A Journey of Love and Legacy: The Heartfelt Journey of Our Client's Cherished 1985 Mercedes SL2804o
We recently had the profound honor of detailing a truly special car—a classic 1985 Mercedes Benz SL280 with a deeply personal story behind it. This stunning vehicle belonged to our client Lynne, and it carries a legacy of love and remembrance that we’re excited to share with you.
Our story begins with Lynne’s father, Cyril “Zeke” Beernaert, an Army vet who proudly served his country during the Korean War. Zeke was an extraordinary man, standing six feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, yet despite his imposing presence, he was known for his quiet demeanor. Lynne fondly remembers her father as a man of few words, but each word he spoke carried profound wisdom and impact. As a child, she often wondered about her father's work, particularly because he held a government job at Sanders (now BAE), which was shrouded in secrecy. She speculated that his reserved nature might have been influenced by the confidential nature of his work. Despite the mystery surrounding his job, the love and respect she felt for him were unwavering, and his quiet strength left an indelible mark on her heart.
While in her early 20s and pregnant with her first child, Lynne was devastated when she got the news that her father had been diagnosed with cancer at only 48 years old. Zeke’s treatments were in Hanover and Lynne would often drive him to the hospital. During one of those trips, they saw a MB SL280 on the side of the road. Out of the blue her dad announced, “What I wouldn’t give for a car like that!” It struck Lynne deeply, because it was out of character for him to express such a desire, and in that moment she promised herself that she would one day fulfill that wish for him. “One day I WILL get one!”, she said to herself, because she knew that her dad would not live long enough to make it happen.
Sadly, Zeke passed away in 1978, just two years after his diagnosis, but Lynne’s determination to fulfill his wish never faded. Years later, while driving through Newmarket, she spotted an MB SL280 for sale that looked remarkably similar to the one she had seen with her dad. It was parked next to a gas station with a "For Sale" sign on it.
Once she got home, despite having no need for a second car, Lynne couldn’t stop thinking about that car. Feeling it was a wild idea, she decided to follow her heart and went back to look at it, only to discover it was gone. She thought she had missed her chance.
Fate intervened, though, and several days later when she drove by that gas station again, she saw it parked out front, again for sale. Lynne knew it was a sign that the car was meant to be hers, so this time she stopped. She discovered that the car was made in 1985, which further confirmed it was meant to be hers since that was the year her youngest daughter was born.
She met Walter Cheeney that day. He was the car’s original owner and while speaking with him she was struck by just how immediately he felt like family to her. Walter’s trust and generosity, including a $1000 discount off the price just because Lynne lived in Newmarket, made it even more abundantly clear that this car was meant to be.
With 85,000 original miles, Lynne’s dream car was finally hers. The day she registered it with the antique license plate "4U-DAD," tears welled up in her eyes. This was the culmination of a journey filled with love, memories, and the fulfillment of her father's final wish. As she held the license plate in her hands, a rush of emotions overwhelmed her. She felt his presence, his pride, and his unwavering love.
To make the moment even more special, a dear friend offered to have the car detailed in Rhode Island. When Lynne saw the finished car, she was speechless. Her friend had gone above and beyond, adding a personal touch that took her breath away. On the driver’s side door, he had meticulously inscribed Lynne’s initials, and on the passenger side, her dad’s name, immortalizing their bond in a beautiful tribute. It was a meaningful gift for sure.
For the past three years, Lynne has cherished this car, holding onto it as a precious reminder of her father. However, she now feels it's time for this special vehicle to fulfill another person's dream, and she is ready to let it go. This decision doesn't come lightly, but it stems from her deep dedication to her dad and his legacy.
Lynne honors her father, Zeke, in ways that reflect his true essence. As a devoted member of the National Ski Patrol, Zeke embodied values of service, safety, and care. Lynne carries on this legacy through her business, Hug Patrol. For over a decade, Hug Patrol has been dedicated to creating comforting products that offer natural support and care—just as her father would have wanted.
Through Hug Patrol, Lynne extends her father's spirit of helping others. Each product is a testament to Zeke's passion for service and his commitment to making a positive impact. This work is not only a tribute to his memory but also a living continuation of his life's mission. It makes Lynne proud to know she is keeping her father's legacy alive, one comforting hug at a time.
To learn more about Hug Patrol and their mission, click here.
At Revive Auto Detailing, we’re honored to have been part of Lynne’s journey and to help preserve this cherished car’s condition as it moves on to its next chapter. If you have a vehicle with a special story or simply want to give it the care it deserves, we’re here to help.
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