Last month, Nicholas Linn loaded up his camera gear and was dropped off at Royal Tint and Dip in Bend, Oregon, for an event. Hundreds of locals gathered for a vehicle unveiling and he was on hand to document it, just as he’d done so many times in the past with local shops and enthusiasts. This debut was a little different, however, as it was the result of a well-devised plan by local shops that banded together to surprise Nicholas with the keys to a Nissan 350Z.
As a teen with autism, Nicholas’ mom states that he’d struggled to make friends but that all changed when he found his way to photography and combined it with his passion for cars. For his 16th birthday, Nicholas’ mom gifted him a camera and since that time he’s become a staple in the Bend, Oregon, car community covering various events, car builds, and builders. Now 20 years old, he’s established his Sending It Media brand and continues to document his region’s car happenings, but the one thing always missing was a project car of his own.
A total of 19 automotive shops in the area teamed up to show their appreciation for all of his hard work behind the camera in the form of his dream car: a 2005 Z33. The car was tracked down online, purchased, and everyone pitched in to clean it up and prepare it for a new life with a very worthy owner. A behind the scenes look at some of the process was documented, which you can see in this video edited by Sullins Shoots.
At the unveiling, the shock on Nicholas’ face was apparent when the group relayed the good news that the Z-car was his to take home. The crowd in attendance cheered him on as he jumped into the driver’s seat and fired off a few revs. Ecstatic about the incredible show of appreciation, Nicholas soon put the car on the road and even created an Instagram page dedicated to it. A team effort of epic proportions, the Bend automotive collective is a solid reminder of the power of a close-knit enthusiast community.
Keyword: Oregon Car Community Gifts Autistic Photographer Nissan 350Z Dream Car