1998 Chevy Lumina may be the most expensive of its kind

An ordinary-looking 1998 Chevy Lumina owned by a guy in Milwaukee could be the most expensive of its kind in the world.

Ronald Michalski is a bit of a marvel when it comes to car ownership. 

He’s got two vehicles parked in his garage – a pristine 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S, that’s the only car he’s ever bought; and a 1998 Lumina that was given to him for free. 

And it’s the latter of the two vehicles that has a rather unusual background. 

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The Milwaukee man was given the Chevy Lumina for free

When you think of expensive cars, your mind probably goes to high-end luxury marques such as Rolls-Royce and Ferrari.

But this humble Chevy Lumina could be the most expensive of its kind anywhere in the world. 

The story starts with Jim Plimpton, from Authentic Automotive in Cudahy, kindly giving Michalski a car for free. 

“They didn’t like me driving the Cutlass in bad weather. So they said, ‘We want you to drive one of our cars,’” Michalski told Fox 6 Now.

At the time, Plimpton estimated the Chevy Lumina to be worth around $3,000, at the very most. 

When gifting him the car, Plimpton initially didn’t think Michalski would sink too much into the second-hand vehicle – but he was very wrong. 

“Well, I’m different. Some people would say weird. But I like the car,” Michalski said.

It could be the most expensive car of its kind

He spent almost $10,000 completely restoring the 1998 Lumina and getting it looking as fresh as the day it rolled off the production line. 

And this wasn’t the end of the money Michalski would spend on the car. 

A short while later, a tree fell onto the car causing some serious damage. 

“The roof was crushed. Hood, trunk, right front fender. It was pretty severe,” Plimpton said. 

Michalski didn’t think twice about getting the car fixed up and took it back to Plimpton where he dropped around $14,000 to get it back on the road. 

In total, he’s parted with almost $25,000 on the Chevrolet Lumina – meaning it’s quite likely the most expensive of its kind and shows some serious commitment to the car.