Member Stories
A happy ending - A story that needs to be shared!
By Tim Cote'
Jan 24, 2006 - 8:24:08 PM

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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