Has your educational institution displayed a vintage Ferrari in its main entrance?
McPherson College's Unique Classic Car Display
McPherson College in Kansas has become a hub for classic car enthusiasts, thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Richard Lundquist, a California philanthropist and car collector. In 2022, Dr. Lundquist donated a rare 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona to the college, making it the only institution in America offering a four-year degree in classic automotive restoration[5][6].
During the opening ceremony for the college’s new Campus Commons student center in July 2025, the Ferrari was suspended from the ceiling of the atrium to serve as a striking centerpiece for the building[1][2][3][4]. This display not only highlights the college's specialized curriculum but also symbolizes its commitment to preserving automotive heritage. The Ferrari, ranked by MotorTrend as the second greatest Ferrari of all time, is one of the last models made before Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, sold the company to Fiat, increasing its historical importance[1][2].
Apart from the Ferrari, McPherson College students have also restored a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S cabriolet, which won second in its class at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance[7]. Unlike the Ferrari, this Mercedes is not a permanent fixture at the school, but it stands out as another testament to the students' skill and dedication to classic car restoration.
The video of the Ferrari being hoisted up at McPherson College's student center can be found below[8]. This unique initiative both honors automotive history and supports the college’s mission to prepare students for careers in automotive restoration[1][2]. The Ferrari donated by Dr. Lundquist is a permanent fixture at McPherson College, while the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S cabriolet restored by the students is a project completed by them[9].
[1] McPherson College [2] Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona [3] Dr. Richard Lundquist [4] McPherson College's Campus Commons [5] Classic Automotive Restoration Degree [6] Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance [7] Video of Ferrari being hoisted up [8] 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona [9] 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S cabriolet
- The unique display of the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona at McPherson College's Campus Commons is a testament to the college's specialized curriculum in classic automotive restoration and its commitment to preserving automotive heritage.
- During the opening of the student center, the Ferrari was suspended from the ceiling as a striking centerpiece, symbolizing the school's dedication to the car industry's past and future.
- McPherson College's focus on classic cars extends beyond the Ferrari, as seen in the restoration and second place win at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance of a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S cabriolet.
- Despite not being a permanent fixture at the school, the success of the Mercedes restoration project demonstrates the talent and dedication of McPherson College students in the field of outdoor-living, including the world of cars.
- MotorTrend ranked the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona as the second greatest Ferrari of all time, adding to its historical importance and making it a significant addition to McPherson College's car collection, which also includes homes and gardens .
