Dream Cruise Snapshot: Rare Bricklin Combines Safety, Style

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles related to the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise. Click here for related stories and photo galleries.

Name: Dan Knoblock

Residence: Sterling Heights

Vehicle: 1975 Bricklin

Tell us more, Dan: There were less than 2,900 made in 1974 and 1975. Malcolm Bricklin (who had founded Subaru of America) built it to be a safe sports car. It was engineered and designed in Livonia and built in New Brunswick, Canada.

It was actually the first car to have front and rear bumpers. It has a role cage and side beams. Most of the originals didn't even come with a cigarette lighter because Malcolm thought it wasn't safe. There is actually no paint on the car – it is an acrylic shell (imbued) with color so if it gets a scratch, you can just sand it out. Maybe that's one of the reasons the Big Three didn't want it built.

The original drawing blueprint was sold to John DeLorean and that's what inspired the DeLorean. (The Bricklin) is the only production vehicle with power gull wing doors. It has an all-Ford power train.

What does Woodward or the Dream Cruise mean to you? I have been out here every day this week. We have been coming to the Dream Cruise since 2001. It's nice seeing all the different varieties and styles.