Too many automobile aficionados and downright car guys the nameplate "Studebaker" is associated with such advanced classic vehicles of their time - such as the Studebaker Avanti model introduced unbelievably in the 1963 auto market year. Complete decked out with a fiberglass body , futuristic styling , disc brakes and an optional turbocharged engine the Avanti still turns head and was way ahead of the pack of the car and vehicle products of the big 3 automakers of the time.
Historically, Studebaker introduced its all-new distinctive model line Champion in 1939. It was leaner, lighter version of the full-sized car that established its fame and placed the company's models in the succeeding years. During the Second World War, automobile manufacturers contributed to the war but they started producing civilian cars after-wards. They produced prewar models while developing their new postwar cars. Still the amphibious vehicle "The Weasel" not only lead the charge in many of the landings of US troops but also its advanced technologies and mechanical reliability led the way to many of the amphibious and "water cars" that we have designed and built today on the marketplace. In 1942, Studebaker began manufacturing their new design. Meanwhile, they did not incorporate the President and Commander models in 1946. They only manufactured the "Champion," better known as "Skyway Champion."
Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930's ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the "Great Depression". Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it greatness as well as determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry. Yet although other major domestic US auto makers such as Ford, GM & Chrysler survived its hard to see how the lookalike products whether it be a Ford Escape driving on Winnipeg & Manitoba roads and highways differs much in appearance and styling than similar Chevrolet , Buick or Chrysler/Dodge SUV Sport Utility Crossovers as well as other vehicles. Its a shame. On top of that most associate former "American Motors" ,( now merged with Chrysler Chryco), with Rambler products not with the rich legacies of Packard, Piece Arrow & Studebakers.
Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products - some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The "Champion" in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed "Starlight " model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name "Land Cruiser". This was one of Studebaker's 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker "Land Cruiser ", "Commander" and "Champion Models". All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders. Its rather amazing , or perhaps to be expected in the automotive industries , that is one little company who could be said to be innovator responsible for the development and introduction of our modern day SUVs and Crossovers. Larger companies - the "Big 3" of Detroit who dominated the auto industry came to be down for their great bureaucratic malaise. GM for example became known as the "worst example" of this decision making by committee and committees. Nothing could be done and nothing really new innovated without going through myriads of approvals and working within the system. Yet it was Studebaker and not General Motors , Ford & Chrysler whom can be said to be the pioneering organization who laid the groundwork for a set of products , while too early in the marketplace for the survival of Studebaker , did rescue the US auto industry from oblivion with both their niche market sales and great bottom line profitability and profit-abilities
Just what happened to this wonderful American institution in the transportation industries , that had such a rich , vibrant and varied set of histories? Studebaker just was bleeding red ink. Company losses just never seemed to end in the 1950's. Reasons included high labor costs - wages were the highest in the US auto industry, and low sales due to a price war between G.M. & Ford. The firm was merged with the mighty Packard Company. Yet even the renown and profitability of this highest of end , lucrative brand were not enough to stem the flow of company financial losses. A yet larger merger was constructed - whose corporate brand was American Motors & later AMC. AMC - best known now not for its "Rambler" series of compact cars but also the Jeep line has been absorbed as part of Chrysler and the Chrysler Group LLC. Who knows in 2013 and future years , with marketing emphasis on well earned retro vehicles and badging we may see the revival of nameplates such as Studebaker & even Packard back on American & Canadian roads and highways.
Historically, Studebaker introduced its all-new distinctive model line Champion in 1939. It was leaner, lighter version of the full-sized car that established its fame and placed the company's models in the succeeding years. During the Second World War, automobile manufacturers contributed to the war but they started producing civilian cars after-wards. They produced prewar models while developing their new postwar cars. Still the amphibious vehicle "The Weasel" not only lead the charge in many of the landings of US troops but also its advanced technologies and mechanical reliability led the way to many of the amphibious and "water cars" that we have designed and built today on the marketplace. In 1942, Studebaker began manufacturing their new design. Meanwhile, they did not incorporate the President and Commander models in 1946. They only manufactured the "Champion," better known as "Skyway Champion."
Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930's ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the "Great Depression". Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it greatness as well as determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry. Yet although other major domestic US auto makers such as Ford, GM & Chrysler survived its hard to see how the lookalike products whether it be a Ford Escape driving on Winnipeg & Manitoba roads and highways differs much in appearance and styling than similar Chevrolet , Buick or Chrysler/Dodge SUV Sport Utility Crossovers as well as other vehicles. Its a shame. On top of that most associate former "American Motors" ,( now merged with Chrysler Chryco), with Rambler products not with the rich legacies of Packard, Piece Arrow & Studebakers.
Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products - some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The "Champion" in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed "Starlight " model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name "Land Cruiser". This was one of Studebaker's 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker "Land Cruiser ", "Commander" and "Champion Models". All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders. Its rather amazing , or perhaps to be expected in the automotive industries , that is one little company who could be said to be innovator responsible for the development and introduction of our modern day SUVs and Crossovers. Larger companies - the "Big 3" of Detroit who dominated the auto industry came to be down for their great bureaucratic malaise. GM for example became known as the "worst example" of this decision making by committee and committees. Nothing could be done and nothing really new innovated without going through myriads of approvals and working within the system. Yet it was Studebaker and not General Motors , Ford & Chrysler whom can be said to be the pioneering organization who laid the groundwork for a set of products , while too early in the marketplace for the survival of Studebaker , did rescue the US auto industry from oblivion with both their niche market sales and great bottom line profitability and profit-abilities
Just what happened to this wonderful American institution in the transportation industries , that had such a rich , vibrant and varied set of histories? Studebaker just was bleeding red ink. Company losses just never seemed to end in the 1950's. Reasons included high labor costs - wages were the highest in the US auto industry, and low sales due to a price war between G.M. & Ford. The firm was merged with the mighty Packard Company. Yet even the renown and profitability of this highest of end , lucrative brand were not enough to stem the flow of company financial losses. A yet larger merger was constructed - whose corporate brand was American Motors & later AMC. AMC - best known now not for its "Rambler" series of compact cars but also the Jeep line has been absorbed as part of Chrysler and the Chrysler Group LLC. Who knows in 2013 and future years , with marketing emphasis on well earned retro vehicles and badging we may see the revival of nameplates such as Studebaker & even Packard back on American & Canadian roads and highways.
About the Author:
The Lark, in particular, was based on existing parts to the degree that it even utilized the central body section of the company's 1953-58 cars, but was a clever enough design to be popular in its first year, selling over 130,000 units and delivering a $28.6 million profit to the automaker
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