by ⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious
A rare 1969 Chevrolet Nova Yenko is reunited with its former owner.
For Stephen Milliner, a seemingly ordinary Tuesday afternoon turned into an extraordinary experience full of nostalgia and love. As he pulled into the parking lot of Floyd Central High School, Milliner was greeted by his children and grandchildren standing next to a long, white trailer. The trailer contained a piece of his past: a rare 1969 Chevrolet Nova Yenko.
The sight of the car provoked an emotional response from Milliner, who had not seen it since 1978. “Unbelievable!” he exclaimed, hugging his daughter Sherri. Decades ago, Milliner and his two brothers found the car abandoned in an Indiana cow pasture and restored it. Eventually his brothers sold the car and Milliner lost track of it.
The car’s journey back to Milliner began when Sherri discovered an article online about Dennis Albaugh, an American billionaire businessman from Iowa, who had acquired the same Nova Yenko. When Sherri heard this, he contacted Albaugh, who generously agreed to transport the car 600 miles to Floyd County for a special reunion.
“I’m a very blessed man, believe me,” Milliner said, reflecting on the events of the past year. Milliner was diagnosed with terminal cancer last April and has faced many challenges. He talked about the moment he first felt the sharp pain in his rib during his 50th wedding anniversary celebration, which led to his diagnosis.
Reuniting with the Nova Yenko provided a joyful distraction and a chance to relive memories from his youth. Milliner took his wife, his faithful partner of fifty years, on a joy ride in the car that symbolized much of his early adulthood. “She’s the rock,” he said. “She’s the reason I’m here today. The person I am is because of her.”
Surrounded by his family, Milliner expressed his deep gratitude for their support and the blessing of this special surprise. “God has his hand on me all the time,” he said with tears in his eyes. “You won’t find a cancer that has never hurt you, unless God lets you know in some other way. That’s the story and here I am. Very blessed…very blessed.”
Despite his diagnosis, Milliner remains active and continues to coach football, a passion he shares with his children and grandchildren. He spoke with pride about his coaching legacy and the joy it brings him.
After the emotional reunion and a ride in the beloved Nova Yenko, Milliner shared another piece of his car passion. He pulled out his phone and showed a photo of his orange 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, his dream car, which he bought two years ago. “I finally got my dream car,” he said, smiling.
The reunion with the Nova Yenko was more than just a trip down memory lane. It was a powerful reminder of the love and support that surrounds Milliner, a testament to the impact he has had on those around him. “This is one of those things that is a test, I’m sure,” he reflected. “You don’t know how much you are loved until something like this happens.”
Sign up for the Motorious newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Tweetand Instagram.
