When you talk about automotive passion, legacy and community, few stories capture the spirit quite like that of Keith Damon from Grand Blanc. This year, Damon’s stunning 1972 Pontiac Lemans takes center stage as the official featured vehicle for the 21st Annual Back to the Bricks event – an honor that carries deep meaning not just for the car’s performance and restoration, but for the story behind it.
A Car, A Dream, A Lifetime
Damon’s journey with his Lemans began more than four decades ago. As a sophomore at Grand Blanc High School, he purchased the car that would become his lifelong project and pride. “I always wanted my own hotrod,” he recalls. “My dad, my brother and my uncles all had classic cars, and I wanted to be a part of that legacy.”
That teenage dream evolved into a remarkable 44-year ownership story marked by commitment, craftsmanship and family. The car underwent a full frame-off restoration in 2006, but Damon didn’t stop there. Each year, he’s added something new to the build, continually pushing the envelope of performance and personalization.
Photos Courtesy of Back to the Bricks
Built for Power – and Passion
Damon’s Lemans is anything but ordinary. Painted a striking blue, it houses a bored and stroked 496-cubic-inch Big Block Chevrolet engine, paired with a 4L80E transmission. The vehicle is also equipped with Hydro Boost brakes and Wilwood 6-piston calipers, combining raw power with modern control.
These features make the car a head-turner and a showstopper – but it’s the memories built under the hood that Damon cherishes most. “Having my three children help me work on the car – that’s what I’ll never forget.”
“It’s more than just recognition; it’s a connection to an amazing community of enthusiasts who share a passion for these classic machines.”
-Keith Damon
More Than a Car Show
Being part of Back to the Bricks means far more to Damon than parking on the bricks of Downtown Flint. “It’s about community, history, and the passion of coming together,” he says. “I grew up around the automotive world, so to be involved in an event that celebrates that legacy is incredibly meaningful. It’s not just about the cars. It’s the people, the stories, and the shared love of the automotive culture.”
Damon has participated in nearly every aspect of the event – from Promo Tours and Tune-Up Parties to the Main Event. He’s also taken the Lemans to the Saint Ignace Car Show and the Main Street Memories Show in Port Huron, further solidifying his status in Michigan’s vibrant car community.
Photos Courtesy of Back to the Bricks
A Tribute Across Generations
The Damon family’s love of classic cars didn’t start with Keith, and certainly won’t end with him. His father’s 1934 Ford, built in 1955, is still in the family today. That legacy deeply inspired Keith’s own restoration journey. “Being involved with my dad and his car for so long, I just wanted to be like him and have a car I could pass along to my children.”
A Humbling Honor
For Damon, having his Lemans featured on this year’s official Back to the Bricks logo is a moment of profound pride. “It’s humbling and incredibly exciting,” he shares. “It’s more than just recognition; it’s a connection to an amazing community of enthusiasts who share a passion for these classic machines.”
As thousands of visitors gather this summer to admire the craftsmanship, chrome and culture of Back to the Bricks, they’ll also be celebrating stories like Damon’s – a testament to what happens when you mix horsepower with heart.
