For Miranda Robinson, bringing her grandfather’s restored 1939 Ford De Luxe back to the Utah Valley University Auto Expo was more than attending a car show. It was a return to a family legacy deeply tied to both the vehicle and the university itself.
For Miranda Robinson, bringing her grandfather’s restored 1939 Ford De Luxe back to the Utah Valley University Auto Expo was more than attending a car show. It was a return to a family legacy deeply tied to both the vehicle and the university itself.
Robinson showcased her late grandfather Gilbert "Gill" Cook's restored 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe at UVU’s 37th Annual Auto Expo, celebrating the former UVU vice president’s contributions to the university and the automotive community. Cook played a pivotal role in establishing the UVU Auto Expo, which has become a significant community event supporting student scholarships.
For Robinson, bringing her grandfather’s restored Ford back to the UVU Auto Expo was more than attending a car show. It was a return to a family legacy deeply tied to both the vehicle and the university itself.
Cook’s tenure began at what was then called Utah Technical College in 1982, and he served the institution in multiple leadership roles as it evolved into Utah Valley University. Throughout his career, he helped establish the concurrent enrollment program, worked in public relations and government relations, and later served as vice president of student services before retiring as vice president of college relations. His efforts were instrumental in the university’s growth, notably in securing funding for major campus projects such as the McKay Events Center, now called the UCCU Center.
Around 1983, collision repair faculty members Don Pendergrass and Ross Fazio approached Cook with the idea of creating a car show that could raise scholarship funds for students in UVU’s automotive programs. The event quickly grew from a small gathering of roughly 35 participants into one of the university’s most recognized community traditions. Cook later took over managing the UVU Auto Expo, supporting fundraising efforts for automotive, diesel, and collision repair students for years afterward.
Cook’s passion for classic cars led him to restore the ’39 Ford Deluxe Coupe, which he called “my gem.” The car, initially found abandoned in a field, underwent a meticulous five-year restoration under Cook's care. Over the years, Cook restored numerous vehicles and became a familiar figure at local car shows, where his projects frequently earned awards and recognition. After Cook passed away several years ago, the Ford coupe stayed in the family. Robinson and her family made additional under-the-hood upgrades before bringing the car back to campus for this year’s event.
“I’ve loved cars since I was a little kid because of my grandpa. I watched him restore cars growing up, and I became a gearhead very young,” said Robinson. “It’s a very special day to be able to bring his car back here. This feels like a special anniversary moment for our family.”
Robinson’s participation in this year’s expo marked the first time the fully restored car returned to the event since Cook’s passing. The family also displayed plaques and awards Cook had earned over the years, highlighting his enduring legacy at UVU.
The UVU Auto Expo has evolved into one of the university’s most recognized community traditions. The event features hundreds of vehicles and attracts automotive enthusiasts from across Utah. Proceeds from the expo support scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities
