by Three State High students in Ferguson Township are turning heads by restoring a 1974 MGB sports car.
What began as a $400 auction buy has become a hands-on project teaching mechanical skills, fostering friendship, and inspiring neighborhood curiosity.
What Happened
A trio of students from State College Area High School — Dylan Beck, Evan Passante, and Eros Hernandez — are working together to restore a vintage 1974 MGB sports car.
What started as an ambitious side project has become an after-school routine filled with auto repairs, creative problem-solving, and community building.
Key Details
Dylan Beck, a sophomore, purchased the car at auction in Harrisburg with help from his father, Daniel Beck, an engineer at Penn State.
The car, stored and abandoned for over a decade, cost $400 due to significant damage — from a missing roof and dry-rotted tires to holes in the trunk and a ripped interior.
The MGB once had a U.S. Department of Defense parking pass, hinting at its past at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Its last inspection was in 1990.
Restoration efforts include:
- Replacing the ignition system
- Installing new upholstery and door panels
- Priming and repainting the exterior in a maroon tone resembling State High colors
- Adding a new sound system and glove compartment
- Repairing trunk pan welds and patching body holes
The group has dedicated evenings and weekends to the project, often working late into the night.
Reactions or Statements
“We’ve made a lot more progress than we thought we would,” said Eros Hernandez.
“It’s kind of addicting,” Dylan Beck added. “The knowledge we’re gaining and the help of my friends is what keeps it going.”
Passante highlighted the camaraderie: “We’ve built each other up and clicked as a team.”
Daniel Beck praised their independence: “I expected to be more hands-on, but they’ve taken the lead. It’s like their classroom now.”
Investigation or What’s Next
The group initially aimed to finish the restoration in time for prom but missed that deadline.
Now, their goal is to debut the MGB during a meaningful outing — possibly a beach trip or school event.
The final tasks include installing a fuel pump and scheduling an inspection.
Hernandez, who has the most experience, plans to pursue a career in automotive work and sees this project as a head start toward trade school.
FAQs
What kind of car are the students restoring?
A 1974 MGB, a British sports car known for its classic convertible design.
How much did they pay for the car?
$400, purchased at an auction in Harrisburg, PA.
What upgrades have been added to the car?
A new sound system, custom glove compartment, and complete interior and exterior renovations.
Where is the restoration happening?
At the Beck family home in Ferguson Township, often in their garage or front yard.
What impact has the project had?
Beyond mechanical skills, it has strengthened friendships, boosted confidence, and engaged the local community.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The restoration of the 1974 MGB by State High students is more than just a car project — it’s a journey of friendship, learning, and community engagement.
With support from family and neighbors, these teens have proven that dedication, teamwork, and curiosity can turn a rusted antique into something unforgettable.
