It is SOOO incredibly infuriating to me when people claim that the car means so much to them and they want to keep it yet they will leave it sitting outside for years to rot away.
That's how humans work we tend to be hoarders and in the person's mind they will get to it someday. Your not a car guy if you don't have that one project for me it's a 1931 model a sitting since 1958 every time I think about fixing it life happens and everything else breaks.
This is a car story. Not a BS rich guy who "found" a rare Lambo after somone called and wanted to sell it, but a guy who wanted his first car back. such a good story!
"Not a BS rich guy". Point taken, but a guy who's paying Trans Am Specialties to turn a rusted out shell into a like new LS equipped show car is definitely not short on cash.
I had a ‘66 Mustang convertible in college. Drove it cross-country from Michigan to LA. Sold it in ‘89, and like 15 years later, a guy found my name in the glovebox and reached out to let me know it was safely in his garage in London!
@@jv6miataYeah you couldn't even put a down payment on one these days but back then you could. I lived it........damn I'm old 😂😂😂
2 месяца назад+15
no that isn't true minimum wage in those years was 2.65 an hour a single guy that was about 90 bucks a week after taxes as i recall. trans ams were like 5-6 k as i recall
It was $2.35 when I was 16 and I am the same age as he is.
2 месяца назад
@@mfreund15448 i don't know what state your in. but in 1978 California minimum wage was 2.65 an hour. I was 15 years old. so i don't doubt what your saying for a second, just saying what i know to be fact in California in 1978. I think the next step was 3.10 in 1980
He wasn't looking for a car. He was looking for his youth and a carefree past. A great time for a lot of people that you don't quite appreciate until it's gone. Aquiring the car doesn't give him those days back, but it does, however, help him feel like he captured a part of them in a time capsule frozen in time. When he looks at the car, he doesn't actually see a car. He sees a place in time that he loved very much. I don't know how much money he spent to restore it. But to him, it's obviously worth every penny when he looks at it and smiles and remembers so vividly those wonderful youthful days of a man with a V8, 4 on the floor and a carefree life full of promise and longing for adventure.
Very well stated. I've done the same with an airplane I built in '88. Sadly the tail number has been given to another plane so impossible to trace where it is.
That's the theory, and there is some truth to it. But That's just a small part. Of all my cars, there's only one I regret. It wasn't my first, it was just the car which was more than any other car.
Exactly! I call the car I learned to drive in my Time Machine, because every time I get behind the wheel, put my hand on the wheel and the pistol grip shifter I am 16 again, it truly takes me back to that point in time and that mindset. I am sure he smiles just as big as I do every time he turns the key on that car and it fires up.
I am in tears! That's a gorgeous vehicle. I don't blame him for wanting to stare at it awhile! His wife is probably so happy he can't bring it in the bedroom at night.
Realistically they are just machines, but car guys like me can truly understand the love and bond that you establish with whatever favorite automobile your preference is. I lost mine and unable to get it back. Very glad there are awesome success stories like these, good job and well done on this amazing father and son life adventure!!
@@borismcfinnigan3430 agreed Boris! I had the ‘77 hurst hatch with the TA 400 (Pontiac block) and Muncie 4 speed. Was nice to see the effort he put into locating that car. It’s heartwarming that it didn’t get sitting there indefinitely! I once tried an hour at 100 mph the car handled it well. Then it took 1.5 hours to come back lol
@@TWilson-t8h what I mean is I have a lot of similar experiences as the original poster but I choose not to blab it out here and switch the focus on me that's all. I don't understand why people do that. It's just me.
@@mrp2561 I understand and appreciated your humility, but as you can see, people come here for exactly those kind of stories. I feel you would be adding something, as opposed to taking away. Not trying to change your mind, just adding my point of view. Take care, either way. ✌️👍
I have a similar story. I sold my 1970 T/A Challenger in 1986 that I had wanted since I was in the 8th grade and I finally got it when I was 19 years old. Fast forward getting married everyone but me thought I needed to sell it to buy stuff for the house. So I finally broke down and sold her. I remember the day they loaded it on the rollback I laid my hand on the fender and told her I would find her again one day. How about 4 months ago, 38 years after I last saw her, I found her and worked out a deal to get her back. I unloaded her in the same place I loaded her 38 years ago. I won't ever sell her again. It still had the same keychain on the keys that I had put on it 38 years ago.
I was a trombonist who played the solo in Tommy Dorsey's "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" countless times. I always wondered what the trumpets (who get the solos in most other pieces) were thinking as they weren't in the spotlight for once .... and it turns out, I guess they were thinking about their first car, and getting it back.
I used to own a 1991 Trans Am 5.0. white with a black cloth interior n I made the mistake of letting my oldest daughter drive it when I got it back it had a blown motor 😮😢🤬🤬
I never cry at anything man but being a car and bike nut that actually got a tear in my eye , well done man your son is gonna inherit that beauty one day too ,what a story ,I'm choked !!🤩
Lol he said Im a musician I was thinking ok transam guy musician he is probably a drummer but looks like a lead guitarist...I played the trumpet 😂I didn't see that one coming
I bought my first Corvette when I entered the Navy in 1974 ('73 Red on Black, 454-4 speed ragtop) and have had several since. Much later in life I decided to find a specific 1973 Corvette that I bought in 1975. I had customized it pretty extensively and wondered what condition it would be in 30 years later. I remember feeling the same way Joe described and let my hopes run wild. Well ... I finally found the car. To be more accurate, I found out what happened to the car. A gentleman wrapped it around a tree and died in the process, a few years after I sold it (Thoughts and Prayers to Family and Friends). The car was parted out and spread to the wind. Joe's experience is a rare one, which is worth documenting ... Thanx VINwiki & congrats Joe ! 🤘 ^v^
Beautiful story! I absolutely loved this. I am so happy you found it, no value can ever be put on that feeling. That emotion was real, and runs deep! Bravo on achieving your dream. ❤
I get this. I am 54. I was 16 in 1986 and we used to ride around in my friend's Trans Am with the t-top off as early in March as we could take it because we were always jonesing for spring by then. That was very close to Rochester, NY as well. We'd be blasting down the road, drinking 40s, playing Crue or Metallica, looking for girls. It was that time in a young man's life where you are absolutely positive that there is going to be something awesome around every single corner you come to. At 54, I'd give just about anything to feel that again. Life has been good. But it was extra fun back then. I am so glad he found his car, and that feeling.
My dad had a 1979 WS6 Trans-Am. What’s crazy is he loved blue. When he went to the dealer to order it he asked if he could order a black car with a blue bird and trim (black cars came with a brown bird and tan trim). The dealership called the factory and they agreed to do a black car with a blue bird with blue trim and interior stitching. My dad LOVED that car. He ended up having to sell it to afford his honeymoon. I wish we still had the car. It was one of the only factory Trans-Ams that was black with a blue bird on the hood. Car was a Southern California car and he sold it to someone locally that crashed their Trans-Am two weeks before. This was in 1984.
My dad had the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit rep. Dad was an Army recruiter at the time and became the #1 recruiter west of the Mississippi. He'd pick those guys up in that car bring 'em to the house and introduce them to my mom and my sister and I. He said to all of them at some point that the Army made all of what he had possible and they were sold. Unfortunately that car caused a wedge between my parents as he bought that car and traded in her beautiful conversion van for it without even letting her know and it upset he pretty bad. So they split the sheets, my sister and I went with her to live in the ghetto dad got to pick his next assignment because of the great job he did and moved to Hawaii. He had the car shipped there and it was the only one like it on all the islands. He told me he even sold it for a little more than he paid for it.
@KeithKman I seen it in Wisconsin. Racking my brain to remember where exactly. It was 10 years ago. I didn't know it was a 1 off car. I thought they were made with the blue bird also.
Congratulations! You got your old car back. I wish I could get my old 1978 Bandit back. Like yours, mine had the WS6 wheels, but had a warmed up SD 455 from a 73 Pontiac. I really miss that one.
Love this story!! While tiling a shower an hour from my house, I drove past my old 1997 eclipse gsx, which I sold 8 years ago. Loved that car, was my baby, and I'm in negotiations to buy it back. 100% understand he's feelings toward that car. Glad you got it back
Good for you bro. My regret was selling my 1986 W123 Mercedes… I got it to 260,000 miles and the rust got too bad. The wife was on at me to sell it and I gave in… regret it to this day 8 years later
It’s so cool you played trumpet with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. My father was a musician at the Greenbrier Hotel in WV and as an 11 year old boy I played trumpet with the TD Orchestra when they toured the Greenbrier Hotel. Cool car story.
Bought my 70 GTO at 17 years old I'm now 54 and I still have it. It is my drag car and my son has taken the wheel from me and is keeping it in the family for sure when I'm gone. Love the story and glad you got it back!!!!!
@brentwoodbergmann8842 that is awesome!!!! My 70 is nothing but a race car so it only has one purpose. My 64 GTO is my go to for a Sunday afternoon cruise.
I am in tears dude. Great story. Im a Pontiac guy and i understand. Ive had my 67 Pontiac since 1999 and still own it but havent had time or dough to fic her up. Becoming a dad took all my moolah and time. But this story inspires me. Congrats
I had a 77 bandit in high school . A stolen / recovered Frankenstein salvage build - but it didn’t matter. I’ve had dozens of classic cars but 45 years later I still miss that one the most
Outstanding! I know the feeling I sold my Chevelle unwillingly 20 years ago and made a last ditch effort to get it back with a hand written letter to the owner and it’s now back in my possession and never going away again
Awesome it's back home! Was there any marks or dents, decals you put on it still there? I still own the 57' Chevy gasser I bought in 1986 for $1000 as a senior in high school. I've done some major sacrifices over the last 30+ years but somehow managed to keep it! I just recently started the process of getting it road worthy after sitting for decades. These tri fives are bringing such crazy money I might not be able to buy another. Rust bucket rolling shells are $10k+!!
@@rodmacd8357 the dude I sold it to just painted it and that was it. My speed declas every 18 year old slaps all over was still on the dash and windows the damn air freshener I put in was still hanging from the vent handle it’s an absolute trip driving it
This a fantastic story and fantastically told in a way that captures the love so many of us have for our cars. I love how your diligence and determination paid off. Congratulations!!
I love this story. I paid attention to every word, every situation and every win and loss. My god I was emotional and can't even imagine your emotional journey. What a happy ending and that car's gotta have a soul. Amazing. Congratulations barley scratches the surface. Great story, Awesome beautiful car. Merry Christmas and for certain a very happy new year.
That was a fantastic story, I had no intention on watching 19 minutes of this but I was captivated, I'm so glad this guy (and fellow Trumpeter) found and got back his car.....I'd watch these all day :)
This is the reason why I love this channel. To see and hear stories like this and be so envious of people that had the luxury of being able to have a car that they've always wanted and getting it back is it true American story.
I really enjoy car stories like this. usually they don’t have the best outcome but you were blessed to get it back. I have my dad’s 77 ta he bought back in the 80s. I would drive it alot in the late 90s and early 2000s. In 2019 I took ownership of the car and she’s not going anywhere!
This video is for anyone who's ever loved a car. Thankfully I never got rid of the ones I loved as a kid, even back then I sensed this is what'd be in front of me if I did. I've dragged my cars from one storage space to another over the years and what a headache to do it, but I still have them!
My father has a 1975 he bought when he was 16 . It's still in his garage all origional. We've had so many offers to sell this car he would never part with it and I don't blame him. This is an awesome story . I have a 2005 gto 6 speed so I know your rebuild 79 has to have alot more power . Awesome story man !! I watche this twice !
Hey now, we gatta have priorities in order here. He can keep up with that on his own. That’s why they gave em a birth certificate when guys sign for child support liability. 😂😂
As a father of two I can tell you that just happens sometimes. I know when my kids were born I was there for crying out loud, but trying to remember that date is next to impossible sometimes.
Dude seems like a genuine, family man and that comes through when his beloved car finally came home. Fantastic story, Joe. Thanks for sharing such a warm story.
What a great story! Well done on saving your old ride. I have also loved the '77 Trans Am ever since watching Smokey and the Bandit as a 12 year old. You definitely did justice to this '79 SE.
Truly awesome story and a super cool dude. I’m a big lover and a car guy too. This makes me so happy. Last April I got back my high school 1969 nova SS 354 speed that I sold to buy my house in Florida. I knew where the car was, but could never even think about getting it back until unfortunately my wife passed away and I said life is too short and I borrowed the money and bought the car. It’s in mint condition now and it will always stay in the family just like this guy.
at 60 yrs old i felt this story. i still to this day have my first nice car. bought it in 1985. i couldn't imagine not having my car. not gonna lie... i teared up a bit watching him tell the story. so cool he has it back.
I loved this man's story! I wish I could find my 1st car. A 1970 Barracuda. Factory 318 car. When I got it, it had a mildly built 340. Headers, dual plane intake, 750 CFM Holley dvl pump carb and a Mallory dual point distributor were easily variable mods along with the loping idle of an aftermarket cam. The higher compression piston...not easily verifiable. She was fast, faster than my 16 year old foot could stay out of. I worked 2 summers on a framing crew for the money...$1200 in 1982. "If you race this thing I'm selling it" my dad warned. I really wish I'd had more self control back then because it was long at all and it was sold. I know the (also young) guy that bought it crashed it into his mother's Caddy in their driveway. I'd say mine has likely rusted to nothing or was saved and now would cost multiple 5 figures easy.
Awesome story, I’m your age, had a 1984 z28 in high school and drove it everywhere. It was a chick magnet 😂. In time I got married but instead of selling it I put it in the corner of my garage, this was 1999. Just last week I decided I wanted to see it again. Well 25 years of furniture and boxes and Christmas decorations had to be moved.But she was just like I left it but full of dust. I’m so glad I kept it after all these years.By the way, I’m from Lockport. Take care, enjoy the fruits of your hard work and determination in finding your car. They really do become part of you.
Fantastic story being reunited with your original car. I have a similar story with my Gen 2 Dodge Ram. I am a truck guy and my first car was a Gen 2 Ram. Long story short is I was apart from it for ten years and constantly missed it. I even bought a Ram TRX with the Hellcat to fill the void but I still wanted my 97 Gen 2 Ram back. I got it back in 2022, in horrible shape, and was able to restore it back and it is now my daily driver again. I couldn't be happier. I teared up a couple of times listening to your story just thinking about how blessed I am to have my original first truck back with me. Great story and thanks for sharing it.
What a neat story, and amazing that you were able to track it down and give it a new life, powered by vintage memories. I love Trans Am's, and even though I never had the privilage of owning one; you got me cryin. And extra special that your son was a part of your hunt and will continue on your Trans Am legacy. Thanks for sharing.
I owned a 1979 Camaro with t-tops and factory 4speed . I still have dreams about driving that car. I found once but couldn’t get it back so I know how much it means to get your dream car back. Congratulations
My first car was a 1979 Pontiac. I traded it in 1991 for a 1984 Firebird. About 3months later I see it outside a frat house in Kansas City Missouri and it didn't have a single straight body panel on it. And that is after I spent most of High School rebuilding it and learning collision repair in shop class to fix it and repaint it. That was 1992 and I STILL want that car back to do it right.
Excellent story. I completely understand how you feel. I left the Army in 2005, when I got home to Acworth, GA I went down to Carl Black Pontiac and bought a 2006 GTO, phantom black metallic, red leather interior, six speed manual, and 17” wheels. I love that car. I had to sell it in 2015 to make room for something bigger now that I have a family. Every time I see a Phantom black GTO my heart skips a beat as I wonder if it is my old GTO.
Wow what a story, bought tears to my eyes. The fact your got your teenage car back is epic. I had a custom 78 Chevelle which i'd love to get back but sadly she was written off years after a parted with her.
Smokey & the Bandit is free to watch right now here on RUclips. I have been rewatching them over the last couple days, so this video is great timing 😂👍🏻
What a great story! You're very lucky that you were able to find the car after so many years, and even more so to be able to buy it back. I'm happy for you man!
My mom got the 79 Trans Am after Smokey & The Bandit came out. The exact same model from the movie. I loved that car as a kid. I wish she had kept it because we always had our cars garaged and clean. It would be mint still no doubt. Good memories. Glad you got your car back.
My father owns a warehouse in a complex down the street from the Pontiac Specialists shop and I’d always pass it on my way to work on my own project, help my dad out, etc. It didn’t click until Joe mentioned the fire, I remember passing by a few days after it happened and it was a tragic thing to see, half of the warehouse was melted off the frame. They managed to get the whole place put back together within the last year or two and I specifically remember that exact trans am being loaded onto a trailer. Seeing how many frames and body panels sit by the side of the warehouse, that are probably the only thing left from the cars that didn’t make it, it’s a miracle the ‘79 made it out.
Vinwiki, hey vin a terrific story I had tears running down the side of my face, I'm so glad U got your car back keep it forever mate their won't be another one like it. Cheers to ya
I found the CVO Harley I sold for our first house down payment my late father got me when I was in the Marines to replace another I had to sell. Owner said he would sell and now ghosts me… glad u got yours back.
Fantastic story. I found my old '01 Bullitt after years and years of searching (and I had the VIN). You put it out there into the universe, and with persistence, you'd be surprised how often it pans out.
What a heart melting story... I´m glad he got it back and won´t leave it anymore... I mean shure it´s only a car, but for him it´s the one Car.... very very cool story!
Crazy crazy story I came across this video on RUclips by accident haha but even crazier is I used to live in Anniston Alabama not to far away from where this very trans am sat in that very yard I was doing carpentry work just down the street and reminded someone asking about an estimate on a job right next door to this car resting under that tree in that same backyard it's a small world out there and it's amazing you found trans am absolutely outstanding story Sir thanks for sharing it
I bought a 1975 forrmula 400 firebird in 1993.....and a 1975 455 4 speed Trans Am in 1999 I have hung on to both come hell or high water over the years just so I never have to experience that kind of regret from selling later.....every day I dont have to sell them is a good day😉👍
Great story and even better ending.. congratulations. I'm similar in years, born in 1970 and now you got me wondering what happened to my first love, a 1955½ Chevy stepside small windowed ½ ton, and my side-chick, a 1965 Buick Skylark two-door with the 310 Wildcat and a Powerglide
Love the story!!! Going through the process myself with one of my father’s old cars. Wondering who you used for a PI? Would love to hear back from you if you actually get this Joe.
When I was a kid back in the 60’s - 70’s I felt alone. My father died when I was 6 yrs old. No one understood my love for cars. I always felt like an out cast. To my mother cars were just an appliance. I know my father liked cars because he had a stash of collectibles. Car parts, magazines, plastic models on display such as the Green Hornet and the Black Widow. I built go karts out of scrap when I was 8, much to my mothers disapproval. It wasn’t until my teen years in the mid 70’s that I could work and afford to travel to car shows and swap meets. It was there that I met individuals who were like minded about cars. Real car guys! Watching this video makes me realize how much car guys are the same. We remember our first car. Images of cars on the strip burned into our brains. Friday night grabbing a burger, shake and fries at the favourite hang out, cruising the streets with our best girl. These father and son car stories make me proud to be connected to a great group of individuals. Thanks for making the video. God bless all you car guys with great stories like this one. I never feel alone anymore.
I had a 1979 T/A that looked exactly like this one! I bought it in the summer of 1992. It was a 1 owner car with 61,000 miles on it. It was black with gold decals, tan interior, T-tops and factory 4-speed. Garage kept. I kick myself in the ass everyday for selling it!!
As a car guy, this story sits so deep with me, I am currently in the process of trying to find my first e92 bmw, was my absolute pride and joy, was totalled on the motorway when I was driving back to my barracks, somebody bought it from auction and fixed it up, I’m still trying to find it, incredible video, thank you !
It is great he got the car back. I hear so many stories of people regretting they sold their car. The moral to the story, NEVER sell the car unless you really don't like it anymore. It's not a matter of if you'll regret it, it's a matter of when. even if money is tight or you don't have a lot of time to drive it. Store it somewhere safe so it is ready for you when you are. Don't put yourself in his situation.
I know exactly how this man feels. Last year I completed restoration of the 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda I learned to drive in and every time I get in that car and drive it I am entering a Time Machine. It takes me back to when I was 16 and driving my muscle car around town. I just love it. I am so happy he was able to find HIS car and bring it home. They did a fantastic job on it! And the LS swap is perfect :)
What a great story, That's a car guy. It's not about 0-60, or this feature or that feature, it's about how the car makes you feel. Nice to have the happy ending!
It is SOOO incredibly infuriating to me when people claim that the car means so much to them and they want to keep it yet they will leave it sitting outside for years to rot away.
That is typical hoarder mentality. They always have a plan for it but will never get off their duff.
Greedy?
That's how humans work we tend to be hoarders and in the person's mind they will get to it someday. Your not a car guy if you don't have that one project for me it's a 1931 model a sitting since 1958 every time I think about fixing it life happens and everything else breaks.
Some people don’t have a 3 car garage
Or refuse to sell it and let it sit outside and rot for 25 years...
This is a car story. Not a BS rich guy who "found" a rare Lambo after somone called and wanted to sell it, but a guy who wanted his first car back. such a good story!
This is the perfect example of the love a gearhead has for their car
A story and sitch we can all relate too🤟✊️💯
Spot on. My dad was the same way. You want "the" car. What it is, is not important. But to you, it's everything. Loved this story.
"Not a BS rich guy". Point taken, but a guy who's paying Trans Am Specialties to turn a rusted out shell into a like new LS equipped show car is definitely not short on cash.
Truly a great story that choked me up at the end. NOT a clickbait title, really one of the greatest car stories ever.
I had a ‘66 Mustang convertible in college. Drove it cross-country from Michigan to LA. Sold it in ‘89, and like 15 years later, a guy found my name in the glovebox and reached out to let me know it was safely in his garage in London!
Love that new owner - he's got a one-way ticket to Car Guy Heaven!
.
Kinda like that song riding with private malone
Great story
That is so cool!!🙌🏻
Would you go to London to see her again?
Only a true car guy can understand how strong the emotion is in this story. I’m so happy that car has returned home. ❤
My takeaway from this is that you used to be able to afford a new-ish sports car with two summers worth of paychecks.
Two summers worth of work couldn’t even buy you a decent Honda civic
@@jv6miataYeah you couldn't even put a down payment on one these days but back then you could. I lived it........damn I'm old 😂😂😂
no that isn't true minimum wage in those years was 2.65 an hour a single guy that was about 90 bucks a week after taxes as i recall. trans ams were like 5-6 k as i recall
It was $2.35 when I was 16 and I am the same age as he is.
@@mfreund15448 i don't know what state your in. but in 1978 California minimum wage was 2.65 an hour. I was 15 years old. so i don't doubt what your saying for a second, just saying what i know to be fact in California in 1978. I think the next step was 3.10 in 1980
He wasn't looking for a car. He was looking for his youth and a carefree past. A great time for a lot of people that you don't quite appreciate until it's gone. Aquiring the car doesn't give him those days back, but it does, however, help him feel like he captured a part of them in a time capsule frozen in time. When he looks at the car, he doesn't actually see a car. He sees a place in time that he loved very much. I don't know how much money he spent to restore it. But to him, it's obviously worth every penny when he looks at it and smiles and remembers so vividly those wonderful youthful days of a man with a V8, 4 on the floor and a carefree life full of promise and longing for adventure.
Very well stated. I've done the same with an airplane I built in '88. Sadly the tail number has been given to another plane so impossible to trace where it is.
That's the theory, and there is some truth to it. But That's just a small part. Of all my cars, there's only one I regret. It wasn't my first, it was just the car which was more than any other car.
ez 40k to get this back to factory specs..
Exactly! I call the car I learned to drive in my Time Machine, because every time I get behind the wheel, put my hand on the wheel and the pistol grip shifter I am 16 again, it truly takes me back to that point in time and that mindset. I am sure he smiles just as big as I do every time he turns the key on that car and it fires up.
💯🎯
Love this story.
Most car guys will be in tears after watching it.
I hope you keep it for the rest of your days and pass it down to your son.
So true - I was !
I am in tears! That's a gorgeous vehicle. I don't blame him for wanting to stare at it awhile! His wife is probably so happy he can't bring it in the bedroom at night.
Yep. Ditto.
If I said my car was the love of my life, the love of my life would kill me. 😂
Haha that’s pretty good!
Realistically they are just machines, but car guys like me can truly understand the love and bond that you establish with whatever favorite automobile your preference is. I lost mine and unable to get it back. Very glad there are awesome success stories like these, good job and well done on this amazing father and son life adventure!!
More stories like this please. No bullshìt fables, no ego or "look at me" going on here. Just a good story with a nice happy ending.
@@borismcfinnigan3430 agreed Boris! I had the ‘77 hurst hatch with the TA 400 (Pontiac block) and Muncie 4 speed. Was nice to see the effort he put into locating that car. It’s heartwarming that it didn’t get sitting there indefinitely! I once tried an hour at 100 mph the car handled it well. Then it took 1.5 hours to come back lol
Agree big but won't tell you my related story
@@mrp2561 🤔
@@TWilson-t8h what I mean is I have a lot of similar experiences as the original poster but I choose not to blab it out here and switch the focus on me that's all. I don't understand why people do that. It's just me.
@@mrp2561 I understand and appreciated your humility, but as you can see, people come here for exactly those kind of stories. I feel you would be adding something, as opposed to taking away. Not trying to change your mind, just adding my point of view. Take care, either way. ✌️👍
dude must play one hell of a trumpet...
I have a similar story. I sold my 1970 T/A Challenger in 1986 that I had wanted since I was in the 8th grade and I finally got it when I was 19 years old. Fast forward getting married everyone but me thought I needed to sell it to buy stuff for the house. So I finally broke down and sold her. I remember the day they loaded it on the rollback I laid my hand on the fender and told her I would find her again one day. How about 4 months ago, 38 years after I last saw her, I found her and worked out a deal to get her back. I unloaded her in the same place I loaded her 38 years ago. I won't ever sell her again. It still had the same keychain on the keys that I had put on it 38 years ago.
That's amazing!! What condition was she in when you got her back?
Wow that's an amazing story !! Wow what a Car too
Keep the car, divorce the wife!
Man, I have Man Tears running down my face.
My most memorable car was my. '76 Camaro!
I was a trombonist who played the solo in Tommy Dorsey's "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" countless times. I always wondered what the trumpets (who get the solos in most other pieces) were thinking as they weren't in the spotlight for once .... and it turns out, I guess they were thinking about their first car, and getting it back.
😂
I honestly think that’s the best video I’ve seen on here (and there’s been some good ones). I love car stories like that. So glad he found it.
I used to own a 1991 Trans Am 5.0. white with a black cloth interior n I made the mistake of letting my oldest daughter drive it when I got it back it had a blown motor 😮😢🤬🤬
@@allenkranawetter9482 rather rebuild a motor than do bodywork
www.youtube.com/@LostandFoundMuscleCars
Yea I agree and what a surprise to hear this guy was a trumpet player for Tommy Dorsey.. crazy you couldn’t make that up!
I never cry at anything man but being a car and bike nut that actually got a tear in my eye , well done man your son is gonna inherit that beauty one day too ,what a story ,I'm choked !!🤩
" it was my father's car
Well put it in the garage!"
That was my thought😅
people were just bullsh*tting him, they knew that he wanted it so badly because he spilled the beans.
Lol he said Im a musician I was thinking ok transam guy musician he is probably a drummer but looks like a lead guitarist...I played the trumpet 😂I didn't see that one coming
I bought my first Corvette when I entered the Navy in 1974 ('73 Red on Black, 454-4 speed ragtop) and have had several since. Much later in life I decided to find a specific 1973 Corvette that I bought in 1975. I had customized it pretty extensively and wondered what condition it would be in 30 years later. I remember feeling the same way Joe described and let my hopes run wild. Well ... I finally found the car. To be more accurate, I found out what happened to the car. A gentleman wrapped it around a tree and died in the process, a few years after I sold it (Thoughts and Prayers to Family and Friends). The car was parted out and spread to the wind. Joe's experience is a rare one, which is worth documenting ... Thanx VINwiki & congrats Joe ! 🤘 ^v^
One of the best stories ever on the channel. A+++
Came here to say the same!
must be new here, not even close
Definitely in the top 3.
@@rori1891 What are the other two? I loved this story.
www.youtube.com/@LostandFoundMuscleCars
Beautiful story! I absolutely loved this. I am so happy you found it, no value can ever be put on that feeling. That emotion was real, and runs deep! Bravo on achieving your dream. ❤
Car stories from the 80s just hit different what a time to be alive I bet.
Everyone back then talked about cars. I was a kid, but it was an amazing time.
Much better than today
@@TheSleepingonit You CLEARLY did not grow up in the 80's.
@@doubleaaaron Everyone STILL talks about cars....
i wish i was born in the 60s so i could live the 70s and 80s
I get this. I am 54. I was 16 in 1986 and we used to ride around in my friend's Trans Am with the t-top off as early in March as we could take it because we were always jonesing for spring by then. That was very close to Rochester, NY as well. We'd be blasting down the road, drinking 40s, playing Crue or Metallica, looking for girls. It was that time in a young man's life where you are absolutely positive that there is going to be something awesome around every single corner you come to. At 54, I'd give just about anything to feel that again. Life has been good. But it was extra fun back then.
I am so glad he found his car, and that feeling.
My dad had a 1979 WS6 Trans-Am. What’s crazy is he loved blue. When he went to the dealer to order it he asked if he could order a black car with a blue bird and trim (black cars came with a brown bird and tan trim). The dealership called the factory and they agreed to do a black car with a blue bird with blue trim and interior stitching. My dad LOVED that car. He ended up having to sell it to afford his honeymoon. I wish we still had the car. It was one of the only factory Trans-Ams that was black with a blue bird on the hood. Car was a Southern California car and he sold it to someone locally that crashed their Trans-Am two weeks before. This was in 1984.
My dad had the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit rep. Dad was an Army recruiter at the time and became the #1 recruiter west of the Mississippi. He'd pick those guys up in that car bring 'em to the house and introduce them to my mom and my sister and I. He said to all of them at some point that the Army made all of what he had possible and they were sold. Unfortunately that car caused a wedge between my parents as he bought that car and traded in her beautiful conversion van for it without even letting her know and it upset he pretty bad. So they split the sheets, my sister and I went with her to live in the ghetto dad got to pick his next assignment because of the great job he did and moved to Hawaii. He had the car shipped there and it was the only one like it on all the islands. He told me he even sold it for a little more than he paid for it.
That’s awesome! It’s likely in someone’s garage in mint condition just as your dad ordered it. You never know especially with something that iconic.
I've seen it.
@@jtemmer4179 If you’re serious can you get in contact with me? Where is the vehicle now?
@KeithKman I seen it in Wisconsin. Racking my brain to remember where exactly. It was 10 years ago. I didn't know it was a 1 off car. I thought they were made with the blue bird also.
Congratulations! You got your old car back. I wish I could get my old 1978 Bandit back.
Like yours, mine had the WS6 wheels, but had a warmed up SD 455 from a 73 Pontiac.
I really miss that one.
Love this story!! While tiling a shower an hour from my house, I drove past my old 1997 eclipse gsx, which I sold 8 years ago. Loved that car, was my baby, and I'm in negotiations to buy it back. 100% understand he's feelings toward that car. Glad you got it back
Good luck with that GSX, I hope you get it back man.
@RB26DEST thank you much!! Think we have a deal in place, just need to pay the man and haul it back to it's home.
@@andrewfletcher5584 Wow, that's great! Go through with it, even if it's a lot of money. In the end, the joy will be worth it!
@@andrewfletcher5584 Best of luck, brother!
Good for you bro. My regret was selling my 1986 W123 Mercedes… I got it to 260,000 miles and the rust got too bad. The wife was on at me to sell it and I gave in… regret it to this day 8 years later
It’s so cool you played trumpet with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. My father was a musician at the Greenbrier Hotel in WV and as an 11 year old boy I played trumpet with the TD Orchestra when they toured the Greenbrier Hotel. Cool car story.
Bought my 70 GTO at 17 years old I'm now 54 and I still have it. It is my drag car and my son has taken the wheel from me and is keeping it in the family for sure when I'm gone. Love the story and glad you got it back!!!!!
Bought my 69 The Judge GTO when I was 19, now almost 66 years and I’ve kept it all this time. I still love to take it out for a sweet cruise.
@brentwoodbergmann8842 that is awesome!!!! My 70 is nothing but a race car so it only has one purpose. My 64 GTO is my go to for a Sunday afternoon cruise.
Such a cool story!!! Congrats on reconnecting with your TA! Burt is smiling down on you
I don't even want to think about how much he spent to bring this TA back to life. That being said, it's his money and I'm very glad that he's happy.
If he's happy and can afford it then it is MONEY WELL SPENT.
And 30 years of time, multiple states, kids, houses, life. Very impressive his kids gonna love that car
Money is just a number sitting in an account that you look at from time to time. I have a saying "I don't want money, just the things it buys".
I am in tears dude. Great story. Im a Pontiac guy and i understand. Ive had my 67 Pontiac since 1999 and still own it but havent had time or dough to fic her up. Becoming a dad took all my moolah and time. But this story inspires me. Congrats
I had a 77 bandit in high school . A stolen / recovered Frankenstein salvage build - but it didn’t matter. I’ve had dozens of classic cars but 45 years later I still miss that one the most
Same here. My first car. 400 with B&M shift. I still miss it.
Oh man the sense of completion you had when she came home must've been epic! Glad you got your girl back!
Outstanding! I know the feeling I sold my Chevelle unwillingly 20 years ago and made a last ditch effort to get it back with a hand written letter to the owner and it’s now back in my possession and never going away again
That’s fantastic! It’s cool to see our generation re-uniting with our high school cars and sharing them with our kids
Awesome it's back home! Was there any marks or dents, decals you put on it still there? I still own the 57' Chevy gasser I bought in 1986 for $1000 as a senior in high school. I've done some major sacrifices over the last 30+ years but somehow managed to keep it! I just recently started the process of getting it road worthy after sitting for decades. These tri fives are bringing such crazy money I might not be able to buy another. Rust bucket rolling shells are $10k+!!
@@rodmacd8357 the dude I sold it to just painted it and that was it. My speed declas every 18 year old slaps all over was still on the dash and windows the damn air freshener I put in was still hanging from the vent handle it’s an absolute trip driving it
This a fantastic story and fantastically told in a way that captures the love so many of us have for our cars. I love how your diligence and determination paid off. Congratulations!!
Oh man I would have seen that buff mark and lost it as well. Congrats on getting it back!
I love this story. I paid attention to every word, every situation and every win and loss. My god I was emotional and can't even imagine your emotional journey. What a happy ending and that car's gotta have a soul. Amazing. Congratulations barley scratches the surface. Great story, Awesome beautiful car. Merry Christmas and for certain a very happy new year.
Soo happy for you to hear such a heartwarming story. You well deserved it. Cheers from germany
That was a fantastic story, I had no intention on watching 19 minutes of this but I was captivated, I'm so glad this guy (and fellow Trumpeter) found and got back his car.....I'd watch these all day :)
same!
I did not even realize the length of the video, felt every bit of the story
Love it. I still got my 1980 turbo T/A. She's coming back together slowly but surely.
Turbo TA’s are finally getting the love they deserve.
This is the reason why I love this channel. To see and hear stories like this and be so envious of people that had the luxury of being able to have a car that they've always wanted and getting it back is it true American story.
I really enjoy car stories like this. usually they don’t have the best outcome but you were blessed to get it back. I have my dad’s 77 ta he bought back in the 80s. I would drive it alot in the late 90s and early 2000s. In 2019 I took ownership of the car and she’s not going anywhere!
This video is for anyone who's ever loved a car. Thankfully I never got rid of the ones I loved as a kid, even back then I sensed this is what'd be in front of me if I did. I've dragged my cars from one storage space to another over the years and what a headache to do it, but I still have them!
My father has a 1975 he bought when he was 16 . It's still in his garage all origional. We've had so many offers to sell this car he would never part with it and I don't blame him. This is an awesome story . I have a 2005 gto 6 speed so I know your rebuild 79 has to have alot more power . Awesome story man !! I watche this twice !
Bro remembers everything, but his sons age😂😂
Hey now, we gatta have priorities in order here. He can keep up with that on his own. That’s why they gave em a birth certificate when guys sign for child support liability. 😂😂
As a father of two I can tell you that just happens sometimes. I know when my kids were born I was there for crying out loud, but trying to remember that date is next to impossible sometimes.
His son’s name is Trans Am. Obviously.
8 or 9 or 10 😂
Lies are hard to remember
Dude seems like a genuine, family man and that comes through when his beloved car finally came home. Fantastic story, Joe. Thanks for sharing such a warm story.
This is the type of story we all live for as car people!
What a great story! Well done on saving your old ride. I have also loved the '77 Trans Am ever since watching Smokey and the Bandit as a 12 year old. You definitely did justice to this '79 SE.
Truly awesome story and a super cool dude. I’m a big lover and a car guy too. This makes me so happy.
Last April I got back my high school 1969 nova SS 354 speed that I sold to buy my house in Florida.
I knew where the car was, but could never even think about getting it back until unfortunately my wife passed away and I said life is too short and I borrowed the money and bought the car. It’s in mint condition now and it will always stay in the family just like this guy.
MAN! Boy, I tell you. Talk about sentimental value. Incredible.
at 60 yrs old i felt this story. i still to this day have my first nice car. bought it in 1985. i couldn't imagine not having my car. not gonna lie... i teared up a bit watching him tell the story. so cool he has it back.
I loved this man's story!
I wish I could find my 1st car. A 1970 Barracuda. Factory 318 car. When I got it, it had a mildly built 340. Headers, dual plane intake, 750 CFM Holley dvl pump carb and a Mallory dual point distributor were easily variable mods along with the loping idle of an aftermarket cam. The higher compression piston...not easily verifiable. She was fast, faster than my 16 year old foot could stay out of. I worked 2 summers on a framing crew for the money...$1200 in 1982.
"If you race this thing I'm selling it" my dad warned.
I really wish I'd had more self control back then because it was long at all and it was sold. I know the (also young) guy that bought it crashed it into his mother's Caddy in their driveway. I'd say mine has likely rusted to nothing or was saved and now would cost multiple 5 figures easy.
This dude is awesome. Congrats my man.
@@Kiawah1007 finally a normal comment, not another story trying to top the original video.
Awesome story, I’m your age, had a 1984 z28 in high school and drove it everywhere. It was a chick magnet 😂. In time I got married but instead of selling it I put it in the corner of my garage, this was 1999. Just last week I decided I wanted to see it again. Well 25 years of furniture and boxes and Christmas decorations had to be moved.But she was just like I left it but full of dust. I’m so glad I kept it after all these years.By the way, I’m from Lockport. Take care, enjoy the fruits of your hard work and determination in finding your car. They really do become part of you.
Fantastic story being reunited with your original car. I have a similar story with my Gen 2 Dodge Ram. I am a truck guy and my first car was a Gen 2 Ram. Long story short is I was apart from it for ten years and constantly missed it. I even bought a Ram TRX with the Hellcat to fill the void but I still wanted my 97 Gen 2 Ram back. I got it back in 2022, in horrible shape, and was able to restore it back and it is now my daily driver again. I couldn't be happier. I teared up a couple of times listening to your story just thinking about how blessed I am to have my original first truck back with me. Great story and thanks for sharing it.
What a neat story, and amazing that you were able to track it down and give it a new life, powered by vintage memories. I love Trans Am's, and even though I never had the privilage of owning one; you got me cryin. And extra special that your son was a part of your hunt and will continue on your Trans Am legacy. Thanks for sharing.
I owned a 1979 Camaro with t-tops and factory 4speed . I still have dreams about driving that car. I found once but couldn’t get it back so I know how much it means to get your dream car back. Congratulations
Heartwarming watching this, and so delighted the story had such a happy ending for you and the car. ❤
My first car was a 1979 Pontiac. I traded it in 1991 for a 1984 Firebird. About 3months later I see it outside a frat house in Kansas City Missouri and it didn't have a single straight body panel on it. And that is after I spent most of High School rebuilding it and learning collision repair in shop class to fix it and repaint it.
That was 1992 and I STILL want that car back to do it right.
Excellent story. I completely understand how you feel. I left the Army in 2005, when I got home to Acworth, GA I went down to Carl Black Pontiac and bought a 2006 GTO, phantom black metallic, red leather interior, six speed manual, and 17” wheels. I love that car. I had to sell it in 2015 to make room for something bigger now that I have a family. Every time I see a Phantom black GTO my heart skips a beat as I wonder if it is my old GTO.
As a jazz musician and a car guy, I loved this story
Wow what a story, bought tears to my eyes. The fact your got your teenage car back is epic. I had a custom 78 Chevelle which i'd love to get back but sadly she was written off years after a parted with her.
Smokey & the Bandit is free to watch right now here on RUclips. I have been rewatching them over the last couple days, so this video is great timing 😂👍🏻
Is it? Or it is the algorithm? Maybe they're tracking your searches?
What a great story! You're very lucky that you were able to find the car after so many years, and even more so to be able to buy it back. I'm happy for you man!
These are my favorite stories. Glad he got his car back, he truly loves it. That's what being a car guy is all about.
Heartwarming story. I’m standing & cheering!
Well done 👏🏼
What a love story. Best Vinwiki ever.
My mom got the 79 Trans Am after Smokey & The Bandit came out. The exact same model from the movie. I loved that car as a kid. I wish she had kept it because we always had our cars garaged and clean. It would be mint still no doubt. Good memories. Glad you got your car back.
My father owns a warehouse in a complex down the street from the Pontiac Specialists shop and I’d always pass it on my way to work on my own project, help my dad out, etc. It didn’t click until Joe mentioned the fire, I remember passing by a few days after it happened and it was a tragic thing to see, half of the warehouse was melted off the frame. They managed to get the whole place put back together within the last year or two and I specifically remember that exact trans am being loaded onto a trailer. Seeing how many frames and body panels sit by the side of the warehouse, that are probably the only thing left from the cars that didn’t make it, it’s a miracle the ‘79 made it out.
Vinwiki, hey vin a terrific story I had tears running down the side of my face, I'm so glad U got your car back keep it forever mate their won't be another one like it. Cheers to ya
Best video on here in a long time. Very happy for him
Man! This story put me in tears!! The emotion behind it was outstanding. Need more stories like these
@1:13 I think it's funny we have to explain what newspapers and magazines are, for those who don't know. 😂
what a great great story brought me to tears. persistence paid off.
I found the CVO Harley I sold for our first house down payment my late father got me when I was in the Marines to replace another I had to sell. Owner said he would sell and now ghosts me… glad u got yours back.
Fantastic story. I found my old '01 Bullitt after years and years of searching (and I had the VIN). You put it out there into the universe, and with persistence, you'd be surprised how often it pans out.
What a brilliantly cool story teller Joe is. What a brilliant story.
What a heart melting story... I´m glad he got it back and won´t leave it anymore... I mean shure it´s only a car, but for him it´s the one Car.... very very cool story!
There is nothing better than a good storyteller talking about something that means a lot to them.
Crazy crazy story I came across this video on RUclips by accident haha but even crazier is I used to live in Anniston Alabama not to far away from where this very trans am sat in that very yard I was doing carpentry work just down the street and reminded someone asking about an estimate on a job right next door to this car resting under that tree in that same backyard it's a small world out there and it's amazing you found trans am absolutely outstanding story Sir thanks for sharing it
I bought a 1975 forrmula 400 firebird in 1993.....and a 1975 455 4 speed Trans Am in 1999
I have hung on to both come hell or high water over the years just so I never have to experience that kind of regret from selling later.....every day I dont have to sell them is a good day😉👍
Love the story, Can see the joy in his face. Us petrolheads know thar feeling well. Congratulations mate. Enjoy.
I know we won't be getting any more Rabbit stories, but dammit this one comes real close to feeling like one. Glad you got the car back, man.
Great story and even better ending.. congratulations. I'm similar in years, born in 1970 and now you got me wondering what happened to my first love, a 1955½ Chevy stepside small windowed ½ ton, and my side-chick, a 1965 Buick Skylark two-door with the 310 Wildcat and a Powerglide
Great story, well told.
My dad gave me his 1977 red trans-am when I turned 16. That was in 1985. I often wish I had that car back. Best times of my life in that car.
Awesome story! But the hero from this is the 8 year old kid, he did a long con and managed to get a car ready for his teenager years :D
Love the story!!! Going through the process myself with one of my father’s old cars. Wondering who you used for a PI? Would love to hear back from you if you actually get this Joe.
When I was a kid back in the 60’s - 70’s I felt alone. My father died when I was 6 yrs old. No one understood my love for cars. I always felt like an out cast. To my mother cars were just an appliance. I know my father liked cars because he had a stash of collectibles. Car parts, magazines, plastic models on display such as the Green Hornet and the Black Widow. I built go karts out of scrap when I was 8, much to my mothers disapproval. It wasn’t until my teen years in the mid 70’s that I could work and afford to travel to car shows and swap meets. It was there that I met individuals who were like minded about cars. Real car guys! Watching this video makes me realize how much car guys are the same. We remember our first car. Images of cars on the strip burned into our brains. Friday night grabbing a burger, shake and fries at the favourite hang out, cruising the streets with our best girl. These father and son car stories make me proud to be connected to a great group of individuals. Thanks for making the video. God bless all you car guys with great stories like this one. I never feel alone anymore.
I had a 1979 T/A that looked exactly like this one! I bought it in the summer of 1992. It was a 1 owner car with 61,000 miles on it. It was black with gold decals, tan interior, T-tops and factory 4-speed. Garage kept. I kick myself in the ass everyday for selling it!!
A great example of what Pontiac used to mean. RIP
As a car guy, this story sits so deep with me, I am currently in the process of trying to find my first e92 bmw, was my absolute pride and joy, was totalled on the motorway when I was driving back to my barracks, somebody bought it from auction and fixed it up, I’m still trying to find it, incredible video, thank you !
It is great he got the car back. I hear so many stories of people regretting they sold their car. The moral to the story, NEVER sell the car unless you really don't like it anymore. It's not a matter of if you'll regret it, it's a matter of when. even if money is tight or you don't have a lot of time to drive it. Store it somewhere safe so it is ready for you when you are. Don't put yourself in his situation.
I know exactly how this man feels. Last year I completed restoration of the 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda I learned to drive in and every time I get in that car and drive it I am entering a Time Machine. It takes me back to when I was 16 and driving my muscle car around town. I just love it. I am so happy he was able to find HIS car and bring it home. They did a fantastic job on it! And the LS swap is perfect :)
What a great story, That's a car guy. It's not about 0-60, or this feature or that feature, it's about how the car makes you feel. Nice to have the happy ending!
This is the best car story i have eveeeer seen. Awesome to watch.
This is the best story I have seen on this channel by far.
Congratulations! That’s an awesome story, the car looks better than new now and with a LS in it, sweet!🤠
Love this! Those that say "it's just a car" are missing a huge part of their soul and will never understand...
Wow great video! Cheers from the Finger Lakes! I used to watch Lou Gramm drag race in Rochester back in the 70s before he became famous!
Wonderful story, beautiful car, something an enthusiast can relate to.
Dude…awesome story man. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Its cool to get an old friend back!!