Tim Coffman of North Platte held the winning raffle ticket and is now the proud owner of North Platte Community College's latest project vehicle, a 1954 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery.

As has been the case with the NPCC's previously restored vehicles, the 1954 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery was raffled on Saturday afternoon during Colonel Cody's Show and Shine Car Show in downtown North Platte. Proceeds will go to fund the next restoration project and to provide scholarships to qualified Automotive and Autobody students.

This year's hot rod, built by students in the Automotive and Autobody Technology programs at NPCC, came away with the "Sheriff's Trophy" and "Best of Class" awards at Grand Island's Tri-City Street Rods 35th Annual Auto Show in January. It has been modified from its original factory status and includes a fuel-injected 350 GM LT1 power plant, with a 700R automatic four-speed transmission, power steering, brakes and windows, tilt wheel, vintage air conditioning, antilog dashboard, state-of-the-art sound with a six-disc CD changer, dual exhaust, and American custom wheels and high profile Firestone tires.

The interior features high-back bucket seats and a wood-engrained console. The body was straightened, hood scoops added, and the car was painted dark blue and white with PPG paint donated by Mid Plaines Auto Finishes. The car was lettered by Top Notch Graphics from Gothenburg.

This is the fourth year that the students have restored a vehicle. Other cars completed and raffled include a 1957 Chevy Sedan Delivery, a '39 Studebaker pickup built on a Chevy-S10 pickup drive train and, most recently, a 1935 Chevy Master. In all cases, the students were charged with learning the old systems and then adapting the latest technology into them.

According to Bryan Herrick, all the hot rods are different and each of them have offered unique challenges for the students and staff to work through.

"These cars have been such a popular training tool for the students," said Bryan Herrick, NPCC Automotive Mechanics Instructor. "It teaches them late model technology and gives them the opportunity to take pride in their work. We should all be very proud of what these students have accomplished and the recognition they have brought to NPCC and our community. I know Don Wilson (NPCC Autobody Instructor) and I are very proud of them."

For more information, contact Herrick at (308) 535-3644.

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This Year's Classic Car was built by the students and staff at:
North Platte Community College
Transportation Division

Are you considering a career in Autobody, Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Transporation or Railroad? Click here and see our degree, diploma, and certificate offerings. In a very short time, you too can be working on our next classic car! A select number of seats are still available for the upcoming Fall Term. Click here to learn about our transportation programs and possible scholarship offerings.