Is there anything sweeter than the idea of a candy red 1969 Chevy Camaro?
Not to Oxford resident Jeff Hanson.
Local car buffs are invited to get an up close and personal view of Hanson’s Camaro at the 57th Annual Murray’s/O’Reilly’s Autorama March 6-8 at the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.
Hanson’s Camaro will be one of more than 1,000 hot rods, custom cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles of the past and present competing at this year’s show.
‘I think every car I’ve ever had’s been down there,? said Hanson, who’s previously owned and restored three Chevelles (two 1967s and a 1968) along with a 1968 Camaro.
‘This is actually the newest one,? he said with a chuckle.
Although the vehicle is vintage, what’s lurking under the hood is much more modern.
‘It’s basically an old car with all new technology,? Hanson explained. ‘It’s got ?07 (ZO6) Corvette brakes and an ?07 (ZO6) Corvette engine and transmission.?
When he first purchased this fine piece of Detroit steel off e-Bay about 3? years ago, it wasn’t much to look at.
‘It was just a shell, no engine,? he said. ‘It was just a body with a bunch of boxes of parts.?
Hanson spent the next 2? years restoring it. ‘There’s probably about 3,500 hours in the car,? he said.
Although he did all of the assembly work himself, Hanson admitted he couldn’t have made it happen without All Kustom Design Machines in Ray Twp. doing the metal fabrication, Jim Tech, Inc. in Clinton Twp., which did the paint, and Ray Grienke, of Chesterfield Twp., who helped with the wiring.
Considering his 1969 Camaro’s already won numerous awards, Hanson’s anxious to compete at Autorama.
‘I think it will do well,? he said.
Last year, the car was a top five finalist for the 2008 Street Machine of the Year award at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s 11th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio
At the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise, Hanson took home the ‘Individual Achievement? award.
Hanson’s beauty also won first in class, best paint and the participants? choice award at the 2008 Camaro Superfest held in Ypsilanti.
For more information visit www.autorama.com.