SEMA Prepares Five Custom Student Jeep Builds For Auction

SEMA Prepares Five Custom Student Jeep Builds For Auction

As part of SEMA’s High School Vehicle Build Program, each vehicle was customized by high school students working with industry volunteers and manufacturers.

Pictured clockwise: C.D. Hylton High School (photo credit: Chris Cervenka Photography); Comstock Highschool; Comstock High School (photo credit: Beam Photography); R.L. Turner High School (photo credit: Collins Bros Jeep and Made Brand Studio); Sante Fe Early College Opportunities (photo credit: Gerry Ruelas Photography); and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (photo credit: SEMA).

SEMA is preparing for five unique Jeep Wranglers to be available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com beginning July 15, in what is being referred to as “SEMA Week of Customs.” As part of SEMA’s High School Vehicle Build Program, each vehicle was customized by high school students working with industry volunteers and manufacturers. Sales from the vehicles will be used to fund future student projects, thereby creating a sustainable and growing program that provides students with real-world, hands-on educational experiences.

The five builds were funded in part from money raised from a pilot program the previous year. The program, which debuted in the 2017-‘18 school year, included one vehicle that sold for more than $56,000. The proceeds were used to successfully expand the program to include five high schools in 2018-‘19.

“We didn’t know what to expect during our first year,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “But we’re encouraged and excited that we were able to expand and grow the program. We’re anxious and hoping that the community will see the positive results that came from the pilot program, and that they will come out and support the program again this year.”

Supporters will be able to bid on the vehicles beginning July 15 through BringaTrailer.com. One vehicle will be released each day for five consecutive days and will be available for bidding for seven days following its launch date. Proceeds from the vehicles will be reinvested into the program.

Details for the vehicles and auctions are:

• July 15: 2005 Jeep Wrangler customized by the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Vehicle features a vented hood, trail doors, a 3/5” suspension kit with a 5” stretch from Rock Krawler Suspension and a full body repaint.

• July 16: 2004 Jeep Wrangler customized by the Comstock High School auto shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The only Jeep in the program with a hard top, this vehicle includes a roof rack form Just Jeep ‘N Stuff, LED headlights, full carpet replacement, bumpers, tire carrier and rock sliders from JcrOffroad, 4” Skyjacker suspension kit and a fresh coat of paint.

• July 17: 2002 Jeep Wrangler customized by C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Features include a frame-off restoration with a painted chassis, extensive under-hood improvements, full body repaint, new windshield from Safelite, front door weatherstrip from Steele Rubber Products, new hood from LQK/Keystone and a Rancho Suspension 3.5” short arm suspension kit.

• July 18: 1997 Jeep Wrangler customized by Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Santa Ynez, California. Vehicle includes 37” Atturo Off-Road Tires with Black Rock Wheels, Rugged Ridges products, T-REX grille, Superlift Suspension 4” lift kit and LLumar window tint.

• July 19: 2004 Jeep Wrangler customized by R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas. Vehicle features winch and front bumper donated by Collins Bro’s Jeep, as well as custom seat belts from Seatbelt Planet, wheels from Rolling Big Power and a trail rocker from Painless Performance.

For more details about the program and the vehicles, visit www.sema.org/student-builds or contact SEMA Youth Engagement Programs Manager Katie Hurst at [email protected].

You May Also Like

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of more than 48,000 SKUs.

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

The National Auto Body Council Body®  announced Empire Auto Parts has joined the organization as a level two partner. Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of over 48,000 SKUs.

As a level two partner, Empire Auto Parts will work alongside a consortium of collision repair facilities, rental car companies, parts and materials providers, insurance companies, automotive recyclers, salvage companies, towing companies, industry consultants and more to serve communities across the country with programs that help change and save lives every day, according to the NABC.

Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Great Place to Work
NTEA Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

NTEA Board Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair
YANG Holds Regional Meetup in Conjunction with CAWA Forum

Sponsored by GB Remanufacturing, the event took place on Feb. 22 at the Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California.

YANG Regional Meetup
MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Pase’s expertise spans many areas, including navigating industry trends, formulating strategies and increasing customer engagement.

MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Other Posts

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers sent EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to the ACC II Waiver.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales
MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

MEMA said the milestone “underscores the association’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers.”

Registration for ACC Annual Meeting Open

Early bird registration is open for the Automotive Communications Council’s 2024 meeting from May 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Automotive-Communications-Council-2024-Meeting
Auto Care Association Expands Demand Index Product Coverage

It announced the release of 25 new product lines, as well as the addition of Annual Unit Volumes for 15 Demand Index Product Groups.

Auto Care Association Expands Demand Index Product Coverage