America recently “celebrated” the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan is still an ongoing affair almost 12 years later. Thousands of servicemen and women have lost their lives in these conflicts, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams, grieving spouses, and unfinished project cars. These are testament to lives cut tragically short, but sometimes these unfinished cars can become something so much more than just a vehicle.
Hemmings Auto Blog reports on the story of a Long Island GTO Club that is in the process of restoring a fallen solider’s 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible. This touching tribute to a warrior who made the ultimate sacrifice may bring tears to your eyes.
Major Jefferey R. Calero of Queens, New York was killed by an improvised explosive device in late 2007, leaving behind a wife and two project cars; an ‘88 Ford Mustang GT, and a 1970 Pontiac GTO.
Calero was a member of the Long Island GTO Club, and after displaying the car at one of their regular Car-B-Ques, the GTO Club was approached Paul Dimauro, owner of Pauls Rods & Restos.
Dimauro offered to restore the car for free, and work has steadily progressed on the repair, though the final product will have to wait for the official debut. Dimauro has so far done a lot of sheet metal work, and the GTO will sport a custom paint job that he hopes will really draw crowds. Now the Calero family has a movable memorial for their son and fallen hero, and a touching story to go with an incredible car.
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