Studebaker History Part II Early Post WWII
After WWII ended in August 1945, Auto makers rushed to refit their factories for automobile production. They were hampered by labor strikes and shortages of materials. Studebaker got into production in January 1946. The only model was the Skyway Champion essentially an mildly updated prewar model. By the fall of that year they were building the all-new post war1947 model. These cars were unlike anything seen before They had full width bodies that eliminated the pontoon fenders. In their model lineup was a 5 passenger coupe with a 4 section wrap around rear window. They dropped the President 8 and the Commanders and Champions shared the same body from the cowl back. Underneath they were entirely different cars. The Commander was larger and heavier with a more powerful 6 cylinder engine. Plus offered a longer wheelbase sedan called the Land Cruiser. They were an instant hit. The ’48s and ‘49s were little changed. The1950 models had new front ends with a radical bullet nose. A new coil spring front suspension and the engineers developed with Borg Warner an automatic transmission
For 1951 Studebaker developed a modern OHV V8 engine for the Commanders. Because the engine was more compact they shortened the front end and toned down the bullet nose. The champion models now were similar underneath and now used the same body.
Studebaker didn’t have an all new model ready in time in 1952 for Studebaker’s 100th Anniversary so the new models only got a new front end and minor trim changes. That is the year Ford and Chevy started their sales war. In the end neither was victorious but the Independents suffered horribly.
Studebaker had trouble getting the new 1953 models into production but the coupes and hardtops were stunning. Even General Motor’s Harley Earl was impressed. The plan was to manufacture 20% coupes and Hardtops and 80% sedans. That was exactly upside down.
For 1954 they made few changes but they did add a station wagon. That year they merged with Packard, which did little to strengthen Studebaker and proved disastrous for Packard.
For 1955 they used a new grill, added new colors and lots of chrome. Plus they re-introduced the President name for their top models. Midyear Studebaker changed to a wrap around windshield on the sedans. The most interesting model for 1955 was the Speedster. It was a President hard top with leather interior, special trim and a unique instrument panel. It was powered by the Studebaker 259 ci V8 with a 4-barrel. This was the car that inspired the Studebaker Hawk.
Sense their wagon building days, Studebaker prided itself as a good place to work. Rather than risk a strike, they always met union demand and they paid their workers the highest in the industry. As a consequence their labor costs were too high and productivity too low. Studebaker engineers readied all new designs foe 1956 but had little money for new tooling. Because the company was so poorly managed, bankers lost confidence, and none would take a chance and loan them money.
Here are some 1/43 models from the period.
1947 Studebaker Champion Starlite coupe by Madison Models
1950 Studebaker Land Cruiser by Brooklin
1951 Studebaker Champion Starlite coupe by Yat Ming
1953 Studebaker Commander hardtop by Best of Show.
1954 Studebaker Commander Conestoga wagon by Brooklin
1954 Packard 400 sedan by brooklin
1955 Studebaker Speedster brochure A few years ago a high end 1/43 model was offered but I don't remember from whom.
My computer is running extremely slow. I am taking it to the shop for a tune-up and some upgrades I should be up and running by next Friday.
Next week Studebaker History Part III late Post WWII
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