The Studebakers

The History of the Studebaker Family and Their Classic Cars

By: Phaistos Publishers

Narrated by: Daniel Houle

Length: 1 hr and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

“The automobile has come to stay. But when a man has no business, it is a rather expensive luxury, and I would advise no man, be he farmer or merchant, to buy one until he has sufficient income to keep it up. A horse and buggy will afford a great deal of enjoyment…” (John M. Studebaker)

Every year, thousands of automobile enthusiasts from different states near and far – and at times, flying in from other countries – flock to their nearest Studebaker car show, hosted by a local chapter of the Studebaker Driver's Club, without fail. Car fanatics and avid collectors alike congregate at these wholesome, family-friendly events to admire and pay homage to the long-lived company's exquisite collection of cars and trucks in both used and mint conditions, among which include: the 1954 Studebaker Champion, a sleek model available in electric blue and tangerine orange, equipped with three-passenger benches and their trademark flat-head straight-six engine rated at 85 hp and 138-lbs of torque; the 1963 Studebaker Avanti, a personal luxury coupe, available in colors such as pewter gray, royal red, and midnight black, kitted out with black vinyl bucket seats; the 1927 Studebaker Dictator, a classic, rear-wheel-drive, four-door sedan with a hardtop roof; and many other timeless masterpieces.

In a nutshell, the Studebaker Corporation was, to many, the embodiment of classic American culture and values. It was a distinctly unionized and family-oriented business, its cars and wares built by generations of fathers and sons, and throughout its lengthy history, churned out some 4.2 million vehicles, on top of the 2 million horse-drawn carriages manufactured during its early years. To this day, one can still see the imprints and vestiges left behind by the Studebaker legacy across its hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

There is, for instance, the Studebaker Plaza, situated on the corner of Michigan Street and Jefferson Boulevard, which features an oversized chessboard, a quaint whiskey bar, and an outdoor patio, which was erected on the site of Henry and Clement Studebaker's original blacksmith shop. The Studebaker National Museum aside, South Bend's Jacob Street (named after Jacob Studebaker) and local bagel outlet, Studebagels, also pay tribute to the family name. South Bend's St. Paul's United Methodist Church, the original structure founded by Clem and Ann Studebaker in 1882, and Tippecanoe Place, a historical mansion-turned-upscale restaurant, also built by Clem Studebaker, are less obvious remnants of the irreplicable Studebaker legacy.

This brief history of the Studebakers explores the journey of the corporation's founding fathers, the company's development and expansion throughout the years, the events that led to its fall from grace, and the enduring legacy of the family.

©2020 Charles River Editors (P)2020 Charles River Editors