Historic Finish at Pebble Beach: Student-Restored Mercedes-Benz Captures Second in Class at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

This is the first time in the 72-year history of the world’s most prestigious car show in the world that an entirely student-restored car has ranked at Pebble Beach.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–McPherson College’s 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet secured second in class at the 72^nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The vintage car – entirely restored by the students of the college’s Automotive Restoration program – won second in class for the Postwar Luxury category. The victory marks the first time in Concours history that an entirely student-restored car has ranked in the top three in class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

“Many car collectors dream of just competing at Pebble Beach their entire lives, so for our students to earn second in class is truly an exceptional achievement,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “This is 10 years in the making, with students, alumni, and faculty pouring their heart and soul into this restoration project of the Mercedes-Benz to make this vision a reality. This accomplishment puts our students on par with the professionals of automotive restoration. As an alumnus and president, I could not be more proud of everyone that had a hand in this historic day for McPherson College. Today is a great day to be a Bulldog.”

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the oldest Concours in the United States and widely considered the most prestigious car show in the world. Thousands of applicants vie for a spot at the Concours, with just 200 cars being invited to compete from around the world.

Photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pVYUCT2Kb88dPo7wDOBk7Fggnb-r5HrI/

About McPherson College

McPherson College offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs to its more than 800 students, representing 33 states and seven countries. Its nationally renowned Automotive Restoration Technology degree program has earned the support of car collectors, including icon Jay Leno. In August 2023, its students competed and won second in class in the Postwar Luxury category at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the automotive world’s signature events.

Contacts

Tina Goodwin: goodwint@mcpherson.edu, (785) 821-2567

Jacob Scott: jscott@vectisstrategies.com, (412) 445-7719