Vehicle Description
We are honored to bring you this very special 1956 Chevrolet 210
custom street / strip car. This is a very special build from a very
special family. This car was built in memory of and as a tribute to
Navy Petty Officer First Class Neil C. Roberts - The first Navy
Seal to give his life in Afghanistan. The car was owned and built
by Neil Robert's Father-in-law and has been owned and in their
family for the last 20 years. We were honored to be able to meet
him in person and also have nearly 30 minutes of video with him
explaining the history of the car and talking about his late
son-in-law Neil Roberts. There is no set asking price on this car
and due to the tribute and family of this fallen Navy Seal, we are
choosing to be very selective on if and who we may sell the car to.
We will consider offers on the car, but it is very important to us
that the car go to a home in which it will be preserved and
respected. If we do not come across a suitable owner for this car,
we will send it to Barrett Jackson or Mecum to auction off for
charity. The car is amazing and the details of it are down below,
but the most important feature is who it was built in memorial
for:Neil Roberts was born on August 16, 1969, in Woodland,
California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 14, 1987, and
completed basic training at NTC Orlando, Florida, in November 1987.
Roberts next attended Aviation Electrician's Mate training at NATTC
Millington, Tennessee, from November 1987 to May 1988, followed by
service as an EP-3 Aries I aircrew member with Fleet Air
Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) at NAS Agana, Guam, from June
1988 to January 1992. During this time he deployed with his
Squadron in support of Operation Desert Shield from August 1990 to
January 1991, and Desert Storm from January to March 1991. Petty
Officer Roberts attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training
at NAB Coronado, California, from January to October 1992, and then
attended Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in October and
November 1992. His next assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB
Little Creek, Virginia, from November 1992 to June 1999, and during
this time he deployed to San Vito, Italy, to support Allied Forces
during the Bosnian War from November 1993 to May 1994, and to
Sarajevo, Bosnia/Herzegovina, with the Combined Joint Special
Operations Task Force - Stabilization Force from September 1997 to
October 1998. Petty Officer Roberts' final assignment was with
Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) at Dam Neck Annex,
Virginia, from June 1999 until he became the first Navy SEAL killed
in action during Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, on March
4, 2002. He was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in York,
Pennsylvania.His Silver Star Medal Citation reads:For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving
as a member of a special operations unit that conducted multiple
insertions and combat operations deep behind enemy lines from 9
January to 5 March 2002. During this period, Petty Officer Roberts
was assigned to a combined joint task force in support of Operation
ENDURING FREEDOM. Petty Officer Roberts performed superbly during
several, in-extremis, combat operations and rescue of personnel,
deep in enemy-controlled territory while under fire from enemy
forces. On 3 March 2002, his unit planned an operation in the
Paktia Province in support of Operation ANACONDA, the largest
combat operation against enemy forces to date. On that evening, his
unit was to conduct a clandestine insertion onto a 10,000 foot
mountain peak to establish an over watch position. As the
helicopter moved into position for the insertion, Petty Officer
Roberts positioned himself on the helicopter ramp in order to
expeditiously exit the helicopter, minimizing the threat to the
aircraft and crew. Without notice, his CH-47 helicopter received a
rocket-propelled grenade exploding through the body of the
aircraft. Hydraulic lines showered the metal ramp with slippery
fluid as the aircraft lurched violently from the unexpected
assault. Petty Officer Roberts was thrown from the ramp of the
helicopter falling onto the enemy infested mountain top just feet
below. He immediately maneuvered to establish a defensive position
and make contact with rescue forces. He defiantly fought the
overwhelming enemy forces undoubtedly causing significant tolls to
their numbers. Surrounded by superior fire power, he died on the
battlefield from fatal combat wounds. Petty Officer Roberts' bold
leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty
reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.The car
itself is powered by a built 283 V8 engine mated to an automatic
transmission. The car is dressed in a custom purple paint with a
full custom flame job front to back. The 210 rolls on steel wheels
covered by old school hot rod Moon Eyes hubcaps. This Chevy comes
equipped with Nitrous, flame thrower exhaust, and even a smoke
machine for car shows. Everything works and it drives absolutely
amazing. This car has won countless races on the strip as well as
on the highway as detailed by the previous owner who built and
raced the car. Included with the car is the posterboard featuring
the art print of the car and Neil C. Roberts, the book Robert's
Ridge, and several other documents about the heroic Navy Seal.
