Tracing a car???? HOW???

[54-61-62]

Recently I've been bitten by the urge to try to trace the 1941 Studebaker Champion Coupe my grandfather had. Being an Indiana car, its probally long since been junked, but I want to try anyways.

I have the s/n of the car and several old Indiana plate numbers. Does anybody know how to see is such a car is still in existance, or at least currently titled or registered?

Here is a picture of the car; standing in front of it is my late Mother, about 3-4 years old.

Thanks,
Kent

[Roscomacaw]

Kent,

Indiana DMV would be a start. Likely, they do not have records back that far - or even into the 60s for that matter. But it's a start.[:I]

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[Roscomacaw]

Kent,

Indiana DMV would be a start. Likely, they do not have records back that far - or even into the 60s for that matter. But it's a start.[:I]

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[54-61-62]

Good Point.

Does anyone know here if say law enforcement can look up by a non-conforming less-then-14-digit S/N to see if its currently registered?

Thanks
Kent

[54-61-62]

Good Point.

Does anyone know here if say law enforcement can look up by a non-conforming less-then-14-digit S/N to see if its currently registered?

Thanks
Kent

[Swifster]

Kent, if that car is titled and registered, a title search would work. But depending on how a given state used the numbers on the car, you may need to try 3 or more title searches. States issued titles based on;

* engine number
* serial number
* chassis or frame number

Add to that it could be in any of the 50 states or 12 Canadian Provinces/Territories, you'd have to run 189 different title searches to find out that this car no longer has a history. Many states don't even require a title on a car over 20 years old.

And after you've explorer all of those odds, the reality is that the car was recycled 50 years ago to make a new Rambler...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona

[Swifster]

Kent, if that car is titled and registered, a title search would work. But depending on how a given state used the numbers on the car, you may need to try 3 or more title searches. States issued titles based on;

* engine number
* serial number
* chassis or frame number

Add to that it could be in any of the 50 states or 12 Canadian Provinces/Territories, you'd have to run 189 different title searches to find out that this car no longer has a history. Many states don't even require a title on a car over 20 years old.

And after you've explorer all of those odds, the reality is that the car was recycled 50 years ago to make a new Rambler...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona

[garyash]

While it's unfortunate that it is so difficult to trace a long-gone car, sometimes it's better to keep the memory and let the reality go. As many forum members can tell you, finding a car after many years may not turn out to satisfy your dreams. Rust happens.

However, you might be cheered up to know that there are many '41 cars still on the road and generally not too expensive if you want one. There are a couple in New England - though not currently for sale - that are close to the one in your picture.

Here's a '41 coupe that is the same body style as your picture, though the colors might be reversed. It belongs to Ed Bratton.


Here's a double-dater coupe (I think that's the model name) that is closer in color but has the short cab. This one belongs to Paul Derosier.


I'm sympathetic: a few years ago I found a picture of the house in Baltimore that we moved into in 1948, when I was barely in short pants, and parked on the street was a 1941 Studebaker. It didn't belong to my family, but it must have been part of what got me started.



[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/gary_ash_m5_sm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[garyash]

While it's unfortunate that it is so difficult to trace a long-gone car, sometimes it's better to keep the memory and let the reality go. As many forum members can tell you, finding a car after many years may not turn out to satisfy your dreams. Rust happens.

However, you might be cheered up to know that there are many '41 cars still on the road and generally not too expensive if you want one. There are a couple in New England - though not currently for sale - that are close to the one in your picture.

Here's a '41 coupe that is the same body style as your picture, though the colors might be reversed. It belongs to Ed Bratton.


Here's a double-dater coupe (I think that's the model name) that is closer in color but has the short cab. This one belongs to Paul Derosier.


I'm sympathetic: a few years ago I found a picture of the house in Baltimore that we moved into in 1948, when I was barely in short pants, and parked on the street was a 1941 Studebaker. It didn't belong to my family, but it must have been part of what got me started.



[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/gary_ash_m5_sm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[mbstude]

I've actually seen a couple of those in this part of the country, one that is driven everywhere and still has its original paint!

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2452182550086929432oCtakf

quotearked on the street was a 1941 Studebaker.

A Land Cruiser no less! [8D]

__________________________________

Matthew Burnette
Hazlehurst, Georgia
'59 Scotsman PU
'63 Daytona HT

http://mbstudebaker.blogspot.com/

[mbstude]

I've actually seen a couple of those in this part of the country, one that is driven everywhere and still has its original paint!

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2452182550086929432oCtakf

quotearked on the street was a 1941 Studebaker.

A Land Cruiser no less! [8D]

__________________________________

Matthew Burnette
Hazlehurst, Georgia
'59 Scotsman PU
'63 Daytona HT

http://mbstudebaker.blogspot.com/

[Dwain G.]

In 2003 Auto Restorer magazine did an article on chasing your cars' roots. The author offers several tips, but it all boils down to the fact that some states are much more accomodating than others.
The car in the old B&W pic looks like an 'F' body; a 2-door sedan.


Dwain G.

[Dwain G.]

In 2003 Auto Restorer magazine did an article on chasing your cars' roots. The author offers several tips, but it all boils down to the fact that some states are much more accomodating than others.
The car in the old B&W pic looks like an 'F' body; a 2-door sedan.


Dwain G.

[studeclunker]

I've seen pictures of a few '41s that just knocked my socks off![:0][:X][] They were really beautiful cars. I have to keep telling myself, "No pre-wars, no pre-wars." By the way, I finally solved the carb problems with my '63 Champ. I put the 2bbl from my '52 Commander on it and it now runs like a watch. Go figure!


Lotsa Larks!
K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Studebaker!
Ron Smith
Where the heck is Lewiston, CA?

[studeclunker]

I've seen pictures of a few '41s that just knocked my socks off![:0][:X][] They were really beautiful cars. I have to keep telling myself, "No pre-wars, no pre-wars." By the way, I finally solved the carb problems with my '63 Champ. I put the 2bbl from my '52 Commander on it and it now runs like a watch. Go figure!


Lotsa Larks!
K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Studebaker!
Ron Smith
Where the heck is Lewiston, CA?