Daniel Scozzari’s Journey

As a kid growing up in New Jersey, I remember holding my first die cast car, a red Viper. Suddenly, something sparked inside of me: a passion for automobiles. From every manufacturer’s styling, beltline and sculpted curves to the multitude of engine choices, I became a car guy. My all-time favorite was the 1963 split-window Corvette Sting Ray, mimicking the spine of the stingray fish, an innovative and bold design. I thought that car was the coolest until the day I watched a monster truck named Bigfoot crushing cars, driving in a mud pit and flying through the air.

Inspired by its size, I decided to lift my 1984 Chevy Silverado with 36-inch tires, including a custom Bonsai blue painted exterior with an airbrushed tailgate, featuring a striking Looney Tunes mural, starring the super genius Wile E. Coyote. Fascinated by customization and airbrushing, I began going to car shows realizing it wasn’t just about the vehicles but the owners themselves who described the blood, sweat and tears that came from their personal stories.

Soon after, I moved to Michigan, purchased a 1981 Corvette, and immediately started upgrading the suspension, brakes, and interior. To top it off, I installed a GM 375hp crate engine with side pipes for that powerful throaty growl. Looking forward to the weekends, I, along with my beautiful wife Linda, enjoyed taking long scenic cruises while having our hair blowing in the wind with the T-tops off.

To this day, we still enjoy going to car shows and appreciating automotive history from antique, classic, racing, to muscle and super cars. After choosing our favorites, we are now the proud owners of 200 die cast cars, which includes the five cars from my book: The split-window Corvette Sting Ray, Mustang GT 350, Camaro SS, Challenger R/T, and, of course, the Striped Tomato. In addition to our collection, I hand carved a 1/10 scale wooden monster truck from a detailed blueprint I created as a template, highlighting my woodworking background.

From sculpting with my hands to penning down my thoughts, I am excited to share with you The Carbon Copy Capers, a thrilling and captivating murder mystery who-done-it, rooted from my most cherished memories for all to enjoy.