YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A CLASSIC FORD

In December 1988, Benny T. Bootle (Mechanical Engineering, ’53) donated his 1940 Ford Delivery Sedan to the college. His request was that, when he passed away, the historic car be displayed and then sold, with the proceeds to be added to the endowment of the Professor Frank B. Herty Scholarship Fund.

Bootle died in 1996, and the car – with an appraised value of $28,000 – is now for sale. We’re accepting sealed bids until November 1, 2007, and any amount over the value of the car can be considered a charitable contribution to the Herty Fund.

The Model OIA-78 Ford, one of only 2,160 made, is a classic beauty. Sporting a garnet body with black fenders, it offers a 221 cu in., V-8 flathead, 85 hp motor, and a three-speed manual column shift. Entered in numerous competitions during the ’80s, this Ford received several national awards. After being exhibited in the college for several years, the car went on display at Pulliam Ford in Columbia. It has recently moved back to the Swearingen Engineering Center, where it will remain on display until sold.

For more information, or to schedule a visit to see the car, contact Deborah Wells at dawells2@engr.sc.edu, or 803.777.9017. More photos, technical specifications, and a list of awards of the Ford can be found on our web site by clicking here.