Brandon Twp.- The car is a red ?51 Chevy.
It has white vinyl seats and door locks that are topped with red dice. A message on the glovebox reads, ‘Buckle up, shut up, hang on, this ain’t no hayride!!?
Owner Dan Barnes turns the key in the ignition and revs the 440 Chrysler motor. The car rumbles.
Barnes, 61, says his car is a little bit different because he used a Chryser motor in a Chevy car. People call him a cross-breed, but he believes no two old cars are alike– they are a personal expression and make an individual statement.
So what does his car say about him?
‘Probably that I’m loud and obnoxious,? he laughs.
Barnes, 61, will display his car in the Ortonville Downtown Development Authority’s third annual Street Machine Super Show on Aug. 7.
Event organizer and local business owner David Bonner expects about 250 entrants weather permitting. HobbyTown USA will be present with nitro-driven remote control cars and Bonner says Elvis will also be downtown in a ?51 Cadillac El Dorado. Entertainment will include a moonwalk for the kids and a disc jockey playing oldies music. Concessions available will include hot dogs, sausages and sloppy joes. Awards will be given in various categories.
‘You can expect to see anything with a motor,? said Bonner. ‘Street rods, muscle cars, prostreet, sports cars, kit cars, motorcycles. We expect an excellent show. Bring the kids, it’s very family-oriented.?
Barnes is looking forward to the event. He expects to talk about parts and cars and the work he and others have done on their cars.
‘Most car people are really nice,? Barnes says. ‘Anyone that is interested can go to a car show and get advice and help on getting started. There’s also a lot of cars for sale.?
Barnes first became interested in cars when he was about 16 years-old. His friend’s father owned a Ford dealership and they would work on the cars.
‘You start tinkering and get a knack for it,? he said.
His first car was a ?57 Chevy, which he later traded for a new GTO. When he married wife Donna, he left the hobby.
Barnes was employed by GM for 35 years, 20 of those doing experimental engineering with prototypes. He retired in ?97 and three years ago, bought the ?51 Chevy.
‘When you have the time and money you get hobbies to keep you busy,? Barnes says. ‘I work on my hobby, putz and keep mind and fingers busy to keep out of trouble.?
He works on the car in his 32×36 garage, which has a hoist, tools, pictures of cars and Dale Earnhardt memorabilia. Just outside of the garage is a 1952 fuel pump he bought last year and took apart, rebuilt and painted to make it look like new.
He says he likes car shows, but what he really likes is driving it. When asked how fast the car is, he smiles and replies, ‘Faster than a speeding ticket. She can go as fast as you want.?

INFO:
The Ortonville DDA’s Third Annual Street Machine Super Show is Aug. 7 in downtown Ortonville. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. There is a $13.00 entry fee. Awards will be given in 13 categories, including best of show and dash plaques will be given to all entrants. One free lunch per entry. The show ends at 3 p.m.