The Ramblin' Wreck used for football games, including the 2006 Homecoming, above, was damaged while being transported to an event in June.

The Ramblin' Wreck, the 1930 Ford Model A sports coupe that has served as an official Georgia Tech mascot since 1961, was damaged while being transported June 15.

The vehicle, which is driven onto the football field during home games, is one of three Wrecks. Another is owned by the Alumni Association. The third is displayed inside the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center.

The Wreck is sometimes booked for weddings and other events. The Alumni Association has allowed the Ramblin' Reck Club to use its sports utility vehicle and covered trailer to transport the Wreck to events for many years.

Tech student John Bird, the Reck Club-selected driver of the Model A, was at the wheel of the Alumni Association's Ford Expedition pulling the trailer with the Wreck inside when the accident occurred.

The Wreck had been booked for a wedding and Bird was en route to the event when he lost control of the SUV on Interstate 75. "We swept across four lanes of traffic and somehow did not get hit by a car. We ended up facing the opposite direction of traffic in the roadside ditch," Bird said in a written report to the Alumni Association.

"The trailer torqued the ball hitch right out of the Expedition and turned onto its side. When the trailer tipped over, the Wreck snapped the straps holding it down and crashed onto its left side. The motor, frame and right side are fine. The roof is torn apart and smashed in and the left fenders are curled in," he said.

"The truck and trailer were completely totaled," Bird said. "The Wreck will require a lot of body work but should be fine."

The Georgia Tech Foundation is accepting donations to help cover the cost of repairs to the classic car. Checks may be sent to the Georgia Tech Foundation, 760 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30308.