We spent quality time among thousands of other car enthusiasts at an annual event showcasing some of the finest automobile restorations on the planet. Hundreds of them to be more precise. Along the way I toured the various shops where every conceivable aspect of automotive restorations is taught by professors who KNOW this industry and history. To say it was fascinating would be a huge understatement.
This exclusive program conveys 4 year bachelors degrees on fifty students a year carefully selected to become trained by master mechanics and artisans in this fascinating craft. Before you ask, there are ladies, albeit few, who are being trained along side their male counterparts.
Here is the deal. When working on vintage autos, you don’t ring your local NAPA store for parts, you make them from scratch. These students are exposed to the deep secrets of forming metals, building engines, upholstering, instrumentation, and designing the myriad of components that are no longer available. Today, after years of windshield time, I began to appreciate the differences in manufacturing strategies and the genius in the industry. The shops smelled of the shops my readers will remember from 50-75 years ago, oil, rubber and steel. Students are also exposed to the nuances of woods……found in many vintage cars.
Predictably, the muscle car era is well represented. Cars are an international matter, with virtually every industrialized country contributing to the industry, but US made iron predominates. This event marries the beauty of custom restoration with mechanical genius and gives the student a solid foundation in this coupling. Justus, my grandson was ever so fortunate to be selected to this program, fueling his grandfather’s pride. It is not law school, nor the stuff of MBA programs…….rather a lesson in history, science and artistry. Enjoy the pictures and ride along with me as we pay homage to an industry producing a product that all the grad school professionals really envy….. the automobile.
Jay Leno, a benefactor to this program, helps with tuition. In the summers, when students are out of school, he matches their earning in summer jobs in offsets to their tuition in the amount earned. Thanks, Jay!
I took hundreds of pictures, too many to publish, but kept as a reminder of the automobile industry that is engrained into each of us. A noble history, in the hands of these artisans in training by masters in the trade. Charge on Justus, I can’t wait to see your vintage BMW project car when you are done.
Have a good week!
SR
srj641 