About this program
Preserve the past using the technology of today in state-of-the-art labs with expert faculty by your side. Our auto restoration program covers everything you need to know to restore vintage vehicles to their former glory. From basic painting and non-structural repairs to advanced woodworking and upholstery installation, students master the art of restorative techniques. Thanks to small class sizes, lots of lab hours, and access to museum-quality vehicles, you’ll leave real-world ready to impress even the most discriminating collectors and museum professionals.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Work on Vehicles Built Prior to 1972
Attend High-Profile Events
Earn valuable experience with a paid internship
Careers
- Automotive restoration shops
- Custom fabrication shops
- Automotive museums
- Automotive auction houses
- Private vehicle collections
- Specialty parts fabrication
- Classic vehicle maintenance and repair
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Automotive History in the 20th Century (RST100)
- Vintage Automotive Mechanical & Applications I (RST115)
- Vintage Metal Fabrication & Applications I (RST130)
- Restoration Directed Elective (RST)
- Automotive Research & Design (RST120)
- Vintage Metal Fabrication & Applications II (RST205)
- Vintage Automotive Final Assembly & Applications (RST215)
- Introduction to Metallurgy (MSC106)
- Automotive Restoration Internship (RST150)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Virtual Tour
Collision Repair & Restoration
Take a look inside the expansive collision repair and restoration training grounds at Penn College. See aspiring technicians in action. Hear from passionate faculty with real-world experience. And learn how Wildcats are perfecting their craft one hands-on lesson at a time.
Facilities
Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Our expansive 49,000-square-foot lab features three spray booths, six English wheels, a 52-inch sheer, box and pan brake, power hammer, shrinking and stretching equipment, eight frame straightening machines, and two dual-car preparation stations.
Student Experience
"My time at Penn College was the best time of my life. The quality of the education and of the institution is unmatched in my opinion. These degrees really do work."
Nick Cronin
Dual Degree
Ready to apply? Here's what to do.
On the application, select Collision Repair Technology or Automotive Technology as your intended major. Once you've been accepted, you'll work with your advisor to declare a dual degree in Automotive Restoration Technology.
Contact the admissions office at admissions@pct.edu or 800.367.9222 with questions.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Mar 1
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, March 19 AM - 3 PM
Apr 6
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 69 AM - 3 PM
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Penn College Classic Cruisers
Penn College Classic Cruisers promote interest in and preservation of antique and modified automobiles along with education, good sportsmanship, and fellowship among members.
Penn College Motorsports Association
The club activities offer members exclusive exposure to the racing industry with tours of performance shops and opportunities to test their driving ability by participating in track days, autocross, and other driver skill events.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Auto restoration students ‘save’ waving Santa
Friday, November 29, 2024
Tucker takes WNEP-TV anchor for a spin
Monday, November 25, 2024
WNEP-TV takes a sweet ride in restored Tucker
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
At Penn College, the world is your classroom. Soak in the global experience by taking part in our study abroad program where you’ll study in Italy’s exotic car repair shops.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Many students have an opportunity to work in award-winning restoration shops across the nation.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
Restoration Students Skillfully Leave Mark on Automotive History
Penn College students lent a practiced hand to the preservation of the “Tin Goose,” a 1947 precursor to the historically significant Tucker automobile, which was named “Best Post-War Vehicle” at the 2019 Concours d’Elegance in Hershey. Automotive Restoration students and faculty took the same car to the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California in 2018.
More Information
Students must maintain a 'C' or greater in all RST courses. If a 'D' or lower is earned, the course must be repeated. Students should work closely with their advisers and program faculty to ensure they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
View the Automotive Restoration Technology Tool List
You are required to have a uniform and hard-toed shoes for lab classes. It is recommended that you purchase three uniforms.
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
- Mr. David Andersen, '22, Recruitment & Outreach, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships
- Mr. John K Bassler, Owner/Operator, Vintage Motorcar Company
- Mr. Jeffrey E Bliemeister, Executive Director, AACA Museum
- Mr. Chris Boyce, Co-Owner, The Auto Advocates
- Mr. Dennis Frick, President, Europa Macchina, Inc.
- Mr. William R Hahn, Owner/Partner/Chief Executive Office, Hahn & Woodward Auto Restoration
- Mr. Stephen R Hall, Funeral Director, Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc.
- Mr. Robert Hiller, '15, Restoration Tech, Vintage Motorcar Company
- Mr. Mark H Lizewskie, Executive Director, Rolls-Royce Foundation
- Mr. Earl Mowrey, Jr., '73, Owner, Mowrey Contractors LLC
- Mr. Alcides Ruozzi, Co-owner, RB Collection, LLC
- Mr. Ronald G Smith, '80, Owner, Superior Auto Service Co., Inc.
- Mr. Edwon B Stroble, Jr., Owner, Stroble & Twigg Auto Restoration
- Ms. Lori Van Houten Frick, Vice President and COO, Europa Macchina, Inc.
- Mr. Paul A Vorbach, President/CEO, HV3DWorks LLC
