Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE: Dealership Joyride Ends in Catastophic Crash Totaling $97,000

Imagine this: You drop off your prized 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE Hendrick Edition at the dealership for a simple repair, and the next thing you know, it’s totaled on the interstate. This is the unfortunate reality that Kenny Habul faced when his well-kept muscle car met a tragic end due to a reckless dealership joyride.

A Routine Camaro Fix Turns Into A Nightmare

In January 2024, Habul brought his supercharged Camaro to H&L Chevrolet in Darien, Connecticut. The car had a no-start condition, attributed to a broken clutch switch. Knowing the power and value of his vehicle, Habul explicitly instructed the dealership that under no circumstances should any employee take the car off the lot. This was no ordinary car; it was a high-performance, track-ready beast with a 6.2-liter supercharged engine, a Hendrick dyno tune, and a custom camshaft. The car had only 989 miles on the odometer, all from track use.

The Aftermath

The crash left the $97,000 Camaro a total loss. The police report, backed by the data recorder, indicated that the road was clear, with no external factors contributing to the crash. The data recorder highlighted that Sebastian had floored the accelerator, with the throttle position at 95 percent just three seconds before the crash.

Sebastian was ticketed for failing to stay in his lane. Now, Habul is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from H&L Chevrolet, holding the dealership responsible for their employee’s actions. The lawsuit underscores the reckless and negligent behavior exhibited and aims to penalize the dealership for this gross misconduct.

Learning Experience for Others

This story is a wake-up call about how important trust and responsibility are in the car service industry. It highlights why it’s crucial for dealerships to follow customer instructions to the letter and what can happen when they don’t. For Camaro fans and car owners, it’s a reminder of the risks you take when you leave your prized vehicle in someone else’s hands.