The ’57 Chevy is a part of American history. Even if you can’t conjure an image of one, you’ve no doubt heard someone refer to fond memories of the car or dreams of someday owning a vintage Bel Air.

Grandpa Fred bought his pride and joy when he was 28-years-old.

But those cars require a lot of upkeep – and while Fred kept his Bel Air, by 2018 it wasn’t much more than a rusting pile of metal.

Still, he didn’t want to get rid of his treasured vehicle.

On the event of Fred Lamar’s 81st birthday back in 2018, his family decided to surprise him by giving him a blast from the past. Or, more accurately, they stood by as his grandson Cam Dedman revealed what he had done to the vintage automobile.

As Lamar took off his blindfold, he was overcome with emotion – and his grandson had to help hold him up as he stumbled backward in disbelief.

“I was so emotional when I was pulling in,” Dedman told TODAY. “As soon as I saw his genuine reaction, it was all worth it. His legs were giving out at first, but after that, everything was just great.”

That’s some serious talent!

According to ABC News, the car had been rusting away in Lamar’s garage in Louisville, Kentucky since 1976.

But the restoration didn’t happen overnight.

Dedman started working on it in September 2016 and did a “full frame-off restoration” of the car to give it “new life.”

“I saved up for years to do this even sold my personal car to help fund parts for the car,” he said in a Facebook post. “It all is worth it though for my Grandpa!”

Twelve months later, he got to show Grandpa Fred what had become of his old treasure – and the 81-year-old was stunned.

“Oh, man. I love you, buddy,” Lamar said, holding back tears as he inspected the shiny, red Chevy Bel Air.

Lamar was so blown away by the result that he vowed to sleep in the car that night!

He also said it was the best present he had ever received.

That’s no surprise since Cam had been collecting hints over the years about how his grandfather might like to see his car restored.

“I built this car with ideas from Papa, he would mention his favorite color, wheels and stuff he would want to do at car shows over the years and i took note!” Dedman said in his Facebook post.

Dedman managed to keep the full extent of his restoration a secret until the last minute. When he took the car a year earlier he told Lamar that he just wanted to get it running again but was often pressed for time which is why it was taking so long.

The restoration was therapeutic for the loving grandson as well.

His firefighting career ended when he sustained a spinal injury when he was hit by a texting driver a few years earlier and he was looking for a way to follow his dream of working on cars.

“I always wanted to own my own hot rod shop,” he said. “I think this was the final kick.”

After all the attention he earned from the heartwarming story, he was able to open his shop full-time.

Be sure to scroll down below to see more heartwarming footage from the big reveal.

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Source: Cam Dedman via Facebook, ABC News via YouTube, ABC News, TODAY