How do you show your love for your father? Lee Morris, a professional photographer and co-founder of FStoppers.com, made a show of his respect and love for dear old dad when he managed to secure the man’s perfect dream car as a Christmas gift.

The car, pre-paint job. Photo: FStoppers.com

The car, as you can see, is none other than the 1968 Camaro convertible, painted up in Hugger Orange with white stripes. Funnily enough, however, it seems this idea came up from what the dad must have considered, at the time, just a joke in passing.

“Now my dad has never been the type to have a really nice car. His current sports car is a 1988 Mazda RX-7 convertible, I think the Kelly Blue Book value on it is eight hundred dollars right now…[so] I was joking with him this summer: ‘What would it take for you to sell this crappy car?'”

“He said jokingly, ‘If you buy me a 1967 Camaro, Hugger Orange with white stripes, I will sell the Mazda.’ And he never in a million years would think I would buy him a car…[so] when he sees [this Camaro] he is going to freak out.”

Hundreds of man hours into the project, Justin is busy painting the rear panels.

Securing the vehicle was a challenge, as Morris scoured country and internet to find the perfect specimen, eventually buying a numbers-matching ’68 model done up in an amazing red hue. He balked at redoing the paint, considering its costs and efforts, but ultimately decided to go for it after friend and pro restorer Justin offered his services at a discounted rate.

Hundreds of man hours later, the car was a brilliant gem, the immaculate result of sweat and hard work. It was also the perfect subject for a photo session, which Morris took great care in orchestrating, as it was to be paired with the Camaro’s key.

Needless to say, the old man was indeed impressed when he laid eyes on his fiery F-body. It’s easy to see what a hit this gift was, and will be for the rest of the father’s life. It’ll be fast and fun, to say the least.