For car lovers, there’s always one model that started the whole obsession.
It could be the idealized “dream car”, the one they always wanted but could never have. Or maybe it’s the nostalgic model they learned to drive in their teenage years. For car enthusiast Larry Benson, it was the 1953 Hudson Hornet.
Larry had always been in love with the Hudson Hornet.
Manufactured by the Hudson Motor Car Company between 1951 and 1954, the Hornet was one of the first cars created for Nascar racing. Actually, AllPar.com even credits the Hornet for making Nascar popular.
FUN FACT: The Hornet was actually immortalized in the animated movie Cars as the character Doc.
Back in 2014, Larry’s son decided to buy a 1953 Hudson Hornet for his dad as a surprise.
“Growing up he was always such a great dad to me and always believed in everything I do,” the young man explained.
“I just felt like there was no better way to repay him than to give him something that he’s been wanting for such a long time.”
Finding a classic car like the Hornet is harder than you might think. Aaron spent ages scouring listings, trying to find an owner who was willing to sell. “I had to do a lot of searching on Craig’s List, eBay, and other search engines,” he said. “Finally, I found one in St. Augustine, Florida.
When it was time to present Larry with the gift, Aaron came up with a little ploy. He told his father a car blog was coming to interview him about his love of cars.
In the video, you see Larry telling the “interviewer” about the first car he loved— his father’s 1953 Hudson Hornet.
“It was the car I learned to drive in, the car we took New York-to-California trips in, and because I learned to drive at a young age, that’s why I loved that particular car.”
As Larry talks to the interviewer, Aaron and a few others prepare the garage for the big surprise.
When Larry’s brought outside, the garage door is open and waiting, and he’s shocked to see his dream car inside.
“I bought it for you,” Aaron tells him, as Larry stares in complete disbelief.
The look on Larry’s face says everything— and when he pulls Aaron in for a hug, he can’t control the tears.
Inside the car, a note that reads:
“A dream come true for you and I both. I hope you enjoy this for many years to come. You’ve earned it. Love, Aaron & Mom.”
Since being uploaded online, Aaron’s surprise has been viewed over 2.2 MILLION times.
Comments on the video read:
“That’s a precious and selfless gesture… Nothing beats that. Good on you.”
“Good Stuff. My Father passed a couple years ago. My first car he taught me to drive was a 72 Chevy Nova which he gave me after I passed the test. I recently saw one at a Checkers gas station with a bunch of other people with nice old cars and I had to shed a tear looking at that car. Same color as mine as well. Good times Good memories.”
“So amazing and touching. Cried my eyes out! Maybe one day I can do something like that for my parents♡”
See it for yourself below!
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