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Studebaker-2

          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.

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1947 Studebaker Champion Starlite coupe by Madison Models

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1950 Studebaker Land Cruiser by Brooklin

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1951 Studebaker Champion Starlite coupe by Yat Ming

BOS43350

1953 Studebaker Commander hardtop by Best of Show.

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1954 Studebaker Commander Conestoga wagon by Brooklin

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1954 Packard 400 sedan by brooklin

aa

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

CLICK HERE for last week’s Chronicle

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Last edited by Richard E
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I am hoping next time you address the compact model Studebaker offered, I think about 1960. I remember looking at them and admiring them in new car shows, especially a yellow convertible displayed, but can't now pull up the name.  I went all the way through DiecastDirect's 1/43rd listing last night, for the first time, looking for 1940 and prior, and, with Brookin offerings, could quickly get into four figures, so got off with a wistful and unfulfilled wish list.  Twice I have visited their showroom outside Franfort, Ky., but they don't display these more desireable offerings, so was underwhelmed.  The internet listing is much more impressive, and lists even Brookin offerings I was unaware of,  most of a later period,   plus those of many other brands.

Colorado Hirailer

Some of the models like Western and Conquest can get quite expensive. For my money you cant beat American Excellence / NEO resin models They are accurately detailed including the interiors and they are not cheap but they will not brake the bank. There are some like IXO and Best of Show that are in the 35 to 50 dollar range and are vary nice.
Route 66 (route66modelcarstore.com) carries some unusual cars but most are north of $200.
I intend to feature Larks in my next Chronicle. I had a ’62 Studebaker Lark V8 It was reliable, fast and well built.

I was just in a Convention Center new car show today.....coupes were few and far between....there was the new $40K!! Alfa-Romeo coupe there.  Sitting in the new Camaro reminded me of my ride in an armored vehicle at Fort Knox, with its tiny slits for windows.  That car needs a periscope.  Sadly, it put a turbo on its four cylinder, as did Mustang last year, yanking it off the table, also.  I looked at retro Avanti II's when they were available some years ago...somebody needs to revive that or the Studebaker Hawks.

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dgauss posted:

The 1953 coupe is still one of the most beautiful cars ever designed

Once again, Studebaker had Raymond Loewy design the '53....commonly referred to as the Loewy Coupe.  Just it's low stance put it miles ahead in automotive styling.  As yearly revisions progressed, some of the refined first year styling got muddied up....especially the nose/grill.

I do wish Loewy's last gasp Avanti had been as low slung, but they chose to work with the Lark platform. 

Bruce

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