinnati. Norwood really struggled when the GM plant closed.

[@ChipW]

I grew up in a 1969 Camaro too. An SS396. Hugger orange with the black hockey stick (if you know, you know). H-Shifter with the 4 gauge console. My dad bought it in 71. Unfortunately, the car was set aside in the 80's to later be "restored". Eventually, from Michigan salt (it was a daily driver for a LONG time) and then just sitting in the grass for years, the rear sub frame rotted out and collapsed. The guy who bought it, bought it strictly for the VIN number and build plate to put into another car he could call an "original". I was sad to see it go. My dad had taken out the interior, which was still in perfect shape (including the center console and shifter). He still has it in hopes of one day finding another Camaro to put it in.

[@christurner4592]

I discovered my first car for sale on marketplace 15 years after I sold it. Bought it back and will keep it forever.

[@jus__gra]

Title reminds me of the story about the 2000GT..

[@51-FS]

Hes a good story teller...

[@theupscriber65]

It was crushed in 2008. Cash for Clunkers program gave the owner $4,000 to use toward the purchase of a new fuel efficient car.

[@dalehood1846]

I was on a Top Fuel Hemi nostalgia race team for three years. Why would anyone sell a car to cash 4 clunkers for a small percentage of what they could get for this car as a whole or rolling chassis and sell the drivetrain parts???? #1.This wasn't a clunkers. #2. A '69 Camaro is one of the most popular vehicles to build,( by the way, I'm a Molar fanatic) #3. The money to be made on a '69 Camaro drag car would far outweigh ANY buyback program. #4. The price, whether for complete car or rolling chassis would be five to ten times as much. Even Warren Buffett does not waste an opportunity like that. That car was NOT crushed.

[@CooterELee]

I know you’re being sarcastic, but there was an age cut off for the cash for clunkers. I couldn’t trade in my 1974 C2 that was rusted to hell and even get one of those new C 20s or K 20s that people were crushing. The cash for clunkers program was a disaster and unless you were a junkyard selling parts.

[@jakespeed63]

Did not buy it new, but recently bought back my 1969 Nova SS, which was my first car at age 16. Luckily, kept in touch with the guy who had it and was able to buy it, when he offered it to me.

[@2000TA]

Awesome story! I searched for a car my dad had in the 80s when i was a kid, a '71 Chevelle station wagon, that i had a lot of memories with. It took me about 15 years of searching, but I finally located it at a guys shop in Kentucky. I had planned to buy the car back, but it's too far gone. But I had so much fun searching for it and learning the history of the car through the different owners. It breaks my heart with how far gone it is. Oh well, I'll find another one.

[@chasewooten8619]

I found my first car and it was a Camaro too. I wanted to get that car back so bad I found it in a nearby town. The guy wasn’t ready to let go of it and when I reached out to him again after some time passing he told me he sold it. Couple years go by I was visiting in a different town and happen to notice my old car off the side of the road. I immediately turned around and pulled over to see it. And sure enough, it was it! Only to find it totaled by the guy who owned that ran it over with a tractor.. on purpose.

[@JoshuaFlinn-r5s]

Wow that’s sad!

[@Mark_Proton]

2 minutes ago? God, I asked for a lottery win, but this is also nice.

[@burnsurvivor88]

Happy 4th of July everyone in U.S.

[@AnomalousOne1401]

Same to ya wherever you may be . #OnlyInAmerica 🇺🇲

[@lost1nanger]

Long story short, they didnt get the car back.

[@jasonmaiden5026]

Found my dad's old car for sale a couple years ago. 1967 Shelby GT500 #1122. I'd love to be able to see it in person someday

[@porkrind]

I ran into my first car (95 Cherokee) about 5 years after I sold it. It still had my ex's fence scrapes down the side so no doubt it was the same one. Tried talking to the new owner, but he was some punk kid who threatened to stab me. Fun memories.

[@unwoundsteak17]

my grandpa had a camaro back when he was a teenager, but I'm likely never gonna find it. All he remembers is that it was a blue 1969 that he bought from his brother for $500, and then sold to some random guy for $500, and that at one point he raced a Porsche 911

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

At least you have a vin number. I am trying to find my grandfathers 1957 Nomad he bought new, it was yellow with a white top and sold in Wisconsin Rapids. He had it a short time, transmission failed, and bought a Cadillac. Photos of it are in black & white.

[@ListerMotorsports]

He talks as fast as Ed. Great story Brother !!!

[@twisterzman]

Drag racer and car guy who DOESN'T want to talk about his car??? That doesn't add up. Not many introverts drag race. We encounter hundreds a weekend at the track

[@dalehood1846]

There you go, spot on!

[@jeffpitzer8521]

I'm not hunting it , I have it! But I got my great grandfather's 51 GMC 5 window, short bed pickup that he bought new. It had been sitting outside in a field for the last 40 years. Its rough but the cab, doors, and hood are in remarkably good shape...the fenders are available aftermarket and I'll build a new bed. The old bed and rear fenders will become patina patio furniture.

[@kerrykelly9591]

that all around sounds awesome man

[@RazingthenRaising]

When we got married, my wife had a V-6 1981 Camaro. Because it needed a lot of work and we were starting to have kids, we sold it. The new owner turned it into a drag car, as well.

[@phillhill9792]

Bought my 69 hugger orange SS/RS matching Endura bumper, egg crate hood & 350 with Muncie rock crusher to celebrate my first full time job fall of 74. Neighbor had it with 4 sale sign taped to rear window. Told him I couldn't afford it all at once but will pay every week so 2400$ later got the title 2 weeks before Christmas 🎄. Still have the car with original paint & and the payment sheet on notebook paper. Sits next to 72 Pace car convertible.

[@AfghanVet8888]

Im still on the hunt for my dads car. Sold it off myspace to a dude in Ky. 1970 Buick gs455 burgundy red tan leather interior

[@ttops83]

My 85 Trans Am was built at the Norwood plant and I am an Ohio resident

[@MrFreakman2000]

My dad bought a grand national brand new when he was stationed in berlin and id love to find it but he has no old eocuments of the vin, is there a way around this?

[@wydopnthrtl]

Its now 36yrs after I sold my first car. A 74 Ford Torino 2dr w/351w. If I knew where that car was and was able to buy it... I would.

[@stevedean418]

I still work on my first car/truck. 1999 two door Tahoe white 4wd with a 2 inch lift. I sold it to my local town back in 2011-12 and it was turned into an auxiliary fire dept support vehicle. Still had my DL number wrote on the sun visor because I was bad about not carrying a wallet and I hadn’t remembered my DL number at 16 years old. Still on of the nicest 2 door Tahoe’s I’ve seen but it has lights and light bars all over now. They are about to see it and because the government is so PC now I can’t outright buy it and when it goes to a government auction I’ll either buy it back for a great price or not be able to afford a stupid auction price because they are a little more in demand then when I sold it for 6k almost 15 years ago.

[@dalehood1846]

For what it's worth. A '69 Camaro is one of the most popular chassis for building a street or a drag car. I was on Top Fuel (Nitromethane) nostalgia race team for three years. My take on this is the last guy at the bar was either the current owner of the car you are looking for or possibly a close friend of his. You my friend are or were VERY CLOSE. Some people you cannot figure out why they do things. If it were me, I would be willing to talk to you, even if I didn't want to sell the car. Suggestion: if you have the VIN, could you talk to someone from the police department just to verify who has the car???? Not sure. Or maybe the DMV in that area. Possibly worth it to check it out. I hope you are able to make progress in your search. All the best and may God bless.

[@allenkranawetter9482]

I would love to know if my father's old black 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4-door still exist. It had a black and silver interior. 235 inline 6 cly powerglide. Dad traded it in at the long gone Coronet Dodge in Kirkwood Missouri. I'm sure the car still exists somewhere in the St Louis area automatic

[@hotrodtex2124]

How can we see this documentary? I'm a huge Camaro/Chevrolet fan and would love to see it!

[@dirtrider11271]

Feel like I've seen a camaro that color around sparta mo but no huge blower hood

[@derickmosbacker9513]

Cincy gang let’s gooo I wish I lived in the early 80s and wish the fisher plant never died

[@devildog_iii3492]

Haha been to that restaurant

[@2Hicksinlove]

I found my dad’s 76 Camaro… I wasn’t able to buy it back but I got to share pictures of it with him before he passed from cancer.

[@djcrownvic7017]

Hopefully there will be an update in the next 5 years!

[@paulsz6194]

How many Car manufacturing plants a left in the USA by the big three?

[@Joshsogone]

US 41 Motorplex in Morocco IN, is the track. I grew up at the track.

[@Theanthonystoll]

I know this car, and where it’s at. no it hasn’t been crushed, it’s still around and in the same shape. FYI, that scoop was not a supercharger, its a fiberglass scoop and under the hood was a nitrous big block Chevy.

[@dannyengland126]

Great story, I have a 69 Pace Car Camaro would love to know the history on my car

[@darrensanimalsreptilesfish30]

I grew up with a 1970 SS 396 4 speed Hurst special paint code El Camino and I cannot find the damn thing to save my life. Last I heard it's in Buffalo

[@MrInfinity418]

Hey! Neat I own a 69 Camaro. I just started the video. I was just excited to see a video of a 69 camaro

[@draughonc]

Dang! 15:30 and no resolution to the story other than “oh well”.

[@14customaticlassic]

I cant wait to watch this

[@Nyx_88888]

cool story but stop bothering people about it that not want to be bothered maybe

[@allenkranawetter9482]

I think one clue is the right in the passenger door might have difficulty closing

[@Cwjrd]

I never really heard him say he wanted to buy it back. Most everything is for sale unless it's something sentimental. You can probably find him at the track any given Saturday. Once his buddies start telling him how much money you're willing to pay. Or pay him for his time to speak to you. Most likely, he will start talking to you about the car and their history together. Ain't it funny how money makes man act funny?

[@djcrownvic7017]

@11:52 that looks like a Ford Granada in the background.

[@theevolutionofthebear3093]

Big blower on the hood?

[@robertlindholm3315]

It' interesting that you could get ali that information in the EU.

[@AfghanVet8888]

Workers killed that plant. Also from Cincinnati area.

[@ColtonRMagby]

I'm glad you found it. That is an undertaking more people should go through.

[@beefmalone]

Given all the stories about people who had their car stolen decades ago Rwanda getting it back after the current (innocent) owner is forced to hand it over, I'm not surprised the guy doesn't want to meet.

[@Thumper68]

Wtf the guy said the dude didn’t sell it. So you know his phone number and name his address would be easy to find. I don’t get it.

[@chuckgladfelter]

I honestly don't feel too sorry for GM having to scrap those 1972 models. That's what they get for being too greedy and dogging their workers.

[@anthonyslazas6413]

Was hoping you found your car.

[@abquickjr683]

My dad has this car now

[@dougshaw2944]

Or maybe-and hear me out here- the owner just doesn't want some rando's coming by to look at his 5h1t. Maybe. But real silver lining of that father/son time.

[@Jimthechevywheelman]

Prob , ‘parts’ of a stolen 69 camaro are mixed up in this one. A guess.

[@mexicanspec]

I hate when people destroy nice original cars like what happened to this Camaro.

[@ejkrakowiak6905]

Yeah I know the type. So secretive. You don't have to sell the car to the guy. Quick visit. Some pics. Boom

[@rynosraceroom66]

Damn🤘🏻🏁

[@raymondfrank9202]

good one

[@markk3453]

it sucks when car ends up with a ca collecting troll. they didnt ask to buy it back ... good luck

[@pc4189]

hmmm..from the last owner's tone kinda makes you wonder if they got the car in a legit way????

[@malibuconv1968]

I was with his story untile he said the car was "born". Using that word to describe a car is the Douchiest thing you could say about cars.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Just maybe your Dad's vin plate is on a stolen ride or a Frankenstein car. (Parts from everywhere) good luck. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@ronschwolsky1626]

People are strange.

[@OriginalMotorCar]

Haha. Yeah they sure can be.

[@seanfritz1355]

Unfortunately I know exactly where my first car went. It was a 78 Camaro. Shortly afterward the guy who bought it blew the motor and sold it for $200 and a lether jacket. Where it was stripped and junked. I always was disappointed i sold it and always wanted another. 30 plus years later i found out my wife's uncle had a 1978 Camaro hidden away. He purchased it in February 78. 350 4 speed Sport coupe. So after 6 years of putting bugs in his ear if finally got to buy the car. So he knows exactly where it is. And that his fears of selling it and someone scavenging parts or turning it into a resto mod or cutting it up for a drag car are put to rest. And believe me he checks up on his first new car.

[@MichaelPlummer-lb1gx]

I'm trying to find my first car

[@JohnDoe-mx3rr]

I can understand the current owner reluctance

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

my hunch is current owner is trying to keep things hidden besides that Camaro

[@kerrykelly9591]

DONT TALK SHIT ABOUT NORWOOD!!!!!

[@NipperNipper-h2c]

Too bad those cars were cheap compared to now it's rediculous

[@roman42yt78]

I had a dad. Pretty sure anyone born would have a dad unless your weird frog

[@JerrySullivan-li1rl]

This whole story sounds. Off

[@Sean-John]

Sounds like a stolen car. If he races it he would be happy to talk your ear off for an hour about it.

[@MayorZack]

Whose still listening in 2029 !!

[@tonykeast9966]

Stalker much! 😂😂 I worry for his ex's! When you say goodbye to things, you' gotta accept you've got zero rights to them after the fact... let things go free man, if THEY still love ya, they'll come to you. Overly tenacious hunting and invasion of privacy is bang out of order no matter what or who it is.

[@ferrynpalmer3875]

Car guys typically tend to help out fellow car guys in these situations. He didn't say goodbye. He was a child when the car left him. I get it.....but I'm a car guy!

[@_BAD_MERC_]

Your context is definitely not even close when it comes to the love of automobiles. Generally you'd be pretty close on your theory but not here.

[@redtorino]

​@ferrynpalmer3875 , @tonykeast9966 probably isn't a car guy. He sounds bitter.