NEW BRITAIN--Some very special people are helping trick out a ride at one car shop.
At Swag Custom Rides in New Britain, the mechanics are known for pimping out rides, but not like this.
"This is our biggest project to date," exclaimed John Muratori, the owner of the shop.
The project he's referring to is a joint venture with the Special Olympics to trick out a 1966 Ford 100.
"We're also doing something that's never been done before; we're integrating athletes from the Special Olympics that are actually working on the vehicle hand over hand, working together," said Muratori.
The truck will be completed the second week of May, and well then be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Auction at Mohegan Sun on June 23. The hope is the car will raise about $500,000 for the project. Muratori says 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Special Olympics.
It's all part of the Dream Ride Program, with assistance from local businesses like Bozzutos and Turnpike Motors Autobody.
"I love it and it's going to be a real nice beautiful truck when it's done," said Bob Osbourne, one of the Olympians working on the car.
But the project is about more than just the money raised. "To build hot rods and change lives? It doesn't get any better than that," Muratori said.