The Real Story Of The American Classic Car - The Studebaker Automobile

"Was it coming or going?" or the "Bullet-nose car",world famous as the Conestoga Wagon.
was what they were saying about the AmericanOne son, however, John Mohler Studebaker, chose
Classic Car the Studebaker of the '50's. Theto make his fortune in the Gold Rush of California.
Studebaker family had hired a French designerHowever, when discovering that the good land was
"Loewy" to design a car to compete with "Fords,gone, he decided to provide a service instead. Hence
Chevrolet's and Plymouth" that have become whathe designed a wheelbarrow becoming known as
we call the Classic Cars of the 1950's. Many of theseWheelbarrow Johnny. These rugged and sturdy
Classic Cars includingwheelbarrows were sold to the miners until the end
Studebaker Automobiles can be seen at moat of theof the gold rush.
Classic Car Auctions around the country at any givenBetween the Conestoga Wagon of the father and
time. The famous Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auctionthe wheelbarrow of the son, the Studebaker family
usually has several on their list of Classic Cars for Salebecame know for producing durable and reliable
every year. A list of the most sought afteritems. Consequently the Studebaker Wagons became
Studebaker models would include the 1963legendary and the family was well on their way to a
Studebaker Daytona, 62 Studebaker, Studebaker,place in history.
Studebaker Cruiser, Studebaker Starliner, StudebakerThey didn't begin producing automobiles until 1902.
Golden Hawk, Studebaker Skyhawk, 1950However when the company sent a wire to
Studebaker Coupe, Studebaker Pick-up, StudebakerPresident Wilson offering to make all of its facilities
S10, Studebaker Avnti, andthe Studebaker 1913available for war production, once Studebaker
Runabout.became famous. Because of their war efforts of
The Studebaker family produced wagons for theturning out wagons, trucks, ambulances, gun carriages
military during the Civil War which became the Baseand other items they earned a reputation for rugged,
for their automobile production that began in thedurable vehicles. This led to increased sales and
very early 1900's.prosperity for the company.
By the 1920's the company was well known forThere failure to invest in new equipment after the
having a very good automobile. Then in the early partwar was the beginning of the end that eventually led
of World War II they began produce equipmentto their downfall. For a while the development of the
under contract for the military which included B-17" Studebaker Lark" helped keep the company's head
Flaying Fortress engines, the dependable M29 andabove water, but it wasn't sufficient. They tried again
M29C Weasel Amphibious Landing Craft. The contractwith the "Studebaker Avanti" in '64. Mechanical
for the US6x6 military transport Truck lead to thedifficulties caused it to fail. They also built a few cars
production to their first pick-up truck the M-serieswith Superchargers installed on their V8's but even
that appeared in 1941 and was an immediate hit withthat was not enough to save them. Although not
the American farmer.considered a Classic Muscle Car it was fast for it's
The company, however by the mid 1960's wastime. As a result they never again returned to having
heading for the end of its life in the automotive fieldthe reliable reputation of their ancestors. But if you
because they had lost their reputation as anare looking for a Studebaker Classic Car to restore
innovative designer of durable, rugged and reliableany of the following form the list above would be a
vehicles.great place to start, a 1963 Studebaker Daytona, a
The Studebaker family history dated back to the62 Studebaker, 39 Studebaker, Studebaker Cruiser,
18Th century in Germany. The Staudenbeckers were1950 Studebaker Coupe, any Studebaker Pickup,
blade makers in the City of Solingen, which wasStudebaker Skyhawk, Studebaker S10, Studebaker
famous for its cutlery.Starliner, Studebaker Golden Hawk, and last but not
However, the Staudenbeckers felt that it lacked theleast the Famous 1913 Runabout. If you are thinking
freedoms they desired. They had heard and thoughta "Where Can I Buy Studebaker Car" a couple of
about eventually immigrating to the new world, butplaces come to mind. You can often find a
this was not easy. Although it took over five yearsStudebaker for Sale at under Cars for Sale or you
they eventually immigrated to the new world. Thiscan check with the Studebaker Drivers Club for more
was the beginning of a change in profession for theminformation.
and eventually a new industry in the new world.Contrary to belief, Studebaker, never did go into
In 1836, when they were finally free to move to thebankruptcy. However its days as an expert in the
world and because of the immigration clerks,field of automotive were over in 1966. It merged
unfamiliarity with German, their name was recordedwith Worthington Industries, who merged with
with many variations, eventually becomingMcGraw-Edison which was taken over by Cooper
Studebaker.Industries. Cooper still owns the rights to the
In the early days they were blacksmiths, thenStudebaker nameplate but has said that it has "no
moving on to wagon making. Even then, trustingplans for its use in the foreseeable future".
there abilities, they settled on a design which became