PROJECT ALUMNI

Beginning in the fall of 2016, students started work on the Mercedes-Benz project. Over the restoration, 40 students worked on specific aspects of the car and the student team, while hundreds of other students were exposed to the project through classroom demonstrations and guest lecturers. Students who have graduated and started careers look back on their part in the restoration and take pride in having a hand in getting it accepted to Pebble Beach.

Greg Elvin ’19 worked on the interior as a sophomore in the advanced upholstery class.

“The integrity to make every little thing correct is not easy. Even details that won’t ever be seen are important such as the markings on the seat covers. Other than with pictures, these marks will never be seen, but we know they are there, and we know we did our best to make this car as true to original as possible. Some might say it is overdoing things, but I take a lot of pride in that.”

Wyatt Miceli '22 worked all four years while attending McPherson College, logging roughly 2,000 hours into the restoration.

“In the summer of 2021, the team had just completed the final sanding of the primer, and the Mercedes was ready for paint. During this time in Kansas, the humidity can reach above 80%, and most days are baking hot. Since we needed to complete the paint before the start of the fall semester, Colby Marshall, Brian Martin, and I worked from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. for what felt like a week straight to make sure we could work in the proper painting conditions. In the end, the paintwork came out exceedingly well, and the early mornings were well worth it.

“Our 1953 Mercedes Benz 300 S doesn’t have a vast history. McPherson’s student-run restoration is arguably the vehicle’s most significant and unique aspect. I am honored to be a part of the car’s history and cannot wait to show off our restoration!”

Mariah Bruins '09, while not a student during the restoration, returned to campus and used her experience as a Pebble Beach judge to advise on the paintwork.

“From my judging experience, I was able to explain to the students that they needed to step back and look at the whole project. I hope it has given them more confidence and pride in their work. I’m grateful that my experience can help them. They are like my kids now, and I am one proud mommy.”