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Latest Mid-Plains fund-raiser raffle car is rebuilt '63 Nova
NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- The Transportation Division of Mid-Plains Community College officially unveiled their latest custom car project, a 1963 Chevy Nova, Friday at the Platte River Mall in North Platte.
Even before its "official" unveiling, the hotrod received accolades and took first place in its class at the Tri-City Street Rods annual auto show in Grand Island recently.
This is the eighth classic car the college has raffled. Each year the Automotive and Auto body students at North Platte Community College decide on a vehicle and take a full year to complete an off-chassis restoration.
In June, the NPCC Foundation will begin selling $10 chances to win the car. The drawing will take place during the Colonel Cody Show and Shine Car show on Sept. 8.
"I can't say the car project put us on the map because we were already there, but it really highlights the caliber of students and staff we have at the college," said Ryan Purdy, MPCC Interim President.
This year's '63 Nova features a L82 GM 350 C.I.D. cross-fire, fuel-injected engine; 700 R4 transmission; 9-inch Ford with 3:55 posi-traction differential; tubular front suspension with after-market sub-frame; vintage air conditioning; four-wheel disc brakes; and a completely new interior, door and header panels.
The car was graciously donated by Jim Ransdell of North Platte. It is wrapped up in PPG Paint in Synergy Green, donated by Mid Plains Auto Finishes, and includes lettering and pinstriping furnished by Dave Smith Signs in Kearney. It should also be noted that a number of automotive related vendors including the Car Doctor, J&M Parts and Equipment, Modern Muffler, E.J.'s Outdoor Sports, Cohagen Battery and made contributions to the current project.
While the project car is considered to be a hands-on laboratory for automotive students, it has other residual uses as well. The Transportation Division offers a certificate in automotive restoration. Students in that discipline have a project to work on.
The college also uses the car to attract attention to the college, its programs, and especially its transportation-related training. Each year the car tours the state with entries in car shows, parades and cruise night events.
And lastly, the proceeds from the raffle will be used to purchase the next project and the remaining profit is returned to the students in the form of scholarships.
For more information on the car, its summer tour or to learn more about the Mid-Plains Community College Automotive and Auto Body program offerings, please call (308) 535-3601 or click on www.mpcc.edu.