Rumors have swirled for a while now that the Flanagan Shop is a must-see, and after visiting, this author can confirm—it absolutely is. Dan Flanagan is a classic Arizona car collector and hot rodder who lives life to the fullest. You’ll often find him at local runs and cruises with his lovely wife, Jacki, both of them enjoying the ride and the community.
The first thing you notice when you walk through the shop doors is the massive American flag—a true symbol of Dan’s patriotism and pride in our great nation. Beyond the flag is a stunning lineup of Oldsmobiles, a couple of Buicks, a few Lincolns, a Porsche, a Toronado, a rare Hudson Terraplane, a Ford tractor, and of course, a Model A pickup—Dan’s very first ride.
The walls are covered with automotive memorabilia, dominated by Oldsmobile artifacts, and to my surprise, an astonishing collection of thousands of Tonka trucks, equipment, and collectible items. It’s easily one of the largest Tonka collections this author has ever seen. Many of the Tonkas are displayed along the shop’s steel walls, with a massive display wall featuring rare pieces behind glass—creating aisle after aisle of nostalgic wonder.
Dan spends most of his time in the shop when he’s not out driving his “kool” rides. The shop itself is a 5,000 sq. ft. steel building—tall enough for lifts and just enough room (though, like all of us, Dan wishes it were about 25 feet longer and 10 feet wider). His office is located inside the shop, and when he’s not wrenching on cars, he relaxes with a working jukebox and vintage slot machines to recharge.
The shop includes two lifts for minor repairs and maintenance, keeping his fleet ready to roll. Among the many highlights is the Hudson Terraplane, which features an incredibly rare factory slide-out pickup bed option—designed for farmers and seldom seen today. It remains in unrestored but excellent condition, a true gem in Dan’s collection.
Next to it is a Ford tractor Dan learned to drive on, powered by a rare straight-6 flathead engine—an optional upgrade at the time for more torque. Sitting above it on the lift is the Model A pickup, still wearing a few dents from its early days (origin unknown, of course—LOL).
Dan’s passion for driving his cars is clear. He frequently attends state and national Oldsmobile meets, where his cars consistently earn top honors for detail, authenticity, and quality. Over the years, Dan has owned a variety of vehicles, but his all-time favorite remains the Oldsmobile Fiesta Wagon—a true beauty.
You’ll also spot Dan and Jacki cruising around town in their 1936 Ford Cabriolet, his go-to ride for local meetups with the R.O.M.E.O.S. (Retired Old Men Eating Out Somewhere)—a group this author is proud to occasionally join to stay in the loop with Northern Arizona’s car scene. The ’36 Ford looks showroom-fresh and practically begs to be driven.
Dan is a proud supporter of local car culture and a regular presence at car shows and events that celebrate and preserve our shared automotive heritage. Keep an eye out—he has three more builds in the works, and from what I’ve seen, they’re going to be real head-turners. A full feature is definitely coming soon!
