Mercedes-Benz supports the Automotive Restoration Program by providing an internship to a McPherson College student. Nate Lander was the first to travel to the Classic Care Center in Fellbach, Germany for his internship during the second half of 2002. While there he worked on 1886 Benz Patent Motor Cars recreated by Mercedes-Benz. He returned to the U.S. to deliver three of the vehicles to their new owners and introduce them to their operation. As a result of his work at the Classic Care Center, Mercedes-Benz offered Nate a position at the new Classic Care Center in the United States. In June 2003, the number of internships was increased and Nash Norris and Chris Hammond were the candidates selected. They worked on a variety of research and restoration projects. Chris will put his experience to work in his new position with Paul Russell and Company. Matt Foss traveled to Fellbach in January 2004 and Stacey Puckett began an internship in June.
Walker Phillips interned with the Alan Taylor Company in Escondido, California. Alan Taylor, founder and owner of the premier restoration facility, was instrumental in starting the Thomas Mullen Adams Memorial Internship Stipend Fund, which provides funding to pay living expenses for McPherson College student interns. Walker assisted the technical staff with the preparation of several vehicles for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and he attended the event in August with the Alan Taylor Company.
Stacey Puckett gained valuable experience on European automotive technology as an apprentice mechanic at Italmotor. The experience was unique because it was a shop that specialized in Italian and German cars, but also because she was the only female employee. Puckett was pleased with the attitude of the men she encountered during her internship. Owner Fillipo Cusimano provided her many opportunities to work on cars such as Fiat, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Jaguar.
Classmates Adam Banks and Michael Peters strengthened their metal forming and welding skills while working at Varn Hagen Metal Works in Culver City, California. The two students worked on one of ten hand-formed Cobra bodies for Shelby American with the guidance of shop owner Peter Tomachavsky and employee Steve Winnett. They built the Cobra body on an original Cobra body buck provided to Varn Hagen by Shelby.
Brian Martin spent the summer of 2003 as an intern at the Henry Ford Museum. His duties included maintaining, repairing, and restoring the antique vehicles used at Greenfield Village. Luke Chennell honed his mechanical skills working with George King III at Connecticutt Antique Engine Restoration and Matt Foss spent his internship restoring BMWs at the Werk Shop in Chicago.
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