Studebaker Building Demolished

Another piece of Studebaker history will be lost as one of the remaining Studebaker buildings is demolished.

"The building that once housed the engine plant of the Studebaker Corp. in South Bend will start to come down in the next few months. The building is the most visible remnant of the Studebaker complex and was built in 1917. Studebaker went out of business in 1965, and that's when South Bend Lathe moved into the structure."

Read the news article about the Studebaker building demolition.

See pictures of the Studebaker complex.

Fozzie Bear - Muppet Movie - Studebaker Commander

"Two Studebakers, 1951 Commanders specifically, were used in the film. One unaltered vehicle was used for long-shots. The other car was specially outfitted to create the illusion that Fozzie was driving, with a monitor hidden in the car's bullet nose and the real driver in the trunk."

One of the two specially-painted 1951 Studebaker Commanders used in the film resides in the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana.

Fozzie's Studebaker on the Muppet Wiki.

Studebaker - Starlight Coupe - Smithsonian

"1950 Studebaker Champion Regal DeLuxe Starlight coupe with all-steel body. Green with light gray-green upholstery. Six-cylinder engine, manual transmission. 16' 6" L x 5' 9" W x 5' 2" H."

The Smithsonian was gifted with a 1950 Studebaker Champion Regal DeLuxe Starlight coupe by Richie Clyne.

See the 1950 Studebaker Starlight Coupe.

1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk - Stamp

As part of its America on the Move stamp series, the US Postal Service is issuing a Studebaker Golden Hawk stamp on October 3, 2008.

"The Oct. 3 first-day-of-issue ceremony takes place at the Fall Carlisle Collector Car & Swap Meet where at least two of the cars—the Chrysler 300C and the Pontiac Safari—are expected to be displayed during the ceremony."

See the Studebaker Golden Hawk stamp details here.

An Airplane Without Wings

This morning, Jack's Towing stopped by to pick up our 1950 Studebaker Champion, "Doc," and bring him to the shop. A wiring short has Doc out of commission for a few days.

I needed to move Doc from the driveway into the street in order to position him for the tow truck. I unhinged the emergency brake, and with one push from within the driver's seat Doc glided into the street without effort. The manual steering wheel eased with the car's movement. All was silent save the wind and Doc's aching joints.

Doc is an example of all that's right about cars of his day; he is a marvel of engineering and design. He is the manifestation of Loewy's and Exner's imagination. Pop the hood, and he's exposed. Every part is evident.

While parenthood and work are complex, Doc is simple and beautiful and real. Yes, he's a car, but he's our car - and there's only one of him.

Studebaker Fender Side Air Vents

Chrome diamonds don't appear to be standard on the fender side air vents of the 1950 Studebaker Champion. Were they an option, or does my Champ have fender vents from a '49 Commander?

Any help is appreciated.

Studebakers West - Swap Meet - More Pictures

Studebakers West - Swap Meet - Pictures

There were about eight booths and 50 Studebaker fans at the 2008 Studebakers West Swap Meet in Redwood City, CA, this Saturday.

My Dad and I arrived around noon and bought a few windshield wiper and interior parts from Studebakers West for our 1950 Studebaker Champion.

A few pictures from the Studebakers West event are above.

About the Author - Jason H. Michaels

2007
My Dad and I are two car lovers with zero car repair experience. We took on this 1950 Studebaker Champion DeLuxe, nicknamed "Doc," in December 2007.

More than just metal and grease, Doc is a place where my Dad and I can talk about his childhood, parenting, and the complexities of everyday life.

2012
In December 2012, my family (parents, in-laws, wife, and kids) surprised me with a 1954 3R 6-12 Studebaker pickup truck. And so began a new chapter of my Studebakering.

If you have a Studebaker story, send it to me at jason [at] jasonmichaels [dot] com and I'll publish it on this blog.

I also publish the website Jason Michaels Photography + Design at www.jasonmichaels.com.

My artwork is available for sale on RedBubble.com.