Like Sister, Like Brother

Siblings share the love for their gifts from Dad

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Name: Sergio Gonzalez Jr.

The car: 1972 El Camino

What sparked the interest: I saw my uncle drive up in it one day when I was 8 and I wanted that El Camino. Ever since that day, it's what I wanted to own and drive.

Andrea Gonzalez, 12, and her brother, Sergio, 21, with their favorite cars � a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle and a '72 Chevy El Camino � both restored for them by their father, Sergio Gonzalez Sr. of Modesto.

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Road to ownership: One day when I was 14, a week or two after my birthday, I saw the El Camino in the driveway and I ask my dad if my uncle was here and he said no. I said, "Why is his car here?" and he tossed me the keys and said, "It's yours." So ever since then, my dad built it up and I helped. When I turned 18, they handed over the title.

Under the hood: A 350 small block stock with a two-barrel carburetor. It's all original.

Body of work: Complete restoration, body work, paint, interior, tires and wheels, engine freshened up with new gaskets, seals and a basic tuneup. It's a daily driver and I got the paint chips to prove it.

A favorite memory: When my dad tossed me my keys and said it was mine.

• • •

Name: Andrea Gonzalez

The car: 1972 Chevelle

What sparked the interest: When my dad gave me the car, and ever since, I liked it. Now that it is fixed, my dad can borrow it, but only if he asks me nicely, and that's if he takes me with him.

Road to ownership: It was a gift from my dad. He bought it in San Jose for $400 the summer of 2007.

Under the hood: 350 Edelbrock carburetor and dress-up kit.

Body of work: Not much body work was needed. The car was parked in a warehouse for over 20 years. It was painted, the interior was redone, new tires and wheels, and a new vinyl top.

A favorite memory: Cruisin' with mom and dad this summer for the first time in my '72 Chevelle.

— Compiled by Jillian Hanks, Bee Newsroom Assistant