Auto enthusiasts gather to show off their European vehicles

Posted on by Collegian Admin
October 9, 2019 | R.L. Potenzo | reporter
Photos by Johnathan Johnson/The Collegian. As part of the European Car and Motorcycle Show Oct. 5 on South Campus, an electric blue 1962 Mini Cooper (top), a fire engine red 1998 Morgan Plus 8 (left) and a jade green 1976 Triumph TR6 (right) are put on display for TCC students, families and friends for a charitable cause.
Photos by Johnathan Johnson/The Collegian. As part of the European Car and Motorcycle Show Oct. 5 on South Campus, an electric blue 1962 Mini Cooper (top), a fire engine red 1998 Morgan Plus 8 (left) and a jade green 1976 Triumph TR6 (right) are put on display for TCC students, families and friends for a charitable cause.

TCC students, families and friends joined the Automotive Tech Club Oct. 5 to talk about classic European cars and motorcycles — all for a good cause.

The Red River Triumph Club held its annual European Car & Motorcycle Show on SE Campus displaying classic Rolls Royces, Jaguars and MGs. 

Every year, TCC’s automotive program and Project 44, a nonprofit ministry that helps provide vehicles for people in need, sponsor the show and scholarship fund. Together, they raise money by hosting these annual events for a deserving student in need of a vehicle. Then they donate the vehicle to the student. 

Nestled among the trees on campus, hundreds strolled through the circle walkway to view and vote on the displayed cars, including a silver 1953 MG with red vinyl interior reminiscent of James Bond distinctive cool set of wheels.

Ballots were cast throughout the day as engines revved and the smell of gasoline and old vinyl seats became the perfume of the afternoon. Some of these engines can hit top speeds of more than 160 mph.

“Oh, it’s possible. I just don’t want to blow the thing up!” said Pat Callan, a Volkswagen and MG owner who comes to the show every year. “Dave just sends me an email, ‘We’re having another car show,’ and so I just round up my buddies. It’s a great time to talk cars and hang out for a good cause.”

Dave Pilcher, events coordinator for the Red River Triumph Club said they do this every year for the students.

“It’s just an excuse to get us guys out here talking about what we love,” Pilcher said.

This past year’s student winner was Mike Ramos, president of the Automotive Tech Club. Project 44 and Triumph Club members looked at Ramos’ degree program and his work with the Automotive Tech Club and awarded him a vehicle to get him to school and back safely.

Ramos said the vehicle taught him a lot about what it means to work hard. He plans to continue his career path in the automotive industry and hopes to help others achieve success as well.

“It’s amazing,” Ramos said. “It was a big stress relief. I was scared to drive before because my old truck had so many problems. Now, I’m not scared to drive.”