A man from Farmingdale overcame staggering odds after being told he would never walk again by bringing a classic hot rod back to life and is now set to attend a popular car show in Long Island, enjoying a revitalized existence.
Tony Pedro, 65, will showcase his 1957 Corvette, a project he began during his recovery from a motorcycle accident, at the Oyster Bay car show at Tobay Beach this Sunday, where he’ll join fellow car enthusiasts whose incredible stories unite them.
“These shows are about more than just the cars; it’s really about the people and their stories,” said Pedro, referring to the event that will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pedro, a former city correction officer, was struck by a cab in Queens in 2008, sending him crashing into a tree.
“I was left there, nearly lifeless,” Pedro recalled to The Post about that horrific day.
“The paramedics had to revive me by performing chest compressions in the ambulance,” he shared.
“I suffered multiple severe injuries: a broken hip, fractured back, cracked sternum, broken jaw, knee, ankle, and extensive muscle damage.”
Despite being told he would never walk again, Pedro found inspiration in the thought of restoring a friend’s Corvette, which was up for sale at $36,000.
“I reached out while I was still hospitalized with tubes in my mouth and nostrils,” he said.
“I was committed to restoring it each day, with help from two friends to assist me in standing and sitting up.”
This stunning teal blue car, boasting nearly 600 horsepower, became his driving force in his remarkable recovery, allowing him to walk again—miraculously—just six months post-accident.
“That car literally saved my life,” he stated, recalling how an Arab sheikh once offered him a staggering $250,000 for it.
Slow ride
The free Oyster Bay show will also feature Rick Hassell, 61, from West Islip, showcasing his 1967 Cadillac DeVille, valued at around $40,000 and admired by vintage enthusiasts.
However, the dark red convertible carries deeper sentimental value, tied to a family tradition.
“My father had a custom that every time a child was born, they would be picked up in a Cadillac from the hospital,” explained Hassell.
“The idea being, when you pass on years later, you ideally leave in a Cadillac,” he reiterated jokingly.
Hassell continued this tradition with his three children, born in the late 1990s and 2000.
“When my daughter was born, my car was unavailable, which caused me great anxiety,” Hassell recounted.
“I reached out to a friend who lent me one for the occasion, and he told me to come by and pick it up.”
Begin your day with essential updates
The Morning Report offers the latest news, photos, videos, and more.
Thank you for subscribing!
Lots of miles
Nicole Romano shares a long-lasting bond with her father, John Romano, through his cherished green 1968 Pontiac GTO, which is valued at around $80,000.
“As a high school senior with straight A’s, she had the opportunity to drive the car one day each week,” John, now 85, reminisced.
“The principal even secured parking for it and often called to check in, saying, ‘John, everything is going well.’”
Over the years, their connection has deepened as Nicole helped with oil changes and other maintenance tasks on the powerful vehicle, one that even “Fast and Furious” star Michelle Rodriguez has ridden in.
“It’s incredible how cars can bring people together,” stated Romano, who noted that Pedro, a fellow car enthusiast he met at shows, currently assists him with his GTO.
