Vintage 1950s Cars

Studebaker

          Studebaker (1852–1967)  was an American wagon and automobile manufacturer

based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852, the company was originally a producer of wagons for farmers, miners, and the military.

          Studebaker entered the automotive business in 1902 with electric vehicles and in 1904 with gasoline vehicles, all sold under the name Studebaker Automobile Company. After years of financial problems, in 1954 the company merged with luxury carmaker Packard to form Studebaker-Packard Corporation. However, Studebaker's financial problems were worse than the Packard executives thought. The Packard brand was phased out, and the company returned to the Studebaker Corporation name in 1962.

          After WWII, Studebaker was the only auto company to actually make a “new” 1950 model. Two series were debuted, the Champion with three trim levels and the pricier Commander which had a longer wheelbase.
only the Starlight Coupe had the drastic wraparound rear window.

          From the 1953 to 1955 Sports Coupe the new edition had a 275hp V-8 borrowed from Packard. It was race ready. Other Hawk models included Sky Hawk, Power Hawk and Flight Hawk

          The Hawk had air conditioning and 14″ wheels. The Lark was introduced as the nation slid into a recession. Demands for compact economy cars peaked. The Lark helped to increase Studebaker production by 150% and sales doubled. It came in two or four door sedans, a two-door hardtop and a station wagon model. But even this didn't save the company.