We can proudly say that we have an excellent education system in Quebec and indeed in all of Canada. When it comes to the automotive field, there is no shortage of schools capable of teaching trades related to vehicle maintenance or repair, including for heavy-duty and construction equipment. However, there’s something missing. Unless we choose to overlook it, the field of automotive restoration is not part of our educational offering. Yet, in Quebec as in the rest of the country, many skilled craftsmen specialize in restoring vintage vehicles, be they classic or modified cars, trucks, tractors or even construction machinery.

So, there’s a missing piece in this puzzle. Aside from possessing natural talent or apprenticing under an older craftsman, there are no dedicated schools in Canada focused on the restoration of classic vehicles. At least, not like McPherson College in Kansas.

This educational institution is not merely focused on antique vehicle restoration; it is also an accredited institution of higher learning. Among its recognized academic programs is one that stands out: the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Restoration Technology, a unique four-year degree program available nowhere else in North America.

Yes, you read that right! The program offers four years of automotive-focused study, but not in the usual shop-class setting. According to program director Brian Martin, in an interview with veteran automotive journalist Tom Cotter (author of several books on barn finds and host of the show Barn Find Hunter), the difference between McPherson and a typical auto tech school is that McPherson trains for a career, not just a trade. Students are immersed in automotive mechanics, automotive history, paint chemistry, and colour artistry.

Martin gives the example of students who start out dreaming of specializing in street rods, only to end up, four years later, falling in love with Brass Era vehicles, cars built before 1915. Others begin their studies with ambitions of designing custom cars but find themselves working in shops restoring rare exotics like Ferraris.

This article is not a criticism of our automotive schools. Rather, it is a call to action for our administrators to consider creating similar institutions here. We certainly don’t lack talent, as evidenced by the many classic vehicles showcased at events across the country, especially during the summer. And as we’ve seen on television, there are many exhibitions and auctions where rare, fully restored vehicles fetch small fortunes from seasoned collectors.

Of course, this isn’t about institutions like Polytechnique Montréal or Ontario Tech’s GM Oshawa Campus that train future industry professionals. What we are talking about is a higher education institution designed to help vintage car enthusiasts refine their craft and gain recognition for it. McPherson College currently enrolls over 700 students in various programs, but only 150 are in the automotive restoration program, with just 45 to 50 new students accepted each year. These are not students looking for a quick ticket to the job market. They are serious individuals willing to dedicate four years to building a career. According to recent news, two or three other U.S. schools are in the process of developing similar programs.

McPherson College also encourages students to take part in major “concours d’élégance” and similar events. Proof? Not long ago, the school entered one of its restoration projects, a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet, into the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (2023), one of the most prestigious events in the automotive world. Their car won second place in the Postwar Luxury Class.

Could such an institution exist in Canada? Wouldn’t it be wise to try and preserve an art form that could otherwise fade with time?