Pictures: Robert Kash

For many people, a car is more than just a vehicle to get from Point A to Point B. It becomes a vessel through which we channel our hopes and fears, our pride and frustration. Alas, too many people embark upon a project car, only to be unable to find the time, money, or wherewithal to see it through to completion. Life gets in the way as the car sits and rots.

Robert Kash of Stanford, Washington, bought the 1964 ½ Mustang back in 1997 for $3,000, knowing it was more a project than a driver. After being diagnosed with colon cancer, Herald Net reports that Kash’s family got together to restore the Mustang, and with it Kash’s hope for beating cancer.

Robert Kash's Mustang, pre-restoration

When Kash bought the car he had a barn to store and work on it, but after downsizing to a smaller home, the Mustang was parked on his son-in-law’s lawn for years. As soon as the son-in-law, Don Avila, heard about Robert’s serious condition, he called Robert’s son Michael, a Chevy technician, and the two set about restoring the Mustang proper like.

Robert, who had saved up over $10,000 to restore the Mustang, was largely kept in the dark regarding the progress of “his pony,” though he was able to get it painted exactly the hue he wanted; “Snakeskin Green,” a not-so-popular color from the Dodge Viper. The finally-finished Mustang was revealed a few weeks ago at a family gathering and Robert’s hopes were lifted upon seeing the finished product. While he is still battling cancer, his hopes have lifted considerably, and he now has a whole calendar marked with car shows he plans to attend. When gearheads come together for a good cause, some truly amazing things can happen.