One-of-a-kind classic automobiles will be displayed during the 24th Annual C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival at McPherson College on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the hundreds of remarkable cars, “The Path to Pebble” documentary will be shown throughout the day.
This year, a few unique cars are expected on the field, including a 1912 Simplex and a 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C with a fascinating history. The car was owned by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, given to his mistress, and used in an attempted escape in 1945. Other cars include those from the General Motors collection —the 1968 Chevrolet Astro II, the 1972 Silver Arrow III, and the 2025 Cadillac Celestiq Concept.
Each year, the student-run car show attracts rare vehicles from across the country. This year, it expects 350 to 400 vehicles to be displayed throughout the campus grounds. Alongside the rare classic cars, automotive restoration students also present vehicles they are restoring.
“The car show serves as one of the biggest networking and alumni-gathering events for the college,” said Joseph Cyr, car show chair. “Every year, hundreds of cars ranging from student projects and local show winners to Pebble Beach best-of-show contenders, converge on the college lawn for a unique day celebrating McPherson’s heritage as a leader in the antique automobile industry.”
The event will feature “The Path to Pebble,” a film that chronicles the incredible story of McPherson College’s decade-long journey to compete at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with a vehicle restored by students. The 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet secured a second-in-class win at the prestigious Concours in August 2023. The documentary has not been widely released yet, and this will be one of the few times to see it. It will be shown in Brown Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission to the car show and documentary is free.
In addition to the wide variety of classic automobiles, the event will feature entertainment provided by the McPherson College Jazz Band and the McPherson High School Jazz Band. The awards presentation will begin at approximately 2 p.m. Building tours of Templeton Hall, home of the McPherson College Automotive Restoration Program, will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Complimentary trolley service will be available between campus and Main Street from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Food trucks will also be available on campus to purchase food and beverages.
Car enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a Cruise-in on Friday, May 3, on Main Street in McPherson beginning at 6 p.m. No registration or entry fee is required for this event, which serves as a sneak peek at what will be on the show field and an opportunity for any car or motorcycle owner to display their rides in an informal show.
Pre-registration for the May 4 event is available online at a discounted rate until April 20.
Registration can also be made on the day of the show; however, only vehicles pre-registered are entered for judging. Details are at www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/cars.
