50’s Nostalgia-1953 Studebaker

Edginess was a Studebaker tradition

The 1953 Studebaker cars were perhaps the most beautiful American cars ever made. They were underpowered and technically deficient to the cars from the big three but even if you wouldn’t consider buying a Studebaker, you always knew what they looked like. The post-war Studebakers were known as the cars that looked the same from the front and the rear.  They didn’t look exactly alike because you could always tell a taillight from a headlight and the front end had the air vent but you could imagine the fun the designer must have had making the front and rear as much alike as possible. Now that I pull photos of a 1950 Studebaker, it is interesting to note that the front and back aren’t as similar as everybody used to say.

1953 was the year for Studebaker

Back to 1953, the restyled cars were a sensation, outflanking the stodgier Fords and Chevies but sales took a hit after the boost in 1953. My guess is that the looks were not enough to overcome the lack of power and finish of the Ford and GM competition. Studebaker was troubled, as were all the smaller car companies. They packed together hoping to build enough market share to compete. Studebaker merged with Packard but despite some good ideas and new styling ideas in the 60’s, Studebaker is now just a part of the US auto history.

This video gives you a closer look at a prize winning 1953 Studebaker coupe in perfect condition.