Gene Kauffmann stands with one of the cars he has taken pride in restoring – a bright blue 1931 Model A. Kauffmann views restoration as more of an impacting part of the his lifestyle rather than a mere hobby.

With the chug of the engine and a whiff of exhaust, Gene Kauffmann’s restored 1931 Ford Model A hiccupped to life. After a cold winter, a few pulls of the choke were necessary to get the bright blue little birdie back on the road and roaring through Wells.

Classic cars are not merely a hobby for Kauffmann, in fact, some would say there is probably motor oil running through his veins more than blood. For Kauffmann, his classic cars are about keeping precious memories as alive as they can be.

In his garage, not only does he house his bright blue Model A, the same make and model his father used to own, but he also houses a dreamy white and purple 1955 Crown Victoria known as the “angel car.”

“For most people who want to restore classic cars, it’s more than just a car,” says Kauffmann. “Someone who has an old car does it for a purpose; they do it for a memory.”

And when it comes to that purple Crown Victoria, a name adorns the side of the vehicle in white lettering, “Jamie Lynn.”

This is the name of Kauffmann’s first daughter, who passed away 22 years ago when she was just a little girl as the result of a tragic train accident. It strongly impacted the entire city of Wells, but it hit Kauffmann even harder.

“Before she passed away, she told me that was the car she wanted to restore. She said, ‘I want that to be my car,’ and once she passed away, it became my passion project for the next four years,” shares Kauffmann.

Blood, sweat and tears went into rebuilding the car of Jamie Lynn’s dreams. And now, her memory is glorified through the car Kauffmann finished, which has earned numerous trophies, plaques and other awards in car shows across the Midwest.

Kauffmann is one of three original members left of the Maple Valley Car Club based in Wells. The name “Maple Valley” came from what Kauffman says is a lay of the land. He says the Wells area was classified as a valley at some point, and the number of maple trees in the valley brought about the name.

The club itself started in 1978 when club members would pack their classic cars into the Schultz Motors parking lot in Wells. Eventually, once Schultz Motors changed owners, the car club had to find a new place to park their classic beauties. Which, by the way, was hard to do; so hard, in fact, the club went on a hiatus for a few years.

“In 2001, we really got back on track once we were able to show our cars during Wells’ Kernel Days,” says Kauffmann. And now, some say Kernel Days is incomplete without the Maple Valley Classic Car show.

“The great thing about our show is, on a nice sunny day, we have at least 100 classic cars on the main drag of Wells. It’s always wonderful to see all of the collectors,” says Kauffmann. All of the proceeds that are made from the car show go directly into the club, as well as trophies, plaques, and door prizes; something collectors truly enjoy about the show.

“We would not be able to do our car show without the sponsorships we get from local businesses,” says Kauffmann. “We truly appreciate their support to make this show as spectacular as it is. Everyone that comes to the car show really enjoys the beauty of these cars.”

And those same collectors, according to Kauffman, are like a second family to him. Not only are car enthusiasts able to swap memories and become close friends, they can also swap parts for cars, and inform other traders and restoration junkies where parts for cars can be found.

Kauffmann says the method of finding parts for classic cars has certainly changed over the years. What once were called trade shows, or swap shops, became fewer and far between.

“The swap shows, you would travel to wherever and camp out for a few days and find the parts you needed for your car,” says Kauffmann. “Now that we have the Internet, we can find parts with the click of a button, so those swap shows are becoming fewer and fewer.”

Kauffmann still goes to a three-day event in Wisconsin to catch up with friends and find and sell items for projects he works on.

Kauffmann is now retired from working, “but never retired from cars,” he says. He also has not retired from being a dad either. Taking care of his United South Central senior, Faith, is also full-time work.

“She’s my reason I?wake up in the morning,” says Kauffman.

With life comes ups and downs. Kauffmann has lived through cancer, 12 years cancer-free to be exact, the loss of loved ones, and many other trials and tribulations, but his cars (and his family) have been one constant in his life that brings him happiness.

“It’s nice to meet people who enjoy restoring cars,” he says. And as the times change, so do the models that are being rebuilt. He says cars from the 50s and 60s are becoming less popular, as cars from the 70s and 80s are now the hot commodity for restoration.

Kauffmann says within a few more years, those older model cars will become more and more obsolete as parts become more difficult to find, let alone buy.

“But that should not stop someone who has a passion to rebuild the car of their dreams,” he says. “It takes time and love and care. You may have a few set backs now and again, but you can’t let that stop you. It will get done, and you can always get by with a little help from friends.”

For car collectors just starting out, Kauffmann has a few basic tips:

Always keep your car indoors as much as you can. This prevents excess moisture getting on and into the car and also helps protect the vehicle against unpredictable elements such as hail, snow, or even tree branches.

Use car covers. When your classic car is not in use, save yourself some of the hassle of cleaning your car and cover that beauty up.

Store your car on a hard surface. This also prevents moisture from ruining a good paint job and the underside of your vehicle.

Upkeep is important. Be sure to check your fluids in your classic car regularly, and in the spring after a cold winter, get those cars out on the road and warmed up.

Whether it is the car you grew up with, a car that sports your favorite brand, color, or engine, Kauffmann says putting the effort into your vehicle is worth every minute and every penny once that vehicle is on the road.

As he toured through Wells in his Model A, nods and waves of respect and awe were given to Kauffmann from every passing vehicle.

“Everyone knows a good car when they see one,” he says.