Driven Radio Show #350: Luke Chennell of McPherson College

In this episode of the Driven Radio Show, host Brett Hatfield welcomes Luke Chennell, a full professor in the Auto Restoration Program at McPherson College, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the college’s pioneering vintage car restoration program. Luke shares the program’s rich history, founded in 1976 with funding from oil tycoon Gaines 'Smokey' Ballou, and highlights its unique status as the only bachelor’s degree program in the world dedicated to vintage car restoration. The conversation turns to the annual College Auto Restoration Students Show, a major event drawing over 500 cars and 4,000–6,000 attendees to the small town of McPherson, Kansas. The show features rare and historically significant vehicles from GM Heritage Center, the Peterson Museum, and private collections—including a 1948 Tucker, a 1908 American Underslung, and a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder—alongside student-restored projects. The episode also features a replay of an interview with student co-chairs Devin Roth and Ernie Skian, who detail the show’s organization, categories, judging process, and vibrant atmosphere, including free admission, food trucks, live music, and guided tours of Templeton Hall. The episode closes with a celebration of the program’s legacy and a strong call to attend the May 2nd event.