Tony DiNuzzo says he has always owned cool cars, including a 1963 Biscane, 1956 Chevy Belair, 1967 Corvette, 1966 Chevelle, 1969 Mustang Fastback and a 1962 Belair. 

But, he adds, when he bought them, they probably weren’t considered “collector cars.” 

His first true “collector” vehicle is his 1967 Camaro that he bought in 1975, while he was stationed in Hawaii.  He was only 19-years-old when he purchased the car, and it remains his pride and joy, today.

 “My Camaro is so special to me because of all the stories,” says Tony.  After owning the car for 32 years –from his teenage years, right into adulthood— there is no wonder that many memories are attached to the vehicle. 

“My wife, Linda, and I were married in Hawaii, and our two daughters where born there,” says Tony.  “The Camaro was our only car when Linda was pregnant, and we bounced around Hawaii with babies.”

He says that when Linda was pregnant, the couple went everywhere in the Camaro and their girls bounced around in her belly.  Once they were born, and even now as 28- and 29-year old women, Tony says that his girls will still fall asleep, while sitting in the back of the Camaro.

“It’s like being rocked in the cradle for them,” says Tony.

And, Tony is just as attached to the car as the girls are. 

He says that when he and Linda were looking for a house in the ‘80s, he required that a two-car-garage be included in their future home, so he could keep the car—no questions asked.  They did find a home for themselves and the car, and Tony was able to keep good care of his baby.

He continues to keep his car dear to him, today.  And, he shows off his pride and joy at several cruise nights and about eighteen car shows each year, including the upcoming Ground Up Car Show, in Meridian, CT on July 8, 2007.  

The Camaro has been decorated with plenty of awards since Tony has owned the car; but, he says that the real surprise and honor was winning first place at the Gateway Antique Auto Club Show, last year, after his car has undergone a "very detailed restoration."

“I was put next to cars that I thought were way out of my league,” he says.  “But the car took first place!”

In addition to car-show-hopping, Tony is also involved in two car clubs: The Shore Time Machines in West Haven, CT and the Connecticut F-Body Association.

Story edited by: Becky McLaughlin