Classic Car’s Auction to Benefit COCC Students
It’s a beauty — a ’58 Chevy Del Rey being auctioned off by the Central Oregon Community College Foundation to raise scholarship money. And the classic car has a unique tie to Bend’s history as well.
“Our scholarships are based upon the recipients financial need and the promise they show in their life and without support their just not going to make it. Marjorie knew that and that’s why she decided to do this,” COCC Foundation Executive Director Jim Weaver said Friday.
Marjorie Smith claims the title of the first baby born at the hospital in Bend in 1909. She went to COCC in 1956, then on to Portland State to become a teacher.
In 1958, she came back to Bend and bought this car. Gas was 31 cents a gallon, Eisenhower was president and a stamp was just four cents. On the dashboard, a custom nameplate, said to have been put in by Bob Thomas Car Company..
“When it came to us, it was in the garage, covered in dust and had not been run in 11 years,” said Weaver.
COCC turned to the Central Oregon Classic Chevy Club for help.
“We drained the gas out and it got on my arm, and my arm, after two days taking a shower every night, you could still smell that old, rotten gas,” said Harry Fagen, a member of the club.
A team involving volunteer tow trucks, mechanics and auto body specialists donated time to restore the car. It didn’t take long to get the car road-ready.
Smith’s estate totaled over $700,000, funding 12 scholarships a year, each worth $2,900. The sale of the car will be added to that total, benefiting students for years to come.
The estimated value of the car is $7,000, but COCC says the auction is open, and there’s no reserve. They’re taking bids through Monday, and if you want to check it out, head down to Drake Park on Saturday. It’ll be on display as part of the Flashback Cruz.
