Lightning McQueen is back on the road, just in time for a charity appearance in Caerphilly.
Anthony Bindon created the replica of the Disney Cars character for his autistic sons, Leo, seven, and Logan, four.
Mr Bindon uses Lightning McQueen to raise money for charity but was devastated when he found it vandalised with paint-stripper in 2012.
Mr Bindon said: “I was heart broken, the paint was off, stickers and wiring were melted.
“But thanks to the overwhelming support I got, I picked myself up, got a new car, body kit, paint and stickers and made a new McQueen.”
A new paint job later and McQueen and Bindon were back on the charity circuit, but tragedy struck again when the paint started peeling after just two months and the company who did the work went out of business.
Mr Bindon said: “I didn’t know what to do, I was stuck. I had a car that was getting worse by the day and no money left.
“Then I went to 1st Class Body Repairs in Pontyclun to see how much it would be. Beyond my wildest dreams the amazing owner said he too was a true believer of helping others.
“He had heard of my charity work and would fix McQueen better than ever before with no charge.
“I was gob-smacked, I felt like crying I was not used to such kindness.”
Rafal Mikolajczyk, owner of the garage, said: “Anthony told me about his two sons and I decided to do something for nothing.
“We finished the Mcqueen at 2am and I’m really proud of the project and proud when I see Anthony enjoying his life and what he does with the car.”
Lightning McQueen will be at the Lullaby Trust’s family fun day at the Ruperra Club, Trethomas, on Saturday May 17.
Mr Bindon said: “I was with the Follow Your Dreams Foundation and the smiles on the children’s faces were unbelievable.
“I’ve been to the Lullaby Trust’s event for three years now and it is amazing, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lightning McQueen will be joined by Peppa Pig at the fun day, which runs from 11am.