14-year labour of love off in a flash

By Callan Date
FORD fan Steve Ditoro spent 14 years restoring his pride and joy 1967 prestige car.
And it took callous thieves only a matter of minutes to steal it from his Endeavour Hills garage last month.
This week police and Mr Ditoro are appealing to the public to help find the beloved vehicle after it was last spotted in Dandenong.
The 30-year-old has since offered a $5000 reward in the hope that someone has information about the theft of his red 1967 Ford XT station wagon.
Police said the $30,000 vehicle was stolen on Wednesday 16 April after entry was gained to Mr Ditoro’s Broadwalk Grove garage.
The car, which had only done about 7000km, was not registered but had distinctive GLEAMN registration plates attached to the front and back.
Mr Ditoro said he had a passion for the particular model of car and had originally paid $400 for the vehicle body.
“It had no engine, no gear box, it was piece of crap,” he said.
Hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars later and the car had been restored to its original condition.
“Whoever has stolen it has known it was there. It was in a locked garage behind a padlock gate. They knew it was there.”
He said there had been several alleged sightings of the car, which may have since undergone a rough paint job in an attempt to conceal the distinctive red body.
“I put messages on Ford internet websites and forums asking for people to keep an eye out for it.
“I have had a few calls saying they had seen it in Dandenong and other places around Melbourne.”
Casey Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Paul Stow said any information regarding the theft would help.
Mr Ditoro said the car had a set of wheels which were rare in Australia, with only one other set known to be in Melbourne.
He said the $5000 reward would be offered for information leading to the recovery of the vehicle or the identification of the offenders.
Anyone with any information about the crime is asked to contact Det Paul Stow on 9705 3114.