A father and son duo from Yorba Linda, California, found common ground and strengthened their relationship through the meticulous restoration of a 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta. Tony Vercillo, a seasoned muscle car aficionado, and his son Nick embarked on a three-year journey to transform a dilapidated shell of a car into a roaring, supercharged masterpiece. This project not only brought the classic car back to life but also created an unbreakable bond between the two, with each contributing their unique skills to the endeavor.
Tony Vercillo, a 57-year-old with a passion for muscle cars, stumbled upon a rusted 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta during a visit to a friend in Yucaipa. Despite its neglected state, with no engine or transmission, Tony saw potential in the car's undamaged body. Envisioning the beauty it could become, he purchased the vehicle for $400, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.
Tony, who has been building engines for over 40 years, saw this restoration as an opportunity to connect with his son, Nick. With Nick's 16th birthday approaching, Tony proposed that Nick would receive a car, but with a catch: he had to help restore it. The Camaro became their project, a canvas for them to work on together.
The restoration process was a collaborative effort. Tony handled the mechanical aspects, leveraging his extensive experience to rebuild the car's engine, transmission, and suspension. Meanwhile, Nick took charge of the aesthetic and technological upgrades, selecting the color scheme, interior design, tires, wheels, and electronics.
The Vercillos didn't hold back on performance. They equipped the Camaro with a supercharged 383 stroker engine capable of producing 550 horsepower. However, they opted to forgo air conditioning to avoid the 20 horsepower loss it would entail, a common trade-off in performance car modifications.
The project took three years to complete, with the Vercillos finishing about a year and a half ago. However, as any car enthusiast knows, the tweaking never truly ends. The Camaro now features an automatic transmission, a six-speaker stereo system with a slide-up Car DVD player, a 2,500-watt amplifier, and a neon yellow LED strip along the side, making it a standout vehicle for special occasions.
Today, 19-year-old Nick, a student at Santiago Canyon College, takes the Camaro out for special events, appreciating the unique experience it offers. The project has not only taught him a great deal about cars but also provided a shared interest with his father, bridging the gap between their differing hobbies.
The Vercillos are already planning their next project, hoping to restore an old Ferrari or Maserati. Through their Camaro restoration, they have demonstrated the power of a shared passion to bring people together, creating memories and skills that last a lifetime.
Interesting stats and data about classic car restoration and its impact on relationships are not commonly discussed. However, a survey by Classic Car Restoration Club found that 68% of respondents worked on their restoration projects with family or friends, highlighting the social aspect of the hobby. Additionally, the classic car market is thriving, with Hagerty reporting a 6% increase in values in 2021, indicating a growing interest in vintage vehicles.
For more information on classic car restoration, visit the Classic Car Restoration Club or check out the latest market trends reported by Hagerty.
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