While one would normally expect to find an assortment of automobiles lining the front lot of Dowagiac’s Full Throttle Trading, the machines on display Saturday certainly stood out more than usual.

Then again, the sight of such mechanical works of art like a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro or 1927 Ford Model T would catch anyone’s eye.

Those and other vehicles were among those that participated in the Dowagiac car dealership’s first ever car show that afternoon, which took place on the front lot of its location on M-51. Dozens of people from around the area showed up to the show, not only enjoying the display of vintage and custom-built automobiles but also various family-friendly games and grilled hot dogs, sloppy Joes and other refreshments.

By around 2 p.m., 10 different vehicles had registered to participate in the show, in addition to around half-a-dozen motorcycles. However, more vehicles were expected to show up, owned by people from as far away as Kalamazoo and Detroit, said Ken Tinch, sales manager with Full Throttle.

Tinch, who has worked with the dealership the past two years, came up with the idea of hosting a car show at the lot several months ago, in order to give the company’s customers and their families something fun to do on a nice summer day, he said.

“They [customers] normally come by the lot to buy a car, so this will give them a chance to come down just to look at some instead,” Tinch said.

The event has a deeper purpose behind just giving locals a chance to enjoy some carefree fun, though.

Proceeds from the show will be donated to Full Throttle co-owner Troy Duis, who is currently recovering from the serious injuries he sustained after his motorcycle crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of M-51 and Peavine Street earlier
this year.

The Niles man has undergone several surgeries since the crash, and will require several more to fully heal, Tinch said.

“He’s gone through a lot,” Tinch said. “It’s been a life changing event for him. He sounds a lot different talking to him now than before.”

In order to help him pay for not only his medical bills but also other expenses, the rest of the Full Throttle staff have spent the last several months raising money on his behalf, including hosting a fundraiser on his behalf in April, Tinch said.

“It was amazing how many people — including our customers — came out to help that night,” he said.

Several local businesses also pitched in to volunteer with the car show Saturday, including Full Throttle’s neighbors, Dowagiac Auto Service, as well as the local Auto Value.

While the inaugural event may serve as more of a fundraiser than anything else, Tinch and others with Full Throttle are looking to make the show an annual event, he said.

“We want it to get bigger and bigger every year,” he said.