A collection of five custom-built Jeeps are up for grabs on auction website Bring a Trailer this week, with all of them selling for a good cause.
The Jeeps are the product of the High School Vehicle Build Program, created by SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and run with support from leading aftermarket companies.
A new Jeep will go live for auction on Bring a Trailer each day, with a special bonus on offer to the successful bidders.
Not another high school project
Five high school auto shops from across the United States have taken part in 2019, each using a Jeep Wrangler TJ as their base for aftermarket accessories.
Working alongside auto shop instructors, and experts from aftermarket companies, the students have been taught how to get the best from the parts donated to them.
The end result is a series of five modified Jeeps, all fitted with an impressive array of accessories, but reflecting the individual style of each high school.
First up on Bring a Trailer is the 2005 Wrangler built by the Early College Opportunities High School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With over $19,000 worth of equipment added, it certainly makes for an impressive Jeep.
The 2004 TJ, crafted by the students of Cornstock High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan goes next. Between 90 and 100 students at the school participate in auto shop classes.
Later this week will see Jeeps from C.D Hylton High School in Virginia, R.L. Turner High School in Texas, and California’s Santa Ynez Valley Union High School also go up for sale.
The kids really are alright
The program has been created by SEMA to encourage high school students to consider careers in the aftermarket industry. SEMA also wants to make the program sustainable for more years to come.
Last year, a high school-built 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sold for $56,000, allowing the five builds to happen this year.
Proceeds from the sale of these 2019 vehicles will be put back into high school auto shops, allowing more vehicles to be built as the program expands.
To give buyers piece of mind, all the Jeeps to be sold have been subjected to safety checks and scrutiny by an independent third party. Brake fluid and oil changes have also been carried out where needed, along with other maintenance work.
Winning bidders also get something else, in addition to an impressive Jeep and knowledge their money is being used for good. The five buyers will be invited to attend the prestigious 2019 SEMA Show, seeing their Jeep celebrated alongside the best creations from the aftermarket industry.
For those who don’t necessarily want to purchase a new Jeep, or miss out on the bidding, there are other ways to support the SEMA Education work through charitable donations.
Bring a Trailer is also donating the buyer’s fee from the sales on their website to the SEMA fund.
