Car restored by Penn College students garners major award

An iconic antique vehicle restored by Pennsylvania College of Technology students received high honors at a recent prestigious car show in Coral Gables, Florida.  

Tucker No. 1013, a 1948 vehicle, won the Best in Class Award for the American Dream Collection at Moda Miami. Held on the grounds of the historic Biltmore Hotel, Moda Miami is considered one of the world’s premier car events, attracting luxury brand enthusiasts, collectors and industry professionals.

“Our class featured cars from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. The cars were judged on their looks, originality and history,” said Luke M. Stitt, of New Cumberland, a collision repair student and president of Penn College’s Classic Cruisers Club. “When I saw we won, I was at a loss for words. I couldn’t be more honored to have been part of this team of students.”

About a dozen students spent six weeks last fall restoring the Tucker, owned by Patricia B. Swigart, president of the William E. Swigart Jr. Antique Automobile Museum in Huntingdon. For over 10 years, Swigart has given Penn College students the opportunity to work on the museum’s large collection of vintage and antique cars.

“It is always a delight to work with the students from Pennsylvania College of Technology. They are the most thoughtful and courteous group. The work they do on our cars is always first class,” Swigart said. “We have received many awards as a result of their effort. The trip to Miami again proved that they have operated to their highest standards.”

The Tucker No. 1013 restoration required students to replace clamps and hoses with ones dating to its manufacturing era, correct dents in the body and blend the car’s paint to match its original silver-like color. 

“I am thrilled that the Tucker restored by our talented students won a Best in Class award at Moda Miami,” said Ali L. Lorson, assistant dean of transportation technologies. “The honor is a testament to the hard work, dedication and skills our students poured into the restoration process. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts recognized on such a prestigious stage.” 
                                 
Previously, the Tucker received the First Junior Award (in the limited production and prototype vehicles through 1998 class) at the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Eastern Division National Fall Meet in Hershey.

The vehicle was one of 51 – including the prototype – designed by Preston Tucker and manufactured by the Tucker Automobile Corp. It was marketed as the “Car of Tomorrow” due to its innovative safety and performance features. Legal issues forced the company into bankruptcy in 1949. The 1988 motion picture “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” chronicles the story behind the car. Tucker No. 1013 was used in the movie. 

Ty M. Tucker, of Columbia, one of the Penn College automotive restoration students who helped lead the restoration effort, is Preston Tucker’s great-great-grandson. At Moda Miami, Tucker drove the winning car onto the award stage.

Besides Tucker and Stitt, the following Penn College representatives attended Moda Miami: automotive restoration students Madelon E. Andersen, Media; Nicholas W. Bova, Williamsport; Joel P. Brassart, Jonestown; Ethan J. Knapp, Franklin; John E. Shaffer Jr., Williamsport; and Henry W. Zimmerli, Hellertown; collision repair technology students Brenda A. Bravo, Reading; Anthony S. LaCerra, Williamsport; and Will A. Raynor, Montauk, New York; and applied management student Jason M. Wollermann, Egg Harbor, New Jersey.

Roy H. Klinger, co-department head of collision repair and adviser to the Penn College Classic Cruisers Club, and Eric D. Pruden, instructor of automotive technology, headed the college contingent.

RM Sotheby’s, the world’s largest collector car auction house by total sales, conducted an auction as part of Moda Miami, featuring a wide range of rare automobiles. The Penn College students assisted with the auction in addition to the car show. They also had the opportunity to network with potential employers. RM Sotheby’s covered the students’ expenses for attending and working at Moda Miami.

“I deeply appreciate RM Sotheby’s for supporting our students and their education in such a meaningful way,” Lorson said. “Their investment in our students has been invaluable, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of such a prestigious automotive event. RM Sotheby’s commitment to fostering the next generation of automotive professionals not only helps them gain invaluable hands-on experience but also elevates the entire program. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

Stitt also expressed his gratitude.

“I would have never thought that I would be part of such an event or part of a group presenting a vehicle on the show floor,” he said. “It’s an experience that I will never forget.”

To learn more about the automotive restoration certificate, collision repair technology associate degree and other programs offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.  

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.