One-of-a-kind classic automobiles will be displayed during the 25th Annual C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival at McPherson College on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers expect 450 cars from across the country to participate.
This year, a few unique cars are expected on the field, including a 1914 Mercer Raceabout, a 1915 Stutz Bearcat, a 1963 Shelby 289 AC Cobra, and a 1936 Ford Custom, which won America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show this year. Three McPherson College alumni worked on the award-winning car for Rad Rides by Troy. Other cars include those from the General Motors collection —the 1959 Corvette Stingray Racer Concept, 1974 Pontiac Banshee Concept, and 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept.
Making this car show unique is that alongside the rare classic cars, automotive restoration students also present vehicles they are restoring. The students and their projects were recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning, https://www.mcpherson.edu/programs/auto-restoration/cbs/.
“The car show brings alumni, current students, and incredible cars together in one place for the biggest event on campus,” said Devin Roff, car show chair. “It draws all types of cars in a one-of-kind student-run show that everyone puts lot of effort into.”
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. There is no charge for spectators. 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 2, 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 Saturday’s event is available online or on the day of the show; however, only vehicles pre-registered are entered for judging. Details are at www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/cars.