In 1852, the brothers Henry and Clement Studebaker opened their blacksmith shop in South Bend, Indiana. Operating initially under the name H & C Studebaker, the business would eventually evolve into the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wagons and buggies. In 1902, Studebaker began to make cars.
Following World War II, Studebaker introduced new styling and attempted to establish itself as an automotive style leader. In 1950, it introduced the “bullet nose” styling. However, during the 1950s competition in the automotive market was stiff and Studebaker sales declined.
In 1962, Studebaker introduced the Avanti. While stylish and modern, the Avanti failed to save the company. At the end of 1963, Studebaker closed its South Bend plant. The last Studebaker was assembled at the Hamilton, Ontario plant on March 17, 1966.
Shown below are some of the Studebakers which were on display at the Veterans Car and Motorcycle Show in Vancouver, Washington.
1948 Studebaker Pickup
1950 Studebaker Champion
1955 Studebaker President
1963 Studebaker Avanti
In the 1960s, Studebaker was struggling to stay alive and the Avanti was seen as a last ditch effort to stay relevant. It was designed by Raymond Loewy, the creator of the modern Coca-Cola bottle. The design was a futuristic look with a long hood and short deck. The body was made in fiberglass as it was too difficult to make from steel. Unfortunately, the Avanti did not save Studebaker.
1988 Avanti Luxury Sport Coup
After Studebaker ceased operations, the Avanti was purchased and continues to be produced with only minor changes in design.
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