First Coast Gears: Dad surprises son, 12, with a restored 1966 Mustang

What many gearheads would consider the ultimate childhood dream has come has true for 12-year-old Will Yell.

A few years back, his aunt came to visit the family and told his father, Eddie, she had an old 1966 Mustang coupe in the barn. The Ford hadn't been run in about 10 years and she was ready to get rid of it, so Eddie took it off her hands.

Eddie soon decided the Mustang would make a fantastic first car for Will, so Dad got together with C & G Customs on Atlantic Boulevard to start the restoration work.

Once the paint, interior, leaf springs, shocks, weatherstripping and all the other things that come along with a restoration were complete, Eddie got to work on how he would surprise his son.

As luck would have it, the Sunshine State Chevelles car club was starting a new monthly cruise-in with a sponsorship from Auction Direct. The new event is being held on the third Saturday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. at Auction Direct, 6400 Blanding Blvd.

Eddie talked with organizer Chris Conover and came up with a plan to spring the surprise. Will was asked to be a judge, since trophies were a part of the inaugural cruise-in.

When it came time to announce one of the winners, they pulled a fast one on the 12-year-old, presenting him with the Mustang.

"He couldn't believe it was his car," said Eddie, adding, "He was overwhelmingly surprised. He was in shock."

The very public surprise was a big hit among the automotive enthusiasts at the cruise-in.

"The place went nuts," Conover said.

The Yells plan to bring out Will's sharp-looking classic Mustang for its formal debut at tonight's popular Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise along North Main Street, beginning at 5 p.m.

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Bill Bortzfield: (904) 359-4226