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Last Updated: Sep 19, 2007 - 11:39:30 AM |
Over the years that I have been involved in this hobby, there have been
many events that I was fortunate enough to be a part of or was made to
feel that I was involved in some little way. The story that I am about
to share is one that I am very proud to be able to bring to our diecast
community. The fact that this has happened to a person I consider to be
a friend only makes it better.
The following story is from Perry Schaffer who many of you will
remember. To bring you up to speed on a couple events that happened in
recent months, Perry lost both of his parents within a matter of days
of each other (Dad on 06/03/04 Perry's birthday - Mother 19 days later)
which I just can't imagine going through. I am posting a letter that I
ask Perry to write so I could share it here with all of you.
Perry writes:
This
is Perry, hopefully some of you remember me. I owned the 70 RS/Z28 that
Ertl used for their original model, In fact all the 70 models where
basically my car..
A good friend that owned the 71 Motion car
gave his time and knowledge for the hood, engine changes, etc.. Scooter
(Not Rich) has his straight bumper added along with a Vinyl top I
believe. However, it all started with a Citrus Green RS Z28.
I
had been looking for the perfect 70 Z for some time living in New
York.. traveling to Indiana, Illinois and elsewhere.. Then a good
friend in the local Camaro club that knew I was looking said “did you
see in the Newsday (local paper) the 70 RS Z listed ? I called, saw the
car the next morning and bought it..Very original.. Complete numbers
matching.. Needed maybe quarters and engine compartment, undercarriage
work but all there.. Including orig smog equipment, documentation and
an anxious seller. Bought the car. My dad helped me a lot on the car
and even though he was not a muscle car guy, he got into it and came to
some shows early on before his health started to fail.
After some time making it right, it was soon making the rounds and
being noticed. Was honored with many awards. I was fortunate enough to
have it highlighted in five national magazines and then it happened ..
Ertl was looking for the best example of a 70 Z and contacted the
International Camaro Club and was directed to me.. The message on my
voice mail I thought had to be a joke.. Two weeks later no joke.. 3
days, 10 hours a day they sketched, drew, measured from every possible
angle of every inch of the car.. and there it was…. Right at the end
they were having problems mixing the paint, so I actually had my body
shop in town mix them a pint of Citrus Green for them to put through
their computer to match it.. came out a little dark but MY CAR.
Ok
so now all of a sudden I am going thru a divorce.. Have a number of
Camaros but this is the only one bought while married… Didn’t want to
burn it so I sold it to a friend that said he would call me if he ever
wanted to sell it. We kept in touch and about 2 years later, I called
asking about car and got a hesitation.. Sold it to a big collector in
California… My heart sank, tried to let it go and did for a couple of
years… About 4 months ago I started the search for the car…but got
serious recently, I lost my Dad on June 3rd and thanks to an un-named
person I was able to get a name and address of the current owner. I
sent him an overnight letter telling him I really just wanted to see
how the car was doing, how sentimental that car was to me especially
now, etc.. I knew there were a couple of people after the car…
I
got a call 2 days later, fantastic person….. car is great, maybe even
nicer than when you had it.. But the cars not for sale… Car like this
could go for 35 + but told him didn’t have that to spend. Spoke to him
longer and said again car was not for sale…We talked about the Ertl
process and he said it was his favorite to drive even though he only
gets it out once in awhile. Says every time he gets it to a show
everyone recognizes the car and is always getting; Is it for sale? I
know he has gotten some nice offers, as I know a few that have wanted
it.
Then he told me that my letter had touched his heart, always
knew it was me that made the car semi-famous and even though its not
for sale I think it would be really cool for you to have the car back.
The loss of your Dad, seems he and I think this car deserves to be
yours… I said yeah but I know what the car is worth and that is high
for me now..
I want you to have the car back.. what do you want
to pay for it ? We came to an incredible fair price from a man with a
true muscle car heart..
Bottom Line I’m happy to say;
THE ORIGINAL CITRUS GREEN 70 RS / Z28
Is on it way back to it rightful owner…
LIFE IS GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In
a email I received earlier today, Perry reports that the Camaro should
arrive in Florida the second week of February. Perry my friend, I am so
happy for you.
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