Gives a slant 6 a run for the money

RustyRatRod said
Cool story but why is he a "hero"? Was he a veteran?

Nope, just a dedicated and conscientious car owner who stayed with the vehicle he loved.

In some sense, that is “heroic” in the modern World.

Not many people can claim that kind of 5+ decades old dedication to what they believe in...and love.