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 first showed you the car when it was just a shell back in March, as the project started to get underway.
"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, which is now just days away from completion, will go up for sale at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Auction at Mohegan Sun, which starts on June 23. The car is set to be displayed on June 25.
The hope is the car will fetch up to $500,000 on the auction block, and 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.
"It's a beautiful truck," said Bob Osbourne, one of the Special Olympians working on the candy red ride.
Checking out the flashy chrome wheels of the truck that is half pick-up truck and half Mustang sports car, 28-year-old Special Olympian Sean Healy said, "I'm more than proud, this is a dream come true."
Healy has spent months aiding the crew at Swag Customs perfecting the dream ride. "I love the truck, I love the color, everything came out right."
Chris Sferruzzo, an executive at Bozzuto's Inc. and a strong supporter of the program to build the custom ride, said, "It's very easy to impact the lives of Special Olympians, invite them into your life, invite them into your business. The truck is absolutely a piece of art."
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.
To see more behind the scenes of the "Dream Ride" build click here.
