Studebaker - Boom and Bust - South Bend, Indiana

The sad story of prosperity and then decline.

"In its heyday, the west side was the bustling center of life for many workers at the Studebaker Corporation who made their homes on the west side and also supported neighborhood businesses. But after Studebaker Corporation closed, the west side began its decline."

"Despite its challenges, Davis says there are many bright spots in the 2nd District, such as the Studebaker National Museum, Center for History and a future Civil Rights Heritage Center at Indiana University South Bend. Davis says the Monroe Park neighborhood near downtown also shows a lot of promise."

Read the full article on the South Bend Tribune website.

Studebaker Romance - 1957 Golden Hawk

Here's an uplifting story about Studebakers... and love.

"Dan Talbot and his wife celebrated their honeymoon 50 years ago in a Studebaker. Now, they’re celebrating their golden anniversary in another Studebaker."

"These are the kinds of stories I love. There just seems to be an undeniable attraction between people and the cars they grew up with. Fond memories and life-changing moments surrounding certain types of cars make folks wax nostalgic. A prime example of this is the Studebaker. Studebaker clubs exist all over the world. People never tire of these old-school classics and demand for them is higher than ever."

Read the full article on CarReview.com.

Preschool Sock Hop - 1950 Studebaker Champion

No car news - everything is running fine!

Below is a photograph of my lovely daughter just before we left home for the 1950s Sock Hop at her preschool. The event was fun for the kids and the adults... and our Champion was the guest star and perfect background for all of the family photographs.

Studebaker Sign - Los Angeles

I spied this Studebaker sign in an article about signage rules in Los Angeles, CA.

"Ads for homes by the Los Angeles Investment Company, Studebaker cars and Western Auto Supply dominate the view down Broadway in this 1920s photo."

Here is a link to the article.

A Moment of Silence for Studebaker

Please take a moment today to recall that the very last Studebaker was built on this date in 1966, in Hamilton, Ontario. This was the sad end of a long and proud line of great American cars. Fortunately, there are many people keeping the Studebaker name alive; click here for the Studebaker Drivers Club.

An Elegy for South Bend - Studebaker

Regardless of one's political views, I found this article by James Matthew Wilson both a prescient warning and a timely reminder of what the US and automakers need to consider; to look to long-term economic growth in America; to save the next "Studebaker."

Excerpt:

"Rather, I would argue that South Bend is just like every other city in the United States, only more so. Perhaps that makes it not-so-nice, but it remains no less typical for all that.

For example, South Bend has been in a state of economic contraction for much of the last quarter century. The steel industry became extinct here about two years ago. That makes South Bend an exemplary American city. After all, now that the Bush administration has removed the tariff on steel under pressure from the E.U. (violating the policy of, among others, the Reagan Administration), very few remnants of that industry will survive in the U.S. as a whole. We are destined to become a service economy where the working class consists no longer of blue-collar laborers in manufacturing and farmers in agriculture, but of uniformed masses in the various service industries. They will tend deep-fat-fryers, make change, and experience the freedom and satisfaction that the job security of fast food franchises alone can provide. South Bend is simply ahead of its time."

Read the full article here.

Photo from www.opacity.us

1956 - 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Was the Studebaker Golden Hawk a muscle car?

"Value-wise today, these very rare cars are worth around close to $30,000 in top condition, according to auction results and asking prices in collector car want ads. Of all the independent domestic makes, Studebaker has the largest following. But does that make it an Obscure Muscle Car? Does it deserve a place in the Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot, or is it just a 50’s cruiser that’s only good for car shows, and nostalgia? I’m looking forward to your opinions."

See this article about the Studebaker Golden Hawk at CarDomain.com.

New Exterior Pictures - Studebaker Champion

Here are a few exterior shots that also show the interior work on our Studebaker Champion.

To see shots of the full exterior, see Studebaker Champion photographs.

Over the Moon - Studebaker Restoration

Just a quick note to announce that Doc, our 1950 Studebaker Champion, is back on the streets of Sacramento. Aside from little bits and bobs, the restoration is complete. It's been more than a year in the making.

Best of all, my Dad was with me to pick up the car and take a cruise; a great and memorable evening. Pictures below.