A muscle car Cinderella story- Son surprises Dad with the 1968 GTO that he restored 29 years ago
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2021
- The restoration (1992-1994)
In 1992 my father bought a 1968 Pontiac GTO from a local man named Steve Cordes, who told him that he didn’t believe it was a numbers matching car. My father (Alan Vandyke) began to tear the car down to the frame in order to properly restore it. When he dropped the gas tank, he found the original Pontiac build sheet. After de-coding the sheet, he was able to determine that the car was numbers matching from front to back, and even into the carburetors. Over the next 2 years and change, he built the car back up from the frame, replacing everything that needed to be replaced. He rebuilt the engine, and cleaned everything up, and put it all back together. In the summer of 1994, the car restoration was finally completed!
In the fall of 1999, after having kid number 5, my father decided to sell the car in order to finish the basement. The day that he sold this car is the very first memory that I retained as a child. I remember the very last ride that we took in the car, on the day that it was sold. I was 3 going on 4 years old. Growing up, every time that my father and I went to a car show, I was always told to keep an eye out for the GTO. It never showed up.
The Search (2019-2021)
In the spring-summer of 2019, 20 years after it had been sold, I decided to start looking for the car. I dug up a few pictures of the car showing the old license plates, and sent them to a few cop friends to see if anything would turn up. Months later, my mother was able to dig up the receipt for the paint job from my fathers restoration of the vehicle, giving us the VIN number of the car. A long summer of unsuccessful searching followed, and in early spring of 2020, I decided to pay a Private Investigator to look for the car. After months of COVID, and not hearing much, the P.I. informed me that he was not able to turn up any information on the car. A few months later I had applied and joined a few Pontiac and GTO pages on Facebook, where I posted my story in hopes of somebody recognizing the car. Months went by, and still no answers. I finally posted to a few more Facebook pages, and after a day or two, I was told to Google the VIN. We are not sure what changed, but this time when I googled the VIN, a single search result came up: the registration for a car in the country of Denmark, matching the VIN and description. Since 2008, the car had been registered in the country of Denmark. After some searching, I was able to find One Facebook page that was titled in English “GTO club Denmark”. The page had 82 members. I shared the story again, hoping that somebody would recognize the car. The next morning I woke up to a picture and a video of the car in my inbox from a man named martin that said he knew the owner. He got me in touch with the owner, and translated for us since the owner did not speak English. The owner was excited to hear the story, but not willing to part with the car. My last communication with the owner was the fall of 2020. In January of 2021, Martin reached out to me and informed me that the owner of the car was in a tragic accident with his land cruiser in which he lost his life. Four months later, the owner’s daughter and widow reached out to me, willing to sell the car. My uncle (my father’s best friend) and also my fathers cousin pitched in to foot the bill to get the car back without my father knowing. I had it shipped in a container, and then trucked to a friend’s house, where we went through the car, before surprising my father on Memorial day of 2021. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
A message that my father asked me to post in this wonderful comment section:
So, as the father of this wonderful young man Austin, and the recipient of this long lost car I thought it would be good to add a few comments to this blog that might add something to this story. First, just for clarification, I am only ½ of the equation in raising this kid, and am pretty sure my wife contributed the bigger half. Austin in fact did get married this summer to a beautiful young women named Holly and as expected, the car was part of the Bridal party!
Second, I want to recognize the fact that the Jonassen Family from Denmark made a huge sacrifice by selling the car back to me. They let go of something very meaningful that belonged to someone they loved dearly. It is for this reason that you will notice we left the Denmark plate on the front of the car in memory of their dear husband, father and grandfather. Thank you from the VanDyke family.
Third, a big shout out and thank you for all the great comments! YES, I read them ALL! The one that really resonated with me and I am sure with others read something like “ unless you have left behind some skin and blood on a car you can’t fully understand the connection of car and owner” So true!
Now, about the car… as expected we drove it around a whole bunch this year. 4-5 car shows, cruising around the country whenever weather allowed. I got a lot of neck breaking thumbs up driving it. Gives a guy a warm fuzzy to know there are still people out there that appreciate Classic American Iron. Yea, it smells a little like a leaking fuel tank when you mash the 4 barrels open, and screams like a bad actor when both rear tires are striping the pavement but what a blast! Can’t do that with my grocery getter! I still have the automatic trans in it that Jorgen installed but, for all you purist out there, take a deep breath… I do have the original 4-speed on the shelf and plan to put it back in this winter! One thing I discovered (or re-discovered) this summer were all the friends we made at car shows. If its hard to understand how complete strangers can become friends in 30 seconds of conversation, go to a car show and start talking about 4-speeds, 4 barrels and 400 hp engines. The coolest part of these conversations is that every car (and I mean EVERY CAR!) has a story. They say family blood runs thick. I can tell you the blood of the car enthusiast family runs thick as well and it consist of oil and antifreeze!
A highlight in August; we were invited by Berger Chevrolet to show the GTO inside their beautiful facility during the Grand Rapids Metro Cruise. Every year during this huge car show they feature 40 + cars inside at their dealership. This was quite an honor for us. Someone who worked there saw our video online, contacted my son and asked if we would be willing to show it there. That was pretty special.
Anyway, the car is back home to stay. As many of you commented, it now has become part of the family and we are making new memories with the grandkids. My wife and I will continue to enjoy it as long as we can still drive or until they quit making gasoline ☹
Fall is on us so I put the 400 horses back in the stable for the winter.
Thank you to all my kids for making this possible. You make a dad proud. Love you guys.
Thank you to my dear wife for putting up with my love of cars for the past 36 years. It took away time I probably should have spent with you so I’ll try to make it up to you. Want to go on a date with me? I got a pretty cool car I can pick you up in. It’s a convertible!
Austin your a great person and amazing son glad to see this story sad to hear about people in Denmark but crazy cool to see your Dad's reaction when you started the car
Such a great story! If my dad were still here he would turn 102 this week. Dad’s dream car was a 34 ford coupe which he sold to raise family. Back in 1981 i bought a ‘34 coupe to restore with dad but never got the chance... dad moved to old folks home. He had given me his ‘66 F100 but i ended up selling it for 100.00 in gas money to move from Michigan to Az. Not a single day goes by without thinking of him. I now have a yard full of 1966 Ford trucks including one i am making a clone of his. I also am restoring the 1955 Wards scooter he bought us kids in 1964! Ot will be displayed in back.
What a great family. The moment you heard that engine again was priceless. Outstanding.
I hope you changed your pants 👖 and lucky you never dropped dead the story is what car legends are made of a car that went on vacation and come back home
Can you adopt me so I can one day be the proud owner.... dad!
When he hears that exhaust note and INSTANTLY knows... that man loves that car like it's his own flesh and blood.
He heard The Purr of The Kitty.....HIS Kitty.
9:24
Acts like someone he used to know as a kid calling his name. XD
I love everything about it
That's because , ain't NOTHIN' growls quite like a GTO!
Gave me goose bumps
"It doesn't make any sense to most people"
Me actually crying because I understand 100% why this car is important
So im not the only one crying cuz of happines
The car is important, but the fact that his 20 something son cares enough to find and retrieve it is more important.
I‘m right there with you guys.
I feel it. Trying to save up for a 1968 camaro like g’pop, but saving that kinda of money with a construction job and family is hard. One day, one day 🙏🏽
said no one
I think a big part of stories like this is not only the car coming back but the fact you're children went to such lengths to bring you happiness.
Floydpepper70, spot on , spot on!
if your children do that for you when they grow up most likely you were a great father or mother
Eeyup.
@@IvanKiselyvovmy brother had the idea to do that for our mom once upon a time for her 65 cherry red mustang; he got as far as finding the Vin number, and that was it.
@@Gamerafighter76 i hope some day a miracle happens and you can get that car back to your mom. we never know what the future has for us
The way he jumped from the seat as soon as he heard that engine. You can tell that man has way more than just a connection with the car. Awesome.
I'm from Denmark and when I saw this beautiful video, I cried because the owner of the car was willing to sell it and have it shipped all the way from the denmark to the USA and make your father happy again
I cried in The USA! Lol 😂
It's not just a car, it's your dad's pride & joy, he's blessed to have a son like you
Its his baby
To 99% of people it's just a car...to that men that's not JUST A CAR it's memories, feelings and things i'm not even gonna try describing.
You sir a true son, a real men and i trully hope the grace of god walks with you every day of your life.
A car is lifeless. But,when a man puts his heart and passion into it,it becomes a part of him. The car,in a sense,becomes alive. Such a great son. Awesome family. And to the father,your son truly loves and appreciates you.
lifeinlimbo You nailed it precisely!! Passion! 🤗
Perfectly said
What a gift … the look of surprise and recognition when he heard his car , like an old friend calling him after many years . Love truly has no boundaries in all things
Boy. He was out of that seat like his rear was on fire. Lol it was like being called from a mythical siren.
I keep playing that bit back
I lost my best friend, I wish I could call him...
9:24 gave me cold chills all over. He knew the noise after 20+ years of not hearing it. That’s all you need to see to understand how bad he wanted it back!
That is such a strong emotion that if I were his son, and he hugs the car first not me, I would not feel bad about that.
@@mkilic10 i dont think anyone would feel bad
100% real Talk 😎😎
I concur with your sentiment 100%♡
Australia.
Just imagine the rush he must have felt in that moment.
Dads reaction when he heard the car was everything. I'm from Sweden and here we have thousands of old american cars and it's the same in Denmark, Norway and Finland. It would be great if your family and the danish family met someday.
It s extremely rare.....
that a Father is appreciated
for all his
hard work & dedication
whilst still living ...........
Well done
Enjoy
Life is a short Journey
I teared up the moment your dad heard the car
Mad respect to the Jonassen family for the willingness to sell back the car
some people won't understand? Brother anyone who loves their dad will understand, You did an amazing thing.
I understand completely why you did this for your Dad!!! God bless you all!!!
What a beautiful family you are. A testament to Love.
Dad, you sold your loved vehicle to provide for you adored family. You are an exceptional husband and father. You deserve all the wonderful love and happy time ahead now that you are reunited with that vehicle.
Your son is a wonderful man because of your exemplary parenting. ❤❤❤
His reaction when he heard the sound of that engine roar ran chills down my spine. What a great reunion story and family. This was awesome! 9:24
He instantly recognized the sound
You never forget the sound of that one vehicle that crept into your heart.
I'm a mechanic, we're like car whisperers. It's more than just a car when you've got your blood sweat and tears into it, especially a nice ride like that. That poem clue sounded so nice, I found my way back home....teared up like the end of homeward bound
I love the story because in 1975 i did the same thing for same reason i had a 1969 Pontiac firebird my uncle bought brand new i got in 1973 and sold it in 1975 i often think about that car
It’s a member of the family
"teared up like the end of homeward bound' perfect reference. I'm a dog lover who understands completely. The sound of the GTO once back home instantly gave me tears.
It may just be a car to some people... but to a man that put that much time and effort into bringing that GTO back to life, giving a soul to his dream, its everything!
The dad he's very lucky not just for Pontiac GTO he is lucky for he's wonderful family that he's got this is a beautiful story GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!!
I love that he shot up immediately after hearing it rev. He knew that big block.
Hemi ??? Lol that's pontiac power man
@Daniel Ray Haha, you're absolutely right. I commented this at 3 AM after some whiskey. Good looking out.
@@xDivulGeX lol I have them night to hahahahaha
Every Pontiac V8 ever made was a small block. Look it up.
Pontiac never made a big block
its more than just a car it's a memory that belongs in your family.
You are a great son. and made your father the happiest man in on earth at the moment he was told about his car.
10:15 . No, it's not just a car. Your dad's reaction when you revved it up....car guy to the core. Great video/moment.
That is my favourite part. I keep rewinding to that spot just to watch Dad jump at the sound of that rev. My husband had a Mustang, how he loved that car.
I cried like a bitch hahaha
I think you did great. You only ever have one
Dad. So I thought it showed all your love for him. By the expression on his face he thought so too
That was fantastic
I sold my '70 GTO over 35 years ago, back in '85. This year I decided I wanted it back and I found it! Unfortunately, the owner doesn't want to sell it. A few weeks later I'm looking through the classifieds and I found an identical match, same year, same color, all original. If things work out I will be picking it up next week! Say a prayer for me!
2 years of searching is a cheap price to pay for a LIFETIME of memories!
It's irrelevant of what anyone else thinks. You bonded with your father a special moment in your father & son moment.
I have seen this exact car in Denmark. The American classic car community is very small but dedicated because it is immensely expensive to import and service classic American cars here. I'm so happy that the car found its way back to its original owner, even if it took a sad tragedy for it to eventually happen.
Only true car guys understand the depths of what you did for your pops 💪😎💯
This was my first vehicle and I still own it today.
Beyond brilliant Gorgeous Family.
Kind deeds change Lives.
God was showing off when this Family was made.
Australia.
I wish I could just give my Dad a hug again and it’s been 12 yrs since he passed. I’d give my left arm. Good going doing this for ur Dad. There aren’t do overs in life. This is it 😇
Thanks, this video made me cry. I bought my '68 GTO in October of 2003. I took my dad, who was very ill at the time, for a ride in it. He was very happy for me, told me it was a real good car & told me to enjoy it. He passed away November 19th of the same year. It's my last memory of him smiling and being my dad...
My condolences for the loss of your Dad my friend. I remember my first car was a 1967 Firebird. It looked like a Volkswagen Beatle when I got threw with it. I'm still kicking myself in the rear for that one.
:(
May god continue to richly bless you and you feel YOUR father’s spirit EVERY TIME YOURE IN THAT BEAUTY. ❣️
Real nice goin sonny
I have a similar story, bought a 69 c10 shortly before my dad passed, he got to see it and said it reminded him of his dad's old one they used to have, he went from not wanting me to buy the truck to real excited about it. It reminds me of him.
Wow, beautiful story! What a great gift for your dad!
Hi David how are you doing. I hope you're doing fine and having a nice weather.
Its not just a car . its the love that your dad gave to you !
It’s not just a car.. it’s memories.. unless you’ve never owned one you’ll never understand what it means to the owner.. I had a 65 Mustang that I loved.. totaled it in the rain and I was more upset about my car at the time.. I always promised myself I’d get another one day.. bucket list 😊 enjoy that sweet ride.. great family too by the way 💙
Your dad's face when he heard the car, just pure joy. He must be an amazing father 🥰
Dude almost jumped out of his shorts.
Gosh, that hit me in the heart. Big family of car guys here wishing you and your family all the best! Great story; it's all about love! Yeah, I may be crying ... (but in a manly way)! LOL
Love your family,been watching off the ranch and demolition ranch for years,i never miss a video
@@johnnyboy5699 Thanks brother!!!
@@OutontheRanchwithDrLee-xb4lo haha, crying in a manly way. Good one!
I appreciate your videos as well and love your family! Btw #MUSCLECARS4EVER 🇺🇸🇺🇸😎
It hit me the same way, long-time Pontiac fan! That got me Misty.✌
I can watch these all day. A good father I'd the best!
2 revs on the pedal and he knew his car on the spot.. Man, that was beautiful...
So precious . My father died 2 years ago . I wish I wish I could have found his 1972 Dodge Dart. It wasn’t in the cards. I’m happy you were able to do this for your dad . 🙏
Just finished crying my eys out my uncle just passed of covid and he had a Malibu he restored the flowers had a picture of his car at the funeral. And his brother drove the car there we all had that respect of saying his good bye.🥰
It is NEVER just a car. It is a great memory that can be restored and made a reality. The look he gives you for ALL your hard work and effort. NOW you have that memory of giving from your heart to a person that you are so proud of that words cannot complete. It is the LOOK of complete joy. PRICELESS .💜
Why did he spend 2 years looking for this "old" car? BECAUSE its for his dad!!! THATS why!!!! Bravo!!
Beautiful car , my dad died when i was 10 , his 1948 Ford F1 sat in my moms backyard for 35 years untouched, 2006 i put it in the shop and almost 8 years later it’s completely restored and winning trophies at car shows. My wife/kids/grandkids all enjoy it.
You're a good Man, Vince.
Oh wow! Can you put it on youtube for us to see?
Link me up!
Wow, now that’s something. Your family held onto all them years. Beautiful brother. Merry Xmas.
Wow! What an amazing tragic and happy story! I'm 57 and my older brother and brother-in-law had so many muscle cars. Sad cars will never be as cool as that era ever again. Just like most music...everything truly cool has already been done!
Hello Scott how are you doing. I hope you're doing fine and having a nice weather.
This has got to be the very best ,Surprise Dad Videos being the fact that with his own time, blood and sweat gave this GTO a new life not only once but twice! That Car is HIM! Built, not bought!
I LOVE LOVE this story! Thank you for sharing your LOVE for your dad. God will honor and BLESS for honoring your dad the way you did!!!
When a person takes on a full restoration of a car like this with they're own hands it becomes like one of our children. Great story and video, thanks for sharing
Absolutely, I have 3 classic children.
1: Matching 61 corvair Monza 900 with 4 speed option
2: 1970 C10 custom 350
3: 1994 Z71 4x4 Silverado with 5 speed that has every option.
I'm restoring them all myself. You're 100% correct
This made my eyes leak. I owned a 68 goat in 1980 that I was restoring but sold it to pay for my education. What a feeling it must have been to hear those pipes again.
He hearing the car and INSTANTLY reconizing it made me in tears.
Sometimes it's not "just a car".
It's part of your family.
I always get emotional whenever I see and I see it a lot when the father reacts to the sound of the car. That's like listening to the voice of long-lost love. What a beauty! A good son - bless you.
I had to rewatch him jumping out of the chair when he heard the engine. And he knew right away it was his beloved car. Awesome video and story. Enjoy your ride!
That to me was the best part. His reaction is priceless!!
Awesome story
Watching this in 2023 during an emotional time personally. This is such a beautiful video. Such a fantastic story told so beautifully. Well made. His reaction was everything.
I think what you did for your dad is unbelievable and wonderful at the same time you are a hero for him
I sold my 1958 Vw Bug Ragtop. My pride and joy. 100% rebuilt owned 5 yrs then needed to buy a house. The choice was car and rent or roof over my family’s head. The car went to Arizona. We bought our first home. 2 beautiful girls came later. I still miss that car. One day. One day maybe I can get that project car back. I miss it all the time. Good job you guys making your father proud.
Long Ride Home was the perfect title for all of this. May god bless the son and father for all of this ! Amazing!!
You know you love a car when you recognize the exhaust note and rev of the motor.
Austin, your dad is living a dream. Rather than tell my own story, what kept me from tearing up was when your dad her his motor. Or, should I say, his exhaust system. Drag racers can only hope and pray that they possess reflexes like your dad. He was out of the chair and knew HIS car in a nano-second. Been there. Mine's in The Netherlands. Dad bought it (1st year Datsun 240Z) in May of 1970 (first year) and i had it by 1974. Lowered, great suspension. Built the motor myself. Restored it after college. Tough times hit me a few years back and I sold it but at least I know it's with a premier restorer of Datsuns in Europe and he wants copies of all of our personal photos of the car. And he's stoked and will keep the setup- a perfectly set up Z and a true Mulholland racer. Cool enough for me.
Hi Jeff how are you doing. I hope you're doing fine and having a nice weather.
Your father raised a very good man, but he already knew that. Made me cry.
What a lovely story. Your father was meant to have the car.
when u have done a vehicle from the frame up, u smile like a teenager hearing for the first time. the pride u feel. then to sell it, then get it back again. dad got to smile he's teenage smile again.
My name is Mary Ann and watching this made me cry happy tears for this man. I am still looking for my special ordered '68 GTO. I am 74 now. Rembering my GTO makes me smile; wonderful memories. I am from Lincolnton NC so hoping someday to hear the sound of my first car again. She was Aegena Blue (navy blue), black vinyl top, black interior, bucket seats, Hurst His/Her Shifter, Automatic Transmission, Rally wheels. Ordered from City Motor Company in Valdese NC at a cost of $3,277.29. Trying to find copy of my old title to get Vin.
Awesome car and great memories. Thank you for tracking the GTO down and getting it back.
Hi Richard how are you doing. I hope you're doing fine and having a nice weather.
The love a child shows a parent, what an inspirational video. Was beautiful.
As a car guy who grew up watching my Dad work on and restore cars I 100% agree it's not just a car--it's a legacy.
Parents always make their kids happy by getting them what ever they want but making your parents happy is priceless and it doesn’t happened all the time.
Hats off… you are a wonderful son. May god bless you, your family, your siblings and their families… I cried and cried of happiness…
CRAFTMEN NEVER FORGET THE LOVE,SWEAT THEY PUT INTO ANYTHING, WOOD, CONCRETE,ROOFING YOU NAME IT, GOOD JOB SIR!
Believe me young man when i say what a son you are to your dad for that,know in your heart he couldnt be more proud of his son. Well done
I cried listening to this story. I know this feeling only a car guy understands. The look on your dad's face says it all. Man, you're the best. I wish i could say more.
WOW. You are a great son. Car not been in the USA didn't stop him :)
I totally relate to this story so happy it's reunited with its owner.
Love of a father for his family...love of a son for his father...love of God for you all...love💝
How can anyone not love this story. This more than a car story and even more than a labor of love story. You father gave up something he truly loved and worked countless hours on in order to provide for you and your siblings. This is a story of family love and gratitude and appreciation of your father.
The sound, that sound is engrained into his DNA. That was a bloody awesome reaction!
Ive never shared a hug like that with my dad and im 40. Hopefully some day. You're a good son and a great man.
It's not just a car in the 60,s and 70,s It's was life at its best. Today's cars are just Bic lighter cars. Love that GTO. Great job.
Your obviously a great father, so happy for you
sent this to my dad, working on a 1978 Pontiac trans am
You gave your dad and unbelievable gift because his son brought him back something he thought he would never see again. Bravo!
YOUNG MAN , YOU ARE A BLESSING TO YOUR FAMILY , YOUR DAD WILL TAKE ALL THESE MEMORIES WITH HIM ONE DAY....GOD BLESS YOU..
Wow. This is so special.
My dad has a HR Holden 1966, it was the family car growing up. It was white. He has done it up and spent years on it, it’s so special when we all get to go for a drive in it together again.
Now my dad has helped me get myself a 1974 Datsun. He had to drive an hour and get a tow truck and shipped it interstate for me. I love that car so much.
Cars are more than just objects
I am from Denmark, and I am very happy the car lives on. It means a lot to two families!
Omg!!! I was so happy you were able to get it back!!!! Thank You for working hard on retrieving it!!
The way dad jumps out the chair after hearing the exhaust.... PRICELESS
You couldn't knock the smile off of this ol' man's face with a baseball bat.
Awesome story! The BEST picture I have ever seen online was the one at the end with the family posing by the car recreating the picture of when they were all younger. Remember the greatest legacy that a Father leaves behind when he departs this world, is his children, not some machine (as beautiful as the GTO is). What we teach, show, and pass on to our children is what matters most. The fact that they have such love, admiration, and respect for their father is a testament to him.
Glad to see Austins dad car was well looked after here in Denmark, every summer there are many fine restored retro US cars on the roads over here - great story
Lucky individual you are. Denmark is such a beautiful country. 😢❤
I KNOW that smell of leaky gas and the rumbling of the pipes. What a great story and a great family. God bless!
I absolutely loved your story. I could feel the excitement of finding that car for your dad. Amazing. thank you for sharing
That was a wonderful gift for your father. He knew instantly when he heard the engine and that is a true car guy! I love the way he instantly recognizes the sound and jumps out of his chair.
Hello Glenn how are you doing. I hope you're doing fine and having a nice weather.
If you want to see a man get teary eyed, show him videos like these.. never fails
That dad knows every inch of that body..restored with his own hands... Great reunion 👏
@ 65, NO, IT’S NOT JUST A CAR! I grew up AF Brat & then USCG, Retired! Now in Retirement 5 more moves and now contemplating another 1! You can’t keep everything in that many moves! Sentimental value on anything (& I mean Anything 😢) is priceless! That is stunning in was in good hands the whole time “Your Dad had it loaned out”! & it traveled so far! Just Amazing & Beautiful 😍! Well Done Son! 56 years old now in 2024! Amazing 🤩
His children and his wife love him so much and that bond will never be broken.
It's not "just a car", it's your dad's car and a big important piece of his, and your, life. Amazing.
Wow he knew the car when he heard it. It called to him. It wasn’t just a car but a piece of his heart ♥️
Im a Car guy and i totally get every bit of this... You are amazing for doing this for your Dad......
Awesome video... I actually teared up a bit when your Dad heard his car. He knew immediately that was his baby calling. This was such an awesome gesture,I absolutely love it. Thanks for Sharing.