I recently saw a story that immediately moved me about a man who lost his 1955 Chevrolet 210 in the Eaton Fire. This was in Altadena, California, last year, about 14 miles (or 30 minutes in Los Angeles speak) from where I live.
I’m lucky enough to be in an area that will likely not be impacted by these horrific and devastating fires, but it still made me wonder what I’d do if the fire did get to me. How would I get my cars to somewhere safe? I felt I’d need to move them ahead of time if I sensed the fire was coming. I’d never be able to live with myself if I let them get engulfed in flames.
Yes, I really thought of my cars first. Before my cats. It’s a bit shameful to admit, but it’s the truth. But this emotional connection with my cars most definitely had me feeling all the feels over Ben Johnson’s tragic story.
The fire that took it all
The Eaton Fire had destroyed Johnson’s entire block, including his home. His family had lost everything. But it was his 1955 Chevrolet 210 that devastated him most. This was a vehicle he’d bought when he was 16 years old, his first vehicle. He drove it to high school every day. It was his dream car after he saw it on the cover of All Chevy magazine, and it was his.
Since then, Johnson drove his Orbit Orange hot rod around Los Angeles. It was a huge part of his life. His identity. Johnson and his wife even chose their Altadena home because it had a garage large enough for his beloved car. Very valid: my current garage situation is one of the only reasons I’d ever consider moving (I’m known to say that other people keep getting past security and “fondling” my cars).
After the fire, the 210 was just a shell. Insurance couldn’t help him. Despite the massive damage, Johnson couldn’t give up. Before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers came to clear the property after the fire, Johnson pulled the 210’s remains out of the garage and onto a trailer in the dark of the night.
The Chevy that will bring it all back
This is where Chip Foose and Coulson Automotive come in.
In a video from October 16, Foose announced that Johnson was the second winner of the RISE program, which means they will restore his beloved 1955 Chevy 210 for free. In this case, a replacement build.
Johnson was surprised by a video call from the restoration team. He was beyond emotional after the call, stating: “I’m just happy that I’ll get a piece back.”
After inspecting the shell of the 210, the team found the original car too damaged to restore. Instead, Foose and the Coulson Automotive team decided ot find another 1955 model and restore it to look exactly like Johnston’s car. Except this one would be show-worthy.
Foose had three different design concepts for the Chevy, with the focus being the paint color. They wanted to ensure it had the special Orbit Orange that Johnson’s 210 was known for, as well as its light-colored roof. He also suggests some custom touches that Johnson hadn’t considered when his car was alive.
While the car was the main focus of the video, Johnson and his wife opened up about what made this restoration more than just a car. Like other Altadena residents, Johnson and his wife lost irreplaceable family possessions, such as photographs of their late fathers. Replacing his childhood car let Johnson reconnect with his life before the disaster.
His first plan was to bring the finished Chevy to Altadena Cars & Coffee.
“What’s special about that show is that it’s not about the cars, but it’s about the people who’ve lost cars and who care about cars coming together every Saturday whether or not their car is there,” he said.
I love these kinda stories. Cars are more than just cars. They are our friends, a loved one. They are such huge parts of our lives, even if you’re not an enthusiast. You drive it to school, to work. It sits in your garage, faithful and waiting. You drive it to unforgettable experiences. Make new memories. There’s a reason car design is so important.
I can’t wait to see the finished 1955 Chevy 210 in Orbit Orange.
