Columbus Hot Rod Sells at Mecum Auto Auction

Going, Going, Gone! Coffeyville Community College, Columbus Technical Campus took its 1969 Chevy C10 Hot Rod truck to the Mecum Auto Auction in Kansas City on Thursday, December 6.  Automotive Service, Collision Repair and Construction students also attended to enjoy the fruits of their labor as this project for the past eight year went to the auction block.

The hot rod sold for $21,000 to St. Joseph Attorney, James Montee.  “The pickup is great, I drove it home and it runs like new,” said Montee.  “I got looks all the way home in this truck.  I can tell a lot of hard work went into this restoration.”

“This has been a great opportunity for the students to get experience in what it takes to build an actual street rod,” said Jeff Phillips, Automotive Service Instructor. “The CCC Automotive and Collision Programs teach the newest technology, but everyone still loves muscle, and that is what this project is all about.”

The students at the CCC Columbus campus had restored the hot rod during their classes in Automotive Service, Collision Repair and Construction.   The hot rod project was a “frame off restoration” meaning that it was rebuilt from the ground up.  The truck had a 468 cubic inch engine that Dyno tested at 470 horsepower and 550 foot pounds of torque. Along with a custom paint job and 20 inch wheels, the truck had a bird’s eye maple dash and walnut bed.

“Multiple classes over the eight years have had a hand in getting this beast ready to go,” said Phillips. “The funds to build the 1969 Chevy Custom Street truck came from students repairing vehicles in our shops. The auction was the highlight of the project.  I was excited for students to be there when this truck went on the auction block.”