 The ’32 McGee Roadster replica built by professionals was a project of the Alex Xydias Center (AXC) for Automotive Arts. The hiboy will ultimately be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting AXC. | |
The car is a project of the Alex Xydias Center (AXC) for Automotive Arts—a vocational education program offered by The Learning Centers at Fairplex. AXC has been developed in collaboration with passionate automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts. The two-year automotive program allows students to gain the necessary confidence and hands-on experience needed to enter the automotive industry. Students explore concepts and build skills in basic mechanics, diagnosis and service, and will expand into auto body, metal fabrication and restoration next year.
Formed in 1957 and still going strong, the LA Roadsters is a long-time supporter of AXC. The club started the now-famous LA Roadsters Show—a Father’s Day tradition for car enthusiasts from around the world. The show has earned its reputation as “the greatest roadster show on earth,” featuring more than 800 pre-’36 roadsters, 1,500 pre-’72 specialty cars, a swap meet and commercial vendor midway.
LA Roadsters collaborated with vendors to build a car that would be auctioned to benefit the AXC program. The professional volunteers who built the car used it as a learning tool for AXC students over the past year. It was decided that one of the most influential hot rods of all time would be recreated. The LA Roadster replica Hiboy has a few minor upgrades to enhance comfort, safety and drivability.
“This car is a testament to the dedication of all the volunteers that came together because of their love of hot rodding, and paying it forward to the next generation,” said Theresa Contreras, AXC program specialist and volunteer painter of the Hiboy.
The Hiboy will be shown throughout the western United States, making its final stop at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, for auction. LA Roadsters are hoping to get at least $100,000 for the Hiboy, with 100% of the profits benefiting AXC.
The car’s public debut will be June 20 at 10:00 a.m. Guests to the Roadster show will also get an opportunity to view the new Robert E. Petersen’s Garage, Home of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts at 6:30 p.m. The facility was made possible by a $500,000 gift to AXC from the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation.
For more information on AXC and all the programs of The Learning Centers, visit www.tlcfairplex.org.
(Original article is courtesy of The Learning Centers at Fairplex.)