Some people form a special bond with their cars, whether it be an AMC Gremlin or a Ferrari Enzo. Obviously, the Enzo is worth more than the Germlin…though not to some people. For a car can be more than a car; it can become the physical embodiment of our challenges and triumphs. Even so, most people won’t hold on to their car, no matter how special, for 50 years.

But Hank Williams of Fontana, California, has owned his ‘65 Shelby Cobra since the day it came from the dealership. And despite having had offers of up to $1.5 million, the old jazzman won’t part with his Shelby, reports British newspaper The Independent.

Williams has raced the Shelby for all of its 50-year life, and has won 419 trophies with the car, making it one of the most-wining Shelbys ever. Williams is also just one of two original-owners left who also happened to be African-American. The other Shelby belongs to another jazz musician, Herbie Hancock, who also still holds the keys to his Shelby.

Hank had to go through a lot of hoops to get his Shelby though, including having it transferred to another dealership after scoring a great deal. The threat of a lawsuit convinced the dealership to give Hank his Shelby, and they two have been inseparable since. Carroll Shelby himself even made the ride to autograph Hank’s unique car. He even still has the unique tool kit that came with the car, a prize in and of itself.

It’s a great story, and well worth reading in its entirety. Not many people can hold on to a car for 50 years, but Hank Williams did. Can you?