MY MIL “GIFTED” ME A CAR THAT HADN’T RUN IN OVER 10 YEARS — AFTER I RESTORED IT, SHE DEMANDED IT BACK
I’ve loved cars since I could walk. My dad was a semi-pro racecar driver, and by twelve I could change tires and tune engines. I grew up to become a senior mechanic—doing what I loved and earning well—until I met my mother-in-law.
From day one, she disapproved. “A woman fixing cars isn’t a real career,” she scoffed.
On my birthday, she handed me a set of keys with a smug smile. In her garage sat a rusted car that hadn’t run in over ten years. “Fix it if you’re so good,” she said. “Happy birthday.”
I towed it home and got to work. Six months later—after thousands in parts, endless labor, and pure passion—I had restored it into a stunning $20,000 car.
That’s when my MIL showed up, waving the title. “THE CAR IS STILL MINE. GIVE IT BACK.”
I reminded her it was a gift. She claimed she never expected me to actually fix it—and called the police.
When officers arrived, I showed them receipts and photos of the restoration. One officer nodded. “She increased the value significantly. If you want it back, you’ll need to reimburse her—about $15–20k.”
My MIL went pale. She refused. The officers told her the car stays put unless settled in court.
She left furious.
Now? I drive that car proudly—especially past her house. Every time she sees it gleaming in the sun, she’s reminded that the “joke” gift she gave me became my greatest win.
