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Sure, celebrities always boast sensational and exotic car collections. It’s not really news to hear about the Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes models that singers and actors frequently drive. A few of Hollywood’s elites have more of an enthusiasm for classic cars, instead. Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld, for example, have some of the world’s most iconic and legendary sets of wheels.

But for big-screen heartthrob, Zac Efron, it’s about the story behind the car that appeals to him. He could afford to buy any car he wanted. But instead, he spent two years restoring an American classic. It was his grandfather’s vintage Mustang and now, completely restored, is what Efron says is a “beast.”

Zac Efron is more than a teenage heartthrob

The teenagers love his dreamy looks, but Zac Efron is more than just a pretty face. He landed on television for the first time in the popular series, Firefly. But it was his lead role in the Disney Channel film, High School Musical, in 2005 that launched Efron into the spotlight.

He went on to star in a long list of other popular movies, including the Hairspray remake, The Lorax, Parkland, Dirty Grandpa, and The Greatest Showman. His charm both on-screen and off and have some in the industry comparing him to a young Cary Grant. He’s proven to have talent far beyond his good looks and is reported to have a net worth of $25 million.

A celebrity with a heart of gold

While many celebrities use their fame and fortune for good, some say no one has a bigger heart than Zac Efron. He might play Ted Bundy in the movie, but in real life, he aligns his moral compass with charities and philanthropic works. He supports the American Humane Society and has a love for animals. He’s also contributed to Communities in Schools, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, DonorsChose.org, and Habitat for Humanity. He even sold off his very first car, an older model Oldsmobile Alero, for charity.

Not that an Alero is anything to write home about, but Efron’s celebrity status made sure it brought a few more bucks than the Kelley Blue Book value. And to sweeten the deal, Efron threw in free plane tickets and a chance to “hang out.” The proceeds went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A special bond with his family and grandfather

Zac Efron is a talented actor, a confident singer, and a giving philanthropist, but at his core, he’s still a family man. His father, David Efron, was an electrical engineer while his mom, Starla, carved her career as an administrative assistant. Together with his younger brother Dylan, the family spent most of their years in Arroyo Grande, California. Zac Efron also held tremendous respect for his grandfather, which is what led him to embark on his restoration project.

Zac Efron’s vintage Mustang restoration project

The 1965 Mustang that Zac Efron’s grandfather owned was the star’s favorite car. He bought it from “Grandpa Efron” and set out to completely restore the muscle car to its former glory. It was a project that took a whopping two years to finish. And when he finally felt it was perfect, he shared pictures on Instagram celebrating both the beauty of the car and an honor to his grandfather. It now features a shimmery grey exterior, silver rims, and what appears to be leather seats.

Zac Efron may have enough money in the bank to pretty much buy whatever car he wants. But it’s clear he’s more concerned with owning a vehicle that has more meaning than a lofty price tag. He enjoys time behind the wheel of his grandfather’s old Mustang. And fans may just love him more now for it.

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