Car thieves are the scum of the earth, but when they steal from a Air Force Veteran on Veteran’s Day it takes things to a new low. ABC30 covered the plight of Don Klein, an 83-year-old Air Force Veteran, who was victimized by car thieves. Klein stored his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air and 1966 El Camino inside a barn in Kerman, California.
Both vehicles have emotional ties for Klein; the El Camino was a project that he completed with his grandson and ’55 Bel Air belonged to his wife, Faith. This particular Bel Air had a deal of emotional significance to the couple because they one just like it when they were dating in 1957. Klein completed a restoration of the ’55 for the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary.
It takes a great deal of time and effort to complete a restoration of vintage car, but thieves have no respect for those efforts. It takes a certain type of scumbag to steal a car, but it takes a true low life to steal from a veteran. In an interview with ABC30,Mr. Klein stated that he doubts that he will ever see his wife’s Bel Air or the El Camino again.
This car was the first restoration project that he had completed, but it was probably his most emotional. This dedicated classic car enthusiast has one car remaining and he has moved it to more secure location just in case. Hopefully, someone will find the cars or the car thieves, and call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.