In addition to all of his busy schedule Skinner is the founder and main organizer of the Georgia Tech Auto Show, now in its seventh year.  Sterling has a love for all cars and a knack for bringing people together. The Auto Show is the culmination of both.

Skinner believes that this show is a way to let people reconnect with Georgia Tech who might no feel comfortable at a black tie alumni function as well as including students, staff, faculty, fans and others who all share a connection to Tech and a love for vehicles. Skinner points out that there are great numbers of tech graduates that have made some of the most important engineering and design strides in the automotive industry and it is great to be able to celebrate the talent.

Although jhe does have other vehicles, Sterling loves his Porsche and can even be seen driving it with no top, since it has no top, through the rain, probably sitting in two inches of water. And it seems that he does not even notice!

After his death, Dean Galloway’s family created the Dean Thomas D. Galloway Memorial Fund for the College of Architecture in care of the Georgia Tech Foundation. His widow, Sharon Galloway, has been very generous and has granted the Auto Show a five year gift from this fund, that significantly helps with the expenses of the Show and enables the Tech Community to fully participate and be inclusive to all, so very different from some auto shows that are exclusive and expensive to take part in. We want to take this time to thank The Galloway’s for this gift in the Dean’s name. He was an amazing man and is missed by all.

Alum, Gilbert Zeal EE, 1960, drove his 1965 yellow Thunderbird through the storms from Pensacola to come share his stories from tech days and show off his beautiful automobile. The speaker this year, Robert Englar, an aerodynamicist from GTRI shared his ideas of the importance of aerodynamics to the speed of a vehicle.  He discussed his race teams attempt to break a land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats  which they lost by a hair.  The record was 240.5 and they came in just 1.5 mph short of breaking the record.

2009 Auto Show Winners!!

Congratulations to all of you!  We think everyone at the show is a winner.  These are the cars that were most popular within their categories among those entrants and spectators who filled out a ballot at the show.  Also listed are those singled out for special recognition by the show organizers.  Please note the variety of people and cars that are being recognized and also please be aware that several of the recipients who identified themselves as “Fans” are in fact parents or other relatives of Tech students.

The number of trophies given in a particular class is a reflection of the number of cars entered in that class.  Hopefully no one is participating in the show simply to win a trophy.  That isn’t what the show is about.  You might also be interested to know that traditionally the show recognizes about 30% of the entrants with an award.

1978 – 2008 Unmodified
For late model production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st    Ferrari 328 GTB  James Pernikoff (Fan)

2nd    1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II   Mike Pusateri (BSEcon 1983)

3rd    1989 BMW M3     Stephen T Du (Mgt 2002)

4th    2001 Yellow Camaro     John Kane (UEC Student)

1948 – 1977 Unmodified
For older post-war production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st    Citroen 2CV    Parker Parish (AE 1998)

2nd    1968 Dodge Charger R/T  (Gold)   Sherman Banks (BEE 1987)

3rd    1952 Hudson Hornet    Preston Stevens (Arch 1953)

1900 – 1947 Unmodified
For pre-war designed production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st    1931 Plymouth    Harry F Jenkins (Textiles 1973)

RWD or AWD Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with either rear or all-wheel drive.  This includes hot rods, street machines, and street legal kit / replica / homebuilt cars

1st    1967 Camaro Convertible (Blue) Joel D Davis (MSCE 1999)

2nd    MGB with V8 (Gold)   Tim O’Brian (Fan)

3rd    1964 Porsche 904 (reproduction)  Randy Beck (Fan)

4th    Porsche 550 Spyder (reproduction)   Chuck Beck (Fan)

5th    Mazda Miata V8  Nathan Sumner (ME Student)

Front Wheel Drive Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with front wheel drive.  This includes the popular “import tuner” cars.

1st    1971 Austin Mini (with Honda Engine)        NJ Boone (Fan)

2nd    Scion XB     Brent (Fan)?

3rd    Scion TC     Bre (Fan)

Trucks, 4×4, and SUV
This includes all types and years of trucks; pick-ups, SUVs, Jeeps, off-roaders….

1st    Ford Explorer      Ben Lee (BME Student)

2nd    Red Ford Bronco   C Trent Mayo (Mgt Student)

Motorcycles
Anything with 2 wheels and an engine … 3 wheels, side cars…..

1st    1967 Honda CL125   Cooper Garrett/Norman Garrett (BME 1981)

2nd     Ducati 998      Rick Radford (Fan)

3rd    Suzuki GSXR 750     John Loesel (ME Student)

Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Electric, hybrid, solar, bio-diesel, hydrogen … any form of power other than traditional internal     combustion.  Also known as “green cars”

1st    ZAP Car   Paul Webber (BSME, BSIE 2008)

2nd    Gashopper     Frank Boulton (Fan)

3rd    1960 Huffy Roadmaster   Brady Horn (CE Student)

Race and Experimental
Vehicles that are built for competition, entertainment, or education that are not designed for  basic transportation needs or necessarily street legal

1st    1929 Ford Special     Ray Morgan (Fan)

2nd    2008 Elan DP01    Chip Lewis (BME 1998)

3rd    Locost Lotus 7     Andrew Fida (ME Student)

Student Beaters
These are the most elemental examples of automotive transportation.  The cars must be     driven to the show but beyond that the more decrepit the vehicle the better … extra points     for a GT Parking pass, spray paint, bondo, bailing wire, and duct tape.

1st     Dodge Sweptline Truck   Jeremy Schoen (Mgt Student)

2nd    Nissan 300ZX 2+2    Jason Kuykendall (ID Student)

3rd    Firebird Formula     Dave Lynn (ID Faculty)

Special Recognition

Angel Award Parker T Baxster (ME Student)
To someone who is instrumental in making the show happen.  This year it was earned by a     student member of the show’s organizing committee who put posters all over campus.

Dean Thomas D Galloway Memorial Award Kara Allen (Alum Association)
In honor of the beloved educator and Dean of the College of Architecture, this trophy is given to the member of the Tech community who, like Dean Galloway, recognized and supported the vision of the Georgia Tech Auto Show through extraordinary efforts or generosity.

Design Award Porsche 904 Reproduction    Chuck Beck (Fan)
This distinction is awarded by a small committee of knowledgeable automotive designers and historians to a vehicle of particular design significance or sensitivity.  It may go to an unmodified classic or to a modified car that reveals a profound appreciation for and attention to design.

Engineering Award Locost Lotus 7 Homebuilt    Andrew Fida (ME Student)
Similar to the design award, this honor is bestowed by a small committee to the vehicle that     exhibits a particularly significant engineering achievement on either a personal or corporate     level.

Special Recognition Ray Morgan (Fan)
Ray Morgan drove his 1929 open top Ford Special to the show in the pouring rain.  He would hold up an umbrella at traffic lights.  Truly spectacular commitment to the show!!

Guest Speaker Robert J Englar (GTRI)

Speaker:   Paul Lomangino, an engineer at Tesla
Poster:    Raymond Powell
T-shirt: Logan Vickery  (blue with speedo)

Georgia Tech 2008 Auto Show Winners!!

Congratulations to all of you! We think everyone at the show is a winner. These are the cars that were most popular within their categories among those entrants and spectators who filled out a ballot at the show. Also listed are those singled out for special recognition by the show organizers. Please note the variety of people and cars that are being recognized and also please be aware that several of the recipients who identified themselves as “Fans” are in fact parents or other relatives of Tech students.

The number of trophies given in a particular class is a reflection of the number of cars entered in that class. Hopefully no one is participating in the show simply to win a trophy. That isn’t what the show is about. You might also be interested to know that traditionally the show recognizes about 30% of the entrants with an award.

1978 – 2008 Unmodified
For late model production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st Citroen 2CV Bob Stanek ( NOT AE 1990)

2nd 1989 Lamborghini Countach Don Silkebakken (BISYE 1986)

3rd 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Clif Parker (Fan)

4th Tie – Lotus Exige / Plymouth Prowler Brian Johnson (ME Student) / Bill Pillow?

1948 – 1977 Unmodified
For older post-war production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gulwing KB Pearce (Fan)

2nd 1968 Dodge Charger R/T (Gold) Sherman Banks (BEE 1987)

3rd 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible Mark Petry (Fan)

4th 1963 Corvette (Silver Split-Window) Ray Morgan (Fan)

5th 1968 Mustang (Burgundy) Mark Peterson (Student)

1900 – 1947 Unmodified
For pre-war designed production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st 1936 Cord 810 Jack Glenn (IM 1959)

2nd 1941 Cadillac 60 Special Joe Patten (Fan)

RWD or AWD Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with either rear or all-wheel drive. This includes hot rods, street machines, and street legal kit / replica / homebuilt cars

1st 1966 Mustang 2+2 Fastback (Black) Jamal Wilson (ME Grad Student)

2nd 1929 Ford 2 Door Sedan (Black/Yellow) Charlie Lail (Comp Eng 1999)

3rd 1998 Corvette 1953 Tribute (White/Red) Chaz Cone (BSIM 1961)

4th 2001 Porsche Turbo (Silver Two-Tone) Patrick Nguyen (Fan)

Front Wheel Drive Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with front wheel drive. This includes the popular “import tuner” cars.

1st 1971 Austin Mini (with Honda Engine) NJ Boone (Fan)

Trucks, 4×4, and SUV
This includes all types and years of trucks; pick-ups, SUVs, Jeeps, off-roaders….

1st 1954 Chevy 3100 Pickup Truck (Gold) Mark Youngblood (Fan)

2nd 1945 Ford GPW (Jeep) Henry Taylor (BSCE 1951)

3rd 1966 Land Rover 88” SWB Wagon Hugh Linton (Student)

Motorcycles
Anything with 2 wheels and an engine … 3 wheels, side cars…..

1st 1972 Honda CB350 (Orange) Mike Powell (Father of Student)

2nd 2002 Ducati MH900e Rick Radford (Fan)

3rd 2007 Ducati 1000S Kristopher Lamey (Fan)

Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Electric, hybrid, solar, bio-diesel, hydrogen … any form of power other than traditional internal combustion. Also known as “green cars”

1st 2000 Corbin Sparrow Dale Atkins (Aerospace Faculty)

2nd 1978 Mitsubishi Diesel J-54 Jeep Sean Sinkule (Fan)

Race and Experimental
Vehicles that are built for competition, entertainment, or education that are not designed for basic transportation needs or necessarily street legal

1st 1954 Jaguar Wayne Phrears (Not Registered)

2nd Locost Lotus 7 (Bare Chassis) Andrew Fida (Student)

3rd 1996 ZR1 Corvette Pro-Mod Dragster Mark Sisk (BME 1999)

Student Beaters
These are the most elemental examples of automotive transportation. The cars must be driven to the show but beyond that the more decrepit the vehicle the better … extra points for a GT Parking pass, spray paint, bondo, bailing wire, and duct tape.

1st 1972 Dodge Charger (subLime Green) Barber Jabulani (Chem Grad Stud)

2nd 1995 Toyota Tercel “Tercedes” Nathan Denison (Student)

Special Recognition

Angel Award Alberto Blanco (Student)
To someone who is instrumental in making the show happen. This year it was earned by a student member of the show’s organizing committee who worked tirelessly on publicity.

Dean Thomas D Galloway Memorial Award Debra Thompson (Alum Association)
In honor of the beloved educator and Dean of the College of Architecture, this trophy is given to the member of the Tech community who, like Dean Galloway, recognized and supported the vision of the Georgia Tech Auto Show through extraordinary efforts or generosity.

Design Award Ariel Atom David Chow (CS Alumnus)
This distinction is awarded by a small committee of knowledgeable automotive designers and historians to a vehicle of particular design significance or sensitivity. It may go to an unmodified classic or to a modified car that reveals a profound appreciation for and attention to design.

Engineering Award Ralt-Yawn-Downing CSR Jim Downing (IM 1966)
Wayne Yawn (BME 1995)

Similar to the design award, this honor is bestowed by a small committee to the vehicle that exhibits a particularly significant engineering achievement on either a personal or corporate level.

Guest Speaker

Bryan Nesbitt was named executive director, GM Europe Design in February 2004. In this capacity he heads the GM Europe design organization, responsible for all Opel, Saab and Vauxhall design activities. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. on January 24, 1969. Nesbitt studied Architecture and Industrial Design at the Georgia Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Transportation Design from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. Before joining General Motors, Nesbitt served as design manager at Daimler Chrysler. He was the principle designer for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which was first presented at the Detroit motor show in 1999. He joined General Motors in April 2001, as chief designer for the Chevrolet brand. In January 2002, Nesbitt was appointed executive director, design, Body-Frame Integral Architectures, for all GMNA Brands. Since with GM, Bryan has supported development of the exteriors of such new models as the Pontiac Solstice and G6 coupe/RHT, Cadillac DTS and BLS, Buick LuCerne and Enclave, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Impala, HHR, Cobalt coupe and all-new Malibu, and Saturn Sky, Aura and Outlook.

2007 Winners

1978 – 2008  Unmodified 1st  2007 Lamborghini Murcielago  LP640 ,Allen Schuster (?) 2nd    Porsche 996 Twin Turbo,   Fabian/Gaby/Michael Roock Racing (Fan) 3rd    1991 Morgan Plus 8 , Glenn Moore (Fan) 4th    2006 Ford GT, Bill Pierce (?) 1948 – 1977  Unmodified 1st   1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350  (?) 2nd    1952 Bentley R-Type,  Graham Davenport (Parent) 3rd    1974 Maseratti Bora, Rick Russo (Fan) RWD or AWD Modified 1st    MG V8, Mike Cook (?) 2nd  1952 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery, Bryan Powell (AE Student) 3rd    1956 550 Spyder Reproduction, Bryan Mattern (1999 BSIE) 4th    1978 Mercedes 280 CE,  Ernest Withers (Fan) Front Wheel Drive Modified 1st    1971 Austin Mini, NJ Boone (Fan) 2nd   2002 Toyota Celica GT-S,   R. “Gunny” Habauer 3rd  2000 Honda Civic,  Hector Rivera Trucks, 4×4’s, and SUV 1st    1975 Steyer Daimler Pinzgauer 710M,    Evan Moon (Student) 2nd    Mercedes Unimog,  Mathieu Cama (Sponsor) Motorcycles 1st  2002 Ducati MH 900e 2004    American Ironhorse LSC Lone Star Alternate Fuel Vehicles 1st   2000 Corbin Sparrow,  Dale Atkins 1900 – 1947 Unmodified 1st    1937 Cord,  Jack Glenn 2nd   1933 Morgan Super Sport, Ray Morgan 3rd  Registration #1001 Race and Experimental 1st   1965 Ford GT 350 Daytona Replica, Dr. Charles Bering (Fan) 2nd  YES!  Roadster Student Beaters GMC Sprint Angel Award Michael Powell Dean Galloway Award Caroline Wood Design Award 1937 Cord , Jack Glenn Engineering Award Rail Frame Dragster,  Cody Fenstermaker Special Recognition Ed Wettach

2006 Show Summary

With two big successes, the organization team was growing and becoming bolder.   It was decided that Franco Cimatti would be invited to fly from Italy and be the guest speaker for the show.   Franco had been an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at Georgia Tech in the late 1970’s, and had caught the car-enthusiast bug while reading a book about Austin Healey’s that he checked out from the Georgia Tech library.  He was currently the engineering concept manager at Ferrari in Italy, so it was a stretch for the show to invite someone of such responsibility for leading our passion.   He accepted, and the enthusiasm for the 2006 reached something like euphoria.

The trophies were selected to be an 1:18 scale model of a Ferrari decorated with unique decals designating it to be a trophy for the Georgia Tech show.

General Motors and Ford Motor Company raised their level of support.   Lexus brought a self-parking car.   A student brought a go-kart with a pulse jet engine, etc.

The poster was designed by Alfredo Alponte.   The mystery dashboard that was used for the graphic is from a 1960’s Aston Martin.

The t-shirt was designed by Alexis Godschalk (tan with challenger)

Winners of the 2006 Georgia Tech Auto Show

Modified, Front Wheel Drive

1st Place Hector Rivera Honda Civic Not GT

2nd Place Ashwin Rao Honda Accord AE student

Modified Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive

1st Place Chas Cone 1998 Corvette IM 1961

2nd Place Brian Trembly Subaru WRX don’t know

3rd Place Josh Schwab Cobra Chassis ID 2005

Un-modified Pre-1975

1st Place Phildon Collier 1963 Corvette IE 1987

2nd Place Chris Rocket 1954 Corvette MSE 2005

3rd Place Casey Crain 1951 Coronet ID student

Un-modified 1975 to Present

1st Place Lauren Arnett Lotus Elise Mgt 96, 2001

2nd Place Chris Anderson Datsun 280z Mgt 1997

3rd Place Todd Groshans Ford GT ME grad stud

Trucks, S.U.V.s, Jeeps

1st Place Jim Knight Land Rover S2 IE 1968

2nd Place Charistian Shin Land Rover Defender don’t know

Motorcycles

1st Place John Gerber Modified Yamaha ME student

Competition and Experimental

1st Place Jim Downing Mazda RX-792P IM 1966?

2nd Place Mark Sisk Monte Carlo Drag Car ME 1999

Student “Beaters”

1st Place Tie Evan Moon VW Baja Bug Mgt student
Robin Fernandez BMW 2002 ME student

Alternative Fuel

1st Place Dale Atkins Corbin Sparrow AE staff

Engineering Award Charlie Mote Bio-diesel display GT Bookstore

Design Award Mark Zoller DeTomaso Mangusta ME student

Angel Award Paul Allen ME 1987

Best of 2005

2005 Show Summary:

The Second Annual Georgia Tech Auto Show ( April 2, 2005) was planned amongst big expectations from all those that participated the year before. Huibert Mees, a top engineer at Ford, was chosen as the guest speaker due to his recent work leading the chassis, brake, suspension, and steering team of the new Ford GT. He drove a Ford GT down from Michigan and gave a presentation showing the accelerated design process that produced this supercar.  Other Georgia Tech graduates met him in Michigan and drove their vehicles down in a caravan. One of these was a General Motors co-op engineering student named Sandra Kolvick.  She was allowed to drive one of the very first Corvette C6 Z06 cars from the factory to the show. At that time, the Corvette C6 Z06 had not been seen outside of indoor car shows.

Another unique occurrence at the show was the arrival of an original 1960’s Ford GT 40. It was driven to the show on racing slicks. It was nice to see this car and the new Ford GT near each other.

If that wasn’t good enough, there was a Ferrari Formula 1 car brought by Shell Chemical Corporation on display.  Teams of students were allowed to change the tires with air tools in a mock pit-stop and win prizes

Tim Carlton returned again with his Jeep Cherokee, but now all the body was trimmed off except the hood and front fenders.

The trophy for 2005 was a piece of Russian crystal that had been etched with a three dimensional image of a Ferrari Formula 1 race car.

The tee shirt for 2005 was designed by industrial design student, Alfredo Alponte. The Dodge speedometer image on a black shirt sold well.

Certainly another “memorable” aspect of the 2005 Georgia Tech Auto Show was that it started snowing just as the first cars parked. Everyone was laughing because it was just so unexpected. A black cloud appeared in the sky, and snow started falling. Thankfully, the weather cleared up after 40 minutes and soon it was gorgeous.

Winners of the 2005 Georgia Tech Auto Show Judging

Modified, Front and All Wheel Drive

1st Place Kyle Kvalheim Mini Cooper

2nd Place Justin Huo Acura Integra

3rd Place Milo Borhar Suburu WRX

Modified Rear Wheel Drive

1st Place Dick Koch Pantera

2nd Place Chaz Cone Corvette

3rd Place Bruce Lacle Maxi Taxi
Ali Abbasi BMW

Un-modified Pre-1975

1st Place Scott Penner Model T Ford

2nd Place Russell Parrish Original Mini

3rd Place Brown Family Studebaker Golden Hawk

Un-modified 1975 to Present

1st Place William Dunlop Lotus Elise

2nd Place John Evans Evans

3rd Place Keith Bernhardt Lotus Elise

Light Trucks, S.U.V.s, Jeeps

1st Place Tim Carlton Grand Cherokee

2nd Place Alexis Godschaulk Land Rover Discovery TreK

3rd Place Hugh Reilly Land Rover Defender 90

Motorcycles

1st Place Randy Thompson Harley V-Rod

2nd Place Randy Thompson Honda Rune

3rd Place Tim Hollman Honda CBR 600

Competition and Experimental

1st Place Tim Hollman Pulse Jet Powered Kart

2nd Place Jim Downing Kudzu DLM 4

Student “Beaters”

1st Place Josh “Porch” Snead Mercury Di Sable

Guest Vehicles

1st Place Rick Russo Maserati Spyder

2nd Place James Pernikoff Ferrari 328 GTS

Engineering Award Dick Koch Pantera

Design Award Richard Hopson Dodge Stealth

2004 Show Summary:

The First Annual Georgia Tech Auto Show was held on March 27, 2004. Sterling Skinner had committed to the possibility of having a large automotive show on campus on a Monday morning after taking the Landmark Forum, a motivation and life organization class presented by Landmark Education.

Dave Lynn was the first person to join Sterling Skinner in his commitment to host the show at a very critical place in the planning.

Highlights of the show included the participation of Larry Huang with his Crawford DP03 Daytona Prototype race car that he had purchased and painted with a color scheme celebrating his loyalty to Georgia Tech, several Panoz cars brought by chief engineer John Leverett and Jason Barnes, the Kudzu DLY race car entered by Jim Downing, two of the custom cars built by John Evans, and Tim Carlton’s lifted Jeep Cherokee with no doors.

The speaker was chosen to be Norman Garrett, the concept engineer for the Mazda Miata.  He spoke on his time at Georgia Tech in the early 1980’s and how he was able to turn his experience organizing autocross events on the Tech campus into the design of the best selling sports car of all time.

Winners:

Pre-1984 Stock Category

1st Place:    Scott Downs and his 1958 Ford Fairlane 500

2nd Place:    Henry Cotten and his 1967 Corvette

3rd Place:    Chris dos Santos and his 1965 Mustang GT-350

1984 – 2004 Stock Category

1st Place:    John Evans and his Evans S3 LM

2nd Place:    Chris Rinehart and his 1994 Corvette ZR-1

3rd Place:    Tina Heil and her 2001 Viper RT/10

Modified Rear and AWD Category

1st Place:    Chaz Cone and his re-bodied 1998 Corvette

2nd Place:    Criag McClure and his 1956 Morgan +4 w/Ford V8

3rd Place:    Ali Abbasi and his 1996 BMW M3

Modified FWD Category

1st Place:    Bryan Crosby and is 2000 Celica GTS

2nd Place:    Drew Chappuis and is 2002 Honda RSX

Truck and SUV Category

1st Place:    Tim Carlton and his 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2nd Place:    Alexis Godschaulk and his 1996 Range Rover

Motorcycles

1st Place:    Rafael Suazo and is 1997 Honda CBR600F3 “Carmen”

2nd Place:    Joe Perkins and his 1942 Harley Davidson

Racing and Experimental

1st Place:    Larry Huang and his 2004 Crawford DP03

2nd Place:    Larry Huang and his Ferrari 360 Challenge race car

3rd Place:    Richard Martin and his Porsche 911

Student Beaters

1st Place:    Geoff Toon and his 1991 Acura Integra

2nd Place:    Crit Bennett and his 1972 Mazda RX 2

Best Aesthetic Design Award

Jason Barnes and his Panoz Roadster

Best Engineering Award

John Evans and his Evans Automobile

Special Awards

Jim Markell and his 1939 Bantam

Jim Downing and his Mazda DLY and Citroen 2CV