The Project American Heroes II '69 Camaro built by Route 66 Motorsports (New Lenox, Illinois) exceeded our wildest expectations at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction this past April in Palm Beach, Florida. Associate Editor Patrick Hill of Super Chevy tells the story: "We anticipated PAH II making an impressive splash at Barrett-Jackson, but we about lost our minds when the gavel banged and the auction ended. Before we knew it, the bidding price was at $100,000 and starting to slow down. But the various bidders regrouped and the bidding took off like a rocket.In the blink of an eye the selling price hit $250,000 and had everyone stunned with excitement. After some more encouragement from First Lt. Mark Little from the podium, the price eclipsed $400,000 and had the arena buzzing. When the gavel banged and all was done, the price on the screen was $500,000.That's right, half-million dollars to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation."Hats off to the new owner, Dave Parker, of Los Angeles, for his love for our country and our military personnel. A Vietnam veteran, Dave is now enjoying his incredible and historic PAH II '69 Camaro. Knowing the ways in which many military families have already benefitted from the Armed Forces Foundation with funds generated through the sale undoubtedly makes that LS7 motor sound even sweeter slicing up those California canyon roads.Some of you may be unfamiliar with the Armed Forces Foundation. Through a multitude of programs the Armed Forces Foundation assists military families with transition and career counseling, everyday living expenses, rent, travel costs, holiday gifts for military children, therapeutic recreational activities, and counseling for those affected by emotional and mental trauma. Coming alongside of families who have lost their loved ones to war, the Armed Forces Foundation helps with funeral arrangements.Amazingly, 94 percent of all donations go directly to military members and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy for its dedication to America's Service men and women. More information can be found at their website (www.armedforcesfoundation.org).
As this missive is being penned, U.S combat troops are withdrawing from urban areas in Iraq, but the fight against terrorism still rages in Afghanistan. Tragic life-changing injuries, traumatic experiences, and the invisible scars that remain from battle require that those of us who enjoy our freedom stateside need to do all we can to support our newly arrived heroes. That's why organizations like the Armed Forces Foundation are so critically important. And that's why we're building another hot rod to raise money for the Armed Forces Foundation.
Project American Heroes III is a '70 Chevelle that will get the full monster treatment from Bill Jelinek & Company at Route 66 Motorsports. The Chevelle will feature an LS-series motor, six-speed automatic transmission, tricked out suspension, and appropriate killer wheel and tire combination.
As the stinger hood on the PAH II Camaro hearkened back to a '60s element, so too the Chevelle will lean on strong heritage by featuring a killer L-88-style hood and signature Project American Heroes patriotic graphics.
 An anonymous donor supplied...  An anonymous donor supplied us with the '70 Chevelle roller for the build of Project American Heroes III. Not only is the car a good, solid foundation, but it comes with a '70s panel paint job at no extra cost. An original Fathom Blue car, the wild paint suggests a colorful past. In the hands of Route 66 Motorsports, the car is guaranteed a glorious future. |  Bill Jelinek, owner of Route...  Bill Jelinek, owner of Route 66 Motorsports, built the Project American Heroes II '69 Camaro that fetched $500,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Florida. Obviously, Bill was our first choice for taking charge of the PAH III Chevelle project. Strongly supportive of our military personnel, Bill immediately and gladly volunteered. |  Though it brought a tear to...  Though it brought a tear to our collective eyes, we bade a fond farewell to the custom paint that adorned the flanks of the Chevelle. Imperial Blasting in South Holland, Illinois, was called upon to strip the shell down to bare metal. |
Sponsors
www.armedforcesfoundation.org
www.claytonmachine.com
www.covansclassic.com
www.feslerbuilt.com
www.flamingriver.com
www.iedls.com
www.imperialblasting.com
www.knfilters.com
www.lucasoil.com
www.ppgrefinish.com
www.rt66motorsports.com
www.strangeengineering.net
www.thermotec.com
www.toyotires.com