Colville Craftsmanship on Global Stage: Local Family Brings Custom Camaro to Arizona

At the time of the purchase, their son, Kalos, was only 3 years old. While most children his age were playing with die-cast miniatures, Kalos was beginning a childhood defined by the echoing clangs of a family garage. The couple said their goal was to ensure that, as Kalos grew, he would learn the “grueling, rewarding reality of manual labor and the patience required for a long-term commitment.”

"We wanted to teach him the value of hard work and time," Lisa Adams said. "It was about showing him what it takes to build something from nothing, and having him see that process from the time he was a toddler until now."

The Adams plan to complete their decade-plus lesson Jan. 17-25, 2026, at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in Arizona. Known as "The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions," the event serves as a global stage for the industry. The Adams' custom masterpiece, designated as Lot No. 813, will cross the block in front of a live television audience and hundreds of thousands of in-person enthusiasts, according to event organizers.

The Camaro is the result of 8,561 hours of personal labor, according to the Adams. The restoration was a multi-generational mission led by Jerry Adams, a 20-year retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief. Working in their home garage in Colville, Wash., the project became a cornerstone of family life, involving Jerry, Lisa, Kalos – who eventually learned to turn wrenches on the very car he grew up with – and Lisa’s father, Jim Langevin.

"Veterans always need to stay busy," Jerry Adams said of the project’s intensity. "This wasn't just a hobby for us; it was a mission to preserve a piece of American history while building our own."

According to Jerry Adams, the technical transformation of the vehicle was documented in a massive, 10-inch-thick binder that chronicles every receipt, photograph, and modification. The family performed a complete frame-off rotisserie restoration, which included replacing every body panel with new metal. The "rough-in" panel replacement was handled by Casey’s Autofab before the car returned to the family garage for the intricate assembly.

While the family managed the mechanical engineering, they sought out a local specialist to provide the car’s world-class finish. The Adams said they entrusted the paint job and body work to Jon Entwistle, a long-time resident of Colville.

Under Entwistle’s hand, the Camaro was coated in a striking PPG "Caught Red Handed" finish with gunmetal gray pearl accents. According to Adams, the deep, mirror-like surface serves as a visual testament to the generational skills passed down through the Entwistle family.

The Camaro is powered by a 454ci V8 engine built by Blackfoot Racing and Gibson Performance Engines, featuring forged internals and port-polished 049 oval heads, Jerry Adams said. Thunder Racing Dyno tested the powerplant at an impressive 603 horsepower and 590 foot-pounds of torque, according to performance records. The engine is mated to a Silver Sport Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission and a narrowed Currie 9-inch rear end.

Jerry Adams said inside, the car features a fully custom TMI leather and suede interior completed by local shop CNT Upholstery. Modern amenities were integrated as well, including a Vintage Air climate control system, Dakota Digital gauges, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, and a premium Alpine sound system. To ensure the 603-horsepower machine handles as well as it looks, Jerry Adams said the family installed a full Ridetech coilover suspension and Wilwood six-piston disc brakes.

According to the event’s websitebarrett-jackson.com/2026-scottsdale, the auction event kicks off Jan. 16, 2026, with a "Rock the Block" concert featuring country superstar Cole Swindell. According to the Adams family, the event also marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As they prepare to watch the gavel fall, the couple said they are already scouting for their next project: a vintage truck and a "sleeper" car that maintains a stock aesthetic while hiding high-performance secrets.

"The car is beautiful, and we are proud of the technical achievement," Lisa Adams said. "But the 12 years of memories and the character our son built in that garage is what we are truly taking home with us."