Top Hat Auto Wash
Flint, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The Top Hat Auto Wash in Flint features a sign that dresses up an everyday errand. Oversized “AUTO WASH” lettering announces the business, while the top hat adds a little formal flair. Apparently, even a dusty family sedan deserves first-class treatment. 06-09
Located along Hemphill Road, the wash belongs to Flint’s long automotive landscape. Top Hat advertisements appeared in local material by 1966, although the precise opening date of this location remains uncertain. The sign’s playful theme recalls the years when car washes used memorable shapes and bright lettering to compete for passing motorists.
Top Hat Auto Wash
Flint, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The property also had a turn in front of the cameras. In 2007, a film crew shot scenes here for Semi-Pro, the basketball comedy released in 2008 starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson. The movie follows the fictional Flint Tropics, giving this local automotive stop an appropriately hometown connection.
For roadside visitors, though, the marquee remains the main attraction. The name and graphic work together without much explanation—a simple visual idea that still makes the place worth a second look.
UPDATE: Top Hat Auto Wash remains listed at its Hemphill Road location, and the distinctive sign survives in recent photographic documentation. Its exact lighting condition remains unconfirmed, but the familiar hat continues to give this Flint car wash an identity of its own. 06-26
Mr. Pops Car Wash
Detroit, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Located along Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, Mr. Pops Car Wash is a brightly painted yellow building that's hard to miss. Its bold color scheme makes it one of the more distinctive roadside landmarks on the city's east side. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info.
Known as Mr. Pop’s Detail Shop, the business dates to 1990. Its history identifies Tommy Lee Knox as president and Travis Knox as general manager, with an emphasis on treating customers like family.
“SIMONIZ,” “WAX” and “RUBOUTS” announce the work inside, from hand washing to polishing and interior detailing. The mustachioed mascot, sporting a cap and bow tie, adds a friendly face to the colorful storefront.
UPDATE: Mr. Pop’s remains listed on East Jefferson, with customer reviews documenting service into 2025. If this is the same location, there are some resemblances and it looks different. 10-26
Car Wash (Gone)
Elgin, IL Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
The name of this Elgin car wash remains a mystery, but its sign was unforgettable. An oversized arrow lined with light bulbs pointed toward the bays, while exposed bulbs spelled out “CAR WASH.”
Signs like this turned an everyday business into a roadside attraction. Who needed a complicated sales pitch when a giant illuminated arrow could show the way? 07-11
UPDATE: The car wash and bulb-lit marquee have disappeared during redevelopment, taking another colorful advertisement from the Elgin roadside. 06-26
Top Hat Auto Wash
Top Hat Auto Wash
Mr. Pops Car Wash
Car Wash (Gone)
