The rumble of revving engines and the smell of gasoline filled the air as cars lined up to be part of the Polytechnic campus’s first car show Thursday.
Faculty, students and Arizona car clubs, such as the National Corvette Restoration Society and the All Gens Camaro Club, provided cars and a chance for car lovers to check out classic automobiles, said Jim Contes, senior lecturer of Automotive Engineering Technology on the Polytechnic campus.
An estimated 15 to 30 cars were expected to appear in last night's show, which was presented by ASU’s Car Club 101 and the College of Technology and Innovation, but the total car outcome was 40. Standout models included a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette.
This was a great opportunity to look at classic cars and get excited about the engines, suspensions and details that are different from today's automobiles, Contes said.
“We're different out here,” he said. “The College of Technology and Innovation prepares students who are interested in automotive technology as early as possible.”
Car Club 101 began as an attempt to engage undergraduate freshmen and sophomores in the automotive program.
The group provides participants with early hands-on experience working on transmissions, changing oil and getting to know cars inside and out before students get into more concentrated studies during their junior and senior years, Contes said.
The car show is part of CTI's weekly Things on Thursday event series, an on-campus student involvement initiative.
The events are open to anyone and aim to combine academics with fun, hands-on experience, CTI coordinator of student events Michelle Watson said.
“Things on Thursday is a great opportunity for student engagement,” Watson said.
Mechanical engineering junior Kyle Lukas, a member of both Car Club 101 and the Society of Automotive Engineers, said there is hope to continue this as an annual event
“The car show attracted a variety of people,” Lukas said. “I am an automotive enthusiast, but almost everyone can appreciate a cool car.”
Some cars were used after the show to help students gain a better understanding by physically examining an automobile rather than just looking at pictures in a book, Contes said.
“The philosophy we have on Polytechnic campus is 'dream it, design it, build it,'” Contes said. “CTI prepares students with the opportunity to get them more involved in pursuing that philosophy.”
Reach the reporter at gqolson@asu.edu
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