A thundering herd of horsepower is headed to downtown Port Arthur Friday where cars of all makes and models are expected to show up for the GTQ Car Show.

Friday marks the second time car enthusiasts will congregate at the downtown pavilion, but not the first time to meet.

“We’ve been doing this for about four months, started out with 10 cars and now have about 150 cars showing up,” Levy Barnes, one of the show’s organizers, said.

Barnes said the group was meeting at Kings Buffet off of U.S. 69, but decided to move the meet to the downtown pavilion in an effort to draw attention to the area.

“We want to bring attention to Port Arthur, bring life back to Port Arthur, and one of the ways to bring the city back is to get people downtown,” Levy said.

Area Corvette Clubs, Mustang Clubs, the Southeast Texas Vintage Car Cruisers, Rat Roads, and more are participating, as well as individuals who own customized cars they want to share with others.

Kennedy Pham, of Port Arthur first started the car show, though it was not his intent that it would grow into what is today.”

“It first just a small get together with friends,” Pham said. “It became a car show when I partnered with this guy (Levy.)

Like many car enthusiasts, Pham loves to take a vehicle and put his on flair on it.

From revving up the horsepower with a new motor to adding pinstripes to accent a new paint job, the possibilities of what a car lover can do to a vehicle are endless.

Pham’s got his first vehicle, a 2010 Nissan Altima when he was just 17. At Friday’s show he’ll be driving his 2003 Nissan 230, which has been totally rebuilt.

“It’s the journey of building it and taking out the final project,” he said.

As much as he likes the car, including the current bright blue color, he plans to rebuild it is a second time, even changing the color.

Its also fitting that the group meets in Port Arthur because of the city’s reputation for it’s different races and cultures.

“The people participating are really a mixed group. We have oriental, Latino, African-Americans, Caucasians,” Levy said. “A love for cars transcends racial barriers.”

While Pham’s Nissan is completely customized, Levy’s 2015 Mustang looks like he drove it off the parking lot yesterday.

“When I saw it I was spellbound. I had to get it,” he said.

Last Friday, likely because of the cloudy weather, a smaller group gathered. Because of the group’s size, they were able to trail ride through town, Levy said.

But, he doesn’t expect that this Friday.

“I think we’ll have at least 100 cars, maybe more,” Levy said.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and is free to anyone who wants to participate whether driving or bringing a lawn chair to watch.

Food vendors will also be on hand as well as good music.

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

Twitter: sgsturdivant