CRC Industries unveiled the '57 Chevy at SEMA on Nov. 5. From left to right are Steven Drake, Jeff Lutz, Clay Millican, Mike Copeland, and Jennifer Maher. (Image courtesy of CRC Industries)
When you have a flash, restored classic, what better place to debut it than Las Vegas? That’s what Horsham-based CRC Industries figured too, when it brought its featured ride to Sin City to announce its upcoming scholarship program.
And what a debut it had…
The 2024 annual car project was a cherry red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. But the fun didn’t stop there. The amazing vehicle also wowed its crowds as it was unveiled, featuring a hydrogen-powered engine!
The upgraded vehicle was displayed at SEMA 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November. It is now slated for the auction block, all for a good cause. The Chevy will be auctioned to raise funds for CRC's “Build for the Future” scholarship program, which is “aimed at supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” according to the locally based organization.
Build for the Future is CRC's flagship scholarship program. CRC works in partnership with the TechForce Foundation in order to reach students interested in working in the trades.
“[It is] designed to alleviate the financial burdens of the continued education and training needed for prospective tradespeople to go to trade school,” explained a press release from CRC. “Beginning in 2023, CRC has sponsored the modification of a specialty vehicle to auction to the public. Proceeds from the sale of the vehicle directly benefit the scholarship program.”
This year’s upgraded 1957 Chevy will be auctioned to the public in late 2025 or early 2026 students. Individuals interested in following the car to the auction can sign up for updates at crcbuildforthefuture.com or follow CRC on Instagram @crcauto.
The ‘57 Chevy features red and black interiors and a special twist – a hydrogen-powered, Edelbrock-supercharged, Gen3 HEMI engine built by Mike Copeland, a retired GM engineer and CEO of Arrington Performance. It’s build is truly one-of-a-kind.
“This build proves that a hot rod can run on hydrogen without sacrificing horsepower or the feel and sound of a traditional gasoline engine,” said the release. “The car build, sponsored by CRC, was led by racing legends Clay Millican (NHRA Top Fuel World Champion Driver) and Jeff Lutz (from ‘Street Outlaws’ and Lutz Race Cars). This is the first hydrogen-powered hot rod of its kind auctioned to the public.”
Other features include a TCI automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Those that worked on the build are excited it will be used for such a worthy cause.
“At CRC, ‘Together, We Get It Done’™ is more than a slogan,” said Steven Drake, President of CRC Industries, Americas. “It captures our commitment to providing solutions that help those who do the important work that keeps the world moving forward. Build for the Future is a natural extension of that commitment by providing support to train the next generation.”
The project is one-of-a-kind, but not the first build used in this manner for CRC. Earlier this year, CRC auctioned a supercharged 2006 Pontiac GTO, which funded scholarships for 10 aspiring future tradespeople.
“We're thrilled to continue our partnership with CRC in supporting future trades professionals,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “The demand for technicians is high, and programs like Build for the Future provide vital support for students seeking rewarding careers.”
According to its release, the Build for the Future scholarship will award financial aid to 10 students pursuing technical education (five scholarships for automotive trades, and five for industrial or welding careers). Of these scholarships, three will be awarded to women. Each recipient is guaranteed at least $2,500, with the possibility of up to $8,000, depending on auction proceeds. If the auction exceeds $80,000, all excess funds will be donated to TechForce to provide even more scholarships.
To learn more about CRC's Build for the Future program, please visit crcbuildforthefuture.com. CRC Industries Americas Group is headquartered at 800 Enterprise Road, Suite 101 in Horsham, Pa. For more information on the international business, call 215-674-4300 or visit https://www.crcindustries.com/.
