After a 44-year wait, Bill Porter takes his dad's Ford LTD for a spin

Bill Porter never had the chance to drive his dad's 1973 Ford LTD Brougham. After his father died suddenly of a heart attack, his mother's rule was "no one touches the car."

So for 44 years, it sat in their Winnipeg garage gathering dust.

Then Porter's wife and friends decided to surprise him. 

They secretly fixed the battery and replaced the tires.

And for his 60th birthday, they presented him with the car, polished and road ready. The shock brought Porter to his knees.

Man bursts into tears when family, friends fix up late father's classic car

7 years ago

Duration 0:44

Friends and family presented the Winnipeg man with a gleaming gold-coloured 1973 Ford LTD — the very same car his dad took him for a ride in when it was brand new.

A week later, Porter sat behind the wheel and went for a drive for the first time since his father's death.

As he drove, he reflected on his life.

"I'm not a wealthy man, but I am a wealthy man because I have beautiful family and I have beautiful friends," he said. "And a beautiful car."

Now or Never host Trevor Dineen had the privilege of riding in the passenger seat for that very first ride. Click the listen link above to hear their conversation — and to go along for the ride. You can see more photos and read more about Bill's story here.