Alumni get 'Back to the Bricks'

Baby, you can drive my car

Summer may be drawing to a close, but the streets of Flint, Mich., were smoking hot this August as the 10th annual Back to the Bricks celebration attracted about a half a million classic car lovers to the city.

Michigan Today took a cruise of its own and caught up with some alumni eager to show off their sweet rides.

Fast getaway

Cheryl Roy (AB, Ed.) proudly poses with her black 1930 Ford Model A, 55B Tudor Sedan, very reminiscent of a “Bonnie and Clyde” getaway car. With an original list price of $500, it comes fashioned with 40 horsepower, spacious room for five passengers, and a stylish luggage platform that extends from the rear. Roy says one benefit of owning the car is her membership in the Script ‘A’ Region of the Model A Restorers Club (MARC). “It’s the best group of people around,” she says.

Classic beauty

Greg Trecha (BS, biology) drove from Pittsburgh, Pa., to show off his impressive 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. Enthusiastic about Flint putting on this 10th annual event, Trecha was easily persuaded by his brother to bring the beautiful classic to “the Bricks.”  He’s had the car for just a year, and says he loves the way his prized possession handles — there’s just something about that oversized steering wheel. “I have always wanted a classic car for the fun and nostalgia, and this one was an obvious choice,” Trecha says.

Classic car

 

We call it Maize

This 2004 Ford Mustang may not be old enough to be considered a classic car, but it still looks sharp while flanked by some of its highly revered “elders.” Owner and diehard Michigan Football fan Dave DeSilva (BA, economics) says, “I came to Flint this year over the Woodward Dream Cruise because of everything the event does to bring people back into the community.” DeSilva’s Mustang is painted a distinct fluorescent yellow — his wife chose the color for its flashiness, he says. And though you can’t see it here, the Mustang’s license plate appropriately reads: “MAIZE04.”

Muscling in

This highly sought after 1969 Dodge Charger flexes its muscle next to spirited owner Christy Hill (BSN), who shows it off for the third time during this 10th year of Back to the Bricks. “The atmosphere and energy this event creates is truly inspiring,” she says. Hill drove the only 1969 Dodge in this year’s show of 600 cars, making it a notable gem among the event’s mostly GM vehicles. A persistent search for the ultimate ride finally paid off and landed Hill behind the wheel of this priceless classic. It inspires many offers from interested buyers — all of whom are out of luck with this happy owner.

Sporty

When it comes to classic sports cars, a Chevy Camaro certainly holds a high rank with enthusiasts. This 1974 Z28 owned by Kevin Moore (BBA) and Angie Moore (BS/MSW) is a testament to that love. “I have been bugging him forever to get a classic car and last year he finally caved when we found this one,” Angie says. The Camaro represents their youth and is a much-welcomed blast from the past. “It is all about the nostalgia of what we grew up around,” Angie says. Not surprisingly, the speed is the couple’s favorite feature about this shared hobby.

Show stopper

“Pretty in pink” is the best way to describe this beautiful 1969 Buick Skylark and its passionate owner, Flint native Karen Borton (PhD, technical sciences). This show-stopper is appropriately decked out in a custom wrap, dripping with pink accents inside and out, and covered in famous autographs (including a signature from Kid Rock). The classic car drives home an important mission: to spread breast cancer awareness. Borton is a three-time cancer survivor who founded Breast Cancer Awareness for Life 12 years ago. “This foundation brings back every penny raised to the community,” Borton says. She’s been promoting her cause at Back to the Bricks since the event’s debut. The popular ’69 Skylark is now a fan favorite.

All photos by Evan Pougnet.

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