Having your car stolen is probably one of the worst feelings in the world but, in a twist of fate, Tommy Cook was reunited with his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro after 17 years.
According to The Free Lance-Star, Cook’s car was stolen from his auto repair business in 2003. Unfortunately, it appears the thieves had an eye on his Camaro as the engine was removed and was likely hauled away on a trailer.
Regardless of how it was stolen, Cook never gave up hope that he’d be reunited with his muscle car. However, the chances of getting it back dimmed as the years passed.
Owner solves the case of his missing Camaro.
True love for your car is something many gearheads profess, but can it ever really be proven? In the case of Tommy Cook from Spotsylvania County, it certainly can. His 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, which was stolen in September 2003 from an auto repair lot in Woodbridge, found its way back to him after being missing for almost two decades. And, as one of the most beloved sports cars in the US, we understand why he never stopped searching for it over the years. Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Start Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Start Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Start
Virginia man finds stolen 1969 Camaro after 17 years
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Virginia man Tommy Cook was reunited with his 1969 Camaro when he spotted it in a Maryland garage 17 years after it was stolen. Cook said the vehicle had been painted green and given a fraudulent VIN to disguise it. Photo by Bruno/Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 28 (UPI) A Virginia man whose 1969 Camaro was stolen 17 years ago was reunited with the vehicle after spotting it in a garage while helping a friend buy another vehicle.
Tommy Cook said the Hugger Orange Camaro was stolen from his auto repair lot in Woodbridge in 2003, and after reporting it stolen he kept renewing the vehicle s missing status with Prince William County police through the mail in the ensuing years.
Tommy Cook never lost hope heâd one day recover his beloved 1969 Hugger Orange Camaro that went missing 17 years ago.
âI never wrote that car off,â Cook said. âI knew there would be a day and a time when I would get that car back. I didnât know where, but I knew it was out there somewhere.â
Cook and his vintage sports car were finally reunited in Spotsylvania County this week, when the vehicle arrived at his auto repair shop after being found in an auto shop in Maryland. The last time Cook had possession of the Camaro was in 2003, when the motorless muscle car was stolen from his auto repair lot in Woodbridge.