Engine Bay - Studebaker Champion - 1950

A lot of folks like to see what's under the hood of our stock 1950 Studebaker Champion Deluxe. Here's a quick picture of the 85 hp, L-6, single carb, 6 volt, oil bath engine.

Tom and Ray are Realistic Dream Killers

Tom and Ray are right about old car dependability, parts hunting, safety, etc. However, the parts hunting, the times when a classic car is running like a clock, the beautiful design, the interaction with interested strangers - all of these factors outweigh the difficulty of maintaining a classic car.

My advice to Gary: buy the Versa and the Avanti.

Read the full article here.

Studebaker International - Parts Cache

Today, I witnessed the largest cache of Studebaker parts in the world (I think).

My visit to Studebaker International was exciting on a couple of fronts:

1. I saw the origin of many of the parts we've installed on our Studebaker.

2. I was treated to a quick tour of the tens of thousands of square feet filled with the contents of Studebaker International and the remains of SASCO.

The organization of parts at SI was impressive. The racks in these pictures were unloaded at SASCO, moved, cleaned, and restocked. And not only restocked, but organized by part number.

Thanks to the folks at Studebaker International for the tour!

Studebaker International - Photographs

Below are a few pics of Studebaker International's South Bend Showroom, front door, trailer, and sign.

It's Official: Studebaker International Bought SASCO's Inventory

"The inventory eventually will be moved to the Studebaker Business Center, 711 Chippewa Ave., South Bend. When that building reopens in the spring of 2010, Reynolds said it will be part of a retail complex that caters to Studebaker enthusiasts visiting the city to tour the Studebaker National Museum or other events."

Read the story on the South Bend Tribune website.

Read the official announcement here.

SASCO to Move - Studebaker Parts

South Bend, Indiana understandably wants to create new industry and tax streams. That said, one must not forget its past ... and in this case, its soul.

"SASCO is a parts business for Studebaker automobiles, which took over for Newman & Altman Inc. several years ago. Its inventory includes parts such as fenders, hoods, chrome bumpers and engines. It is considered the last remaining supplier of Studebaker parts for cars made by the automaker, which closed in 1963."

Read the full article.

Studebaker Parts and Accessories

I'm a sucker for packaging. Below is an envelope that came with some NOS, new old stock, parts from Studebakers West in Redwood City, California.

I love that Studebakers West felt compelled to include the NOS parts in their original parts envelope, and I particularly enjoy the handwritten notes.