CADILLAC, Mich. — Trenton Stange knew the 1957 Flxible bus would turn heads. What he didn’t expect was just how many people would line up to step inside.
“It was very unique, and we had between 250 and 300 people go inside and look at the bus,” said Stange, United Motorcoach Association Member and owner of Compass Coach in Cedar Springs, Michigan. “It was a hit.”
Stange brought the gleaming vintage motorcoach — restored by Mike Middaugh, owner of Coach Quarters in Columbus, Ohio — to his hometown of Cadillac. His family operates several businesses in the northern Michigan community, including an ice cream parlor and a laundromat. Each summer, the family participates in the Cadillac Freedom Festival’s car show, typically entering his 1973 Mustang ragtop and his father’s 1927 Ford Model T.
This year, Stange brought something new — and it paid off. The Flxible bus, with its sleek vintage lines and fully renovated interior, won Best of Show honors among 189 classic vehicles. The judges were unanimous in their decision.
“The judges said it wasn’t even close,” Stange said. “They voted hands-down for the Flxible.”
Restoration took years
The moment was extra-special for Stange, who received a trophy for the win and placed it inside the bus for a photo he sent to Middaugh.
“That’s the first thing I did after I won — I set the trophy down inside the bus and sent Mike a picture,” he said. “I wanted him to know his work was appreciated.”
Middaugh spent a few years restoring the vintage bus. The two men had known each other through the bus industry and a 20 Group to which they both belonged.
“I first saw the bus in 2014 when our group visited Mike’s place,” Stange recalled. “It was just a shell back then, but I thought it was beautiful.”
When Stange later learned that Middaugh was selling the vehicle, he didn’t hesitate, even though he hadn’t run it past his wife, Kimberly.
Fortunately, she approved.
“When she saw it, she said, ‘Oh, that is cool,’” he said with a laugh.
Stange purchased the Flxible in time to feature it not only in the car show but also in the Cadillac Freedom Festival’s Fourth of July parade. The bus was accompanied by a minibus go-kart and about 100 pounds of candy that Stange’s crew tossed to paradegoers.
He said people instantly connected with the bus, with many asking about its history and details. After the festival, he posted photos and updates to a Flxible owners’ group online. The community responded with an outpouring of support.
“These owners are very tight,” he said. “I received a lot of congratulations. Everyone knew Mike and this bus.”
Eye-catching design
The Flxible brand, manufactured in Loudonville, Ohio, is revered by collectors for its distinctive design and engineering. The exterior and drivetrain were fully restored to their original condition, while the interior was given an updated “Day Coach” styling.
Stange plans to keep the bus in working condition and make it available for weddings, special events, and even film appearances.
“It’s just such a unique vehicle — you could picture it with the Holland (Michigan) lighthouse in the background or pulling up to a wedding venue,” he said. “But I’ll be the one driving it.”
Stange, who operates Compass Coach just north of Grand Rapids, grew up around buses. His father ran a tour company, and Stange eventually launched his own business. Kimberly, who didn’t grow up in the industry, quickly embraced it.
He says Middaugh was happy his vintage bus found a new home with a friend and wouldn’t want it converted into something else.
“He poured so much into restoring it, and I promised him I’d honor that,” said Stange. “I’m just grateful he trusted me with it. I didn’t do the restoration, but I’ll make sure it’s appreciated and seen.”
With the bus now part of his fleet — and possibly his parade plans for next summer — Stange says he’ll continue to share its story wherever it goes.
“It was a beautiful day for a car show,” he said. “And such a fun weekend showing off a piece of bus history — and honoring a friend who made it possible.”
