Sikeston native returns with rare car

SIKESTON -- Passersby gawk. They love her color, her body, her shine, and they always have one burning question: who is she?

As it turns out, "she" is a one-of-a-kind 1934 Hupmobile owned by Butch and Donna Downs of Colona, Ill. The Princess Diana -- the name given by the couple -- is one of 1,006 Hupmobiles made in 1934 and the only of its kind still in existence, according to the couple who made a recent stop in Sikeston, which is Mrs. Downs' hometown.

"Everyone always wants to know No. 1: 'What is it?' and No. 2: 'What are those colors?'" Downs said, adding the car is painted Bamboo Pearl and Black Sapphire Metallic.

Mrs. Downs said as they go to car shows or to anywhere, really, they've heard every adjective and way to describe their 1934 Hupmobile.

"We've heard 'Awesome!' and 'Oh my!' and 'That is baaa-ddd!'" Mrs. Downs laughed.

Downs said he often gets asked if the car is for sale, to which he replies: "Only if you're talking about an insane amount of money."

"You can't put a price tag on his work and our memories," Mrs. Downs said.

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