Stolen 1969 Chevy Camaro Returns Home After 17 Years

Dec. 30, 2020 12:25 PM ET by Belinda Anderson Muscle Cars / 16 Comments

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.

The vintage muscle car was nabbed from the auto repair lot back in 2003, despite the fact that it was without a motor at the time. Dressed in original Hugger Orange paintwork, the Camaro was reported missing with local police, but there was no joy from investigations and searches for it. After moving to Spotsylvania, the owner kept the case active by renewing the car's missing status through the mail - for 17 years.

Not that it did any good, because as it turns out, Cook himself solved the case when he stumbled upon a '69 Camaro while out shopping for a 1968 iteration near La Plata last month.

Although painted pseudo-Rallye Green and without a hood, Cook had a feeling he had found his missing Camaro - and, after comparing VIN numbers, called local law enforcement who assisted in the recovery. Calling the model 'iconic', even if it isn't one of the rarest iterations around, Cook's commitment to finding his Camaro is a testament to the brand's success. Still, it seems that the newest Camaro has taken a knock in terms of popularity, with it being the slowest-seller after the Mustang and Dodge Challenger. GM seems to have developed a long-term strategy for dealing with this though, which is a relief for those who, like Cook, are true fans of the marque.