Beech Tree News Network

It took a little over 14 years but a Bullitt County woman has finally been reunited with a car her late father was in the process of restoring.  The journey ultimately led through Butler County.

Hannah Thompson’s father, Jason Thompson, died in a single vehicle accident when Hannah was only six-years old.  At the time of his death in November of 2004, Thompson was engaged in a restoration project on a 1998 white Chevrolet Camaro.  Unfortunately, the project died with him and the vehicle was eventually sold to satisfy the loan.  As Hannah grew up and started driving, and with Father’s Day on her mind, she decided to try find her dad’s old car and to pick up where he left off with restoration efforts.  Initially, the vehicle was apparently sold to someone in Glasgow but ultimately ended up belonging to Larry Daniel Webster and wife Betty, who live in Butler County.  

Using social media, the Thompsons (Hannah and mom Jennifer Smith) were able to find the Websters.  The vehicle VIN number confirmed that the vehicle they owned was, in fact, the one that Hannah’s dad had owned prior to his death. 

“We asked if they would be interested in selling it and they said yes.  We exchanged a couple of phone calls to get information on the vehicle, its condition, and how much they were willing to sell if for before making the two-hour trip,” said Smith.   “Hannah and her boyfriend, along with another friend who offered the use of his truck and trailer, headed to the Websters.  The car was in a little less condition than they originally expected and were able to negotiate a fair price.”

Upon their arrival back in Shepherdsville, the trio was met by Anna Link (Hannah’s aunt - her dad’s sister), Jennifer Smith (Hannah’s mom) and Jason Smith (Hannah’s stepfather).  With the recent passing of Hannah’s paternal grandparents, and the history, it was an emotional but happy time for the family.  Hannah, now age 20, is excited to start restoring the vehicle - something that would make her dad smile. 

“I’m super excited to have something of my father’s since it’s pretty much all I have of his left. I remember that he was working on this car when he passed, and since I was so young I mainly only remember he was into cars, which is where I have always said I get it from,” said Hannah Thompson.  “My goal is to finish his project and make this a car that does so well at the track that he’d be proud.” 

The ’98 Camaro is now back in the family - from father to daughter - with a detour through Butler County.  It’s back home.