We met the gentleman who owns this beautiful reappearing hotrod at the 2006 Worcester Summer Nationals.  He had a story I would like to share. 

This car was out 10 years ago running the shows as we all do.  He came upon a small boy who wanted nothing more than to hear the engine run.  After convincing him to return when the time was appropriate the boy was delighted by the rumble of the horsepower.  After seeing the boy face light up Bill offered to let him sit in the driver seat.  As you can imagine, this just sent the boy into heaven.  This gentleman, whose name is Bill Bastian, told the young boy the hot rod was going to be featured on the cover of a major hot rod magazine.  He told the boy if he gave him his name and address he would send him a copy.  The boy ran back to his father for the information.   When the magazine came out Bill kept his promise and sent the magazine.  In return the boy sent a thank you note and they had briefly corresponded.  Until, one day a few years ago the boy’s mother sent a note to Bill with regrets that the boy had been killed by a school bus.   Bill didn’t go back to that particular show for a while.  It just didn’t feel right.  He was approached at another show by a man who knew his name.  It didn’t take long for Bill to realize this was the boy’s father.  He told Bill that sending the magazine gave his son such joy and pride.  He took it to school and showed all his family and friends.  He was so proud to be friends with the man who owned this car.   

The smallest gesture can mean so much to someone.   There are so many good people in this hobby.   I love the cars but I’m in it for the people.  

The boy’s name was Mitchell Brown.  This article is in dedication to Mitchell and Bill.  They together show us the true meaning of this hobby.