While in Northern Indiana this week, on a whim, we took a short drive to see the Studebaker Museum.
For 114 years, beginning in 1852 and ending in 1966, the Studebaker family provided transportation to America. I wouldn't attempt to recreate the wildly remarkable story of the Studebaker's history here, but will provide
this link to the Studebaker Museum's history page for anyone who's interested in knowing more.
I'm certainly no car aficionado but I know a nice display when I see one and this one is nice!
Beyond that, I will just post pictures, some with captions.
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Studebaker built covered wagons...
This one is a 1835 Conestoga built for the Studebaker family's travel from Pennsylvania to Ohio. |
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| ...and buckboards |
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| ...and sleighs... |
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They built hearses.
This model is from 1863.
It has a trap door in the bottom. Yes, it really does! |
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And presidential carriages. This one was President McKinley's Phaeton.
Wonder if this provided the inspiration for Bob Tiffin to use the name on motorhome... |
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| President Grant's Landeau |
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This one was for President Lincoln.
He rode in this carriage to Ford's Theater the night of his assassination. |
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1911 Electric Coupe. Cost $1850
Top speed 21 mph! |
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| 1913 Model 25 Touring Sedan |
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| 1927 Erksine |
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| Check the photo below too. |
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| A compartment for golf clubs |
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| 1932 Studebaker President St Regis Brougham |
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| 1924 Light Six |
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| Yep, Studebaker built race cars too. |
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| Studebaker police cars.... |
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| 1940 Champion Coupe |
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When was the last time you got to sit in a museum car?
You can in this Bullet Nose Studebaker!
That's the Wayner looking cool ...as always. |
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| 1934 Bendix (made by hand) |
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| 1953 Champion Starliner Hardtop |
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| Studebaker made fire trucks too. Here's a 1928 model. |
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| 1963 Zip Van delivering the US mail |
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| Model for the Studebaker Avanti |
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| This Studebaker Woody has an interesting history and very nearly didn't make it's way into the museum. |
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1958 Packard Hawk
Only 588 Packard Hawks were ever built |
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1949 Champion
Notice the rear opening door! |
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| 1961 Hawk (Flamingo is the exclusive color for this model and the convertible Lark) |
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1966 Cruiser. The very last Studebaker ever built.
It rolled off the Hamilton Ontario assembly line in March 1966. |
The Studebaker Museum has three huge levels of display vehicles. The picture below was taken on the lower level. Every display is perfect! What a great way to spend an afternoon.
The Studebaker history, the family and the entire vehicle display in South Bend, Indiana is absolutely fascinating -- even for one who isn't easily excitable over automobiles (like myself).
If you are of a certain age and ever owned, rode in or liked a car, you'll enjoy this museum, I'm sure.
Oh my, that is a great collection of vintage cars. That 1961 Flamingo Hawk is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteJim loved your pictures. This place went on his list of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteThe gold one is my favorite! It's neat to see the changes through the years.
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