Tag: Kirk Hansen

TMCP #367: Brotherly Love at it’s Best – A Pontiac Firebird Restored in Memoriam; The Pro-Touring Update Featuring Larry Callahan’s 21st Century 6-banger ’55 Chevy

Today’s show is perhaps one of the most important we’ve ever done at TMCP, and frankly speaking – it’s the real reason this show started in the first place. Our guest is Brandon Bailey, a man I’ve never met in person but one that I was convinced my my great friend Kirk Hansen that I needed to know. Brandon had just purchased Kirk’s Firebird in order to restore it as the feature car for a very-soon upcoming fundraiser to raise money in memoriam for the family of his best friend Daniel. This is the story of that journey.

Branden Bailey had a best friend, Daniel Reed and they met at a sandlot baseball game before they were teenagers. These two became best friends as close as brothers and did everything together. They grew up riding bikes, playing football, and watching Smokey and the Bandit enough to wear out the tape. When Daniel was offered a 1980 Firebird his dreams of a car like in the movie came true. The boys spent many hours changing motors and fixing on the Firebird and driving around having a great time. Daniel was struck by a car while riding his motorcycle to work and passed away. Local friends and relatives put together a memorial run to raise money for his 8 year old son and wife that he left behind. Branden said around 70 cars showed up for the drive and everyone had a great time.