A significant Studebaker that you may not know even existed

[Studebaker Wheel]

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee285/studeq/P1020391-1copy2email.jpg?t=1333589790

[bezhawk]

Looks kinda like a Dutch Darrin creation.....perhaps as a styling study as a precurser to the Kaiser Darrin? Looks like a 50 Commander front bumper, so I'll guess 50?
The green house looks like Loewys creation.

[Alan]

Vince Gardner. 1950. He didn't like the lines of the stock Stude.

[mbstude]

The Vince Gardner Special. It recently made its debut at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. I think Gardner was a designer under Loewy and he bought the car new, and customized it right after purchasing it. I've heard that it was his proposal for a factory production roadster, but I'm not sure.

[Studebaker Wheel]

The photos supplied by Fran Roxas who restored the car (he has a restoration facility in Bridgeview, Illinois which is about 30 minutes north of me)

Alan was first but Matthew a little more complete so you must share in the extravagant awards. Half a gold star and move to the middle of the class. I am thinking Matthew may have a future in this hobby unless he gets mixed up with some woman!

The rear view I think is more attractive than the front. Additional information here: http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?...er-profile.jpg

[Bordeaux Daytona]

I guess this is the same car, according to the sign. I can read it in the original print.
I can't remember what year they were taken.
I like the car a lot better now.
John V.

[Studebaker Wheel]

There may not be a better looking Champion engine compartment anywhere. Roxas excels in all phases of restorations but engines seem to be a specialty.

[mbstude]

Now I've got to find a finned head and a dual carb setup for a 245 Big Six.

[Studebaker Wheel]

I guess this is the same car, according to the sign. I can read it in the original print. I can't remember what year they were taken. I like the car a lot better now. John V.

Yes, John that is the same car. For many years it belonged to Curt Thews who was a former Studebaker employee and volunteer at the Studebaker National Museum. He was the owner when you took your photos. Gardner did some alterations on the car during his ownership and there were additional changes made by subsequent owners. It has been restored to its original configuration.

[klifton1]

What is the pump for ? The car shows a hard cover.
Klif

[Studebaker Wheel]

What is the pump for ? The car shows a hard cover.
Klif

Both the hood and deck lid operate hydraulically. Incidentally the deck lid is hinged at the rear. The storage area was designed to accommodate the plexiglass top.

[Peanut]

I can't say that I care for the front end styling (looks like it got punched in the nose and has to wear a face guard!). The back of the car looks pretty nice, if not a bit overwhelmed by the '50 bumper. But I'll allow that we all have our ideas of beautiful design.

That said, the quality of the restoration looks to be fantastic. Congratulations on preserving a piece of Studebaker history!

And I hadn't noticed, at first, that the headlight doors are stock, just turned 180 degrees. I initially mistook them for '52 units!

[Studebaker Wheel]

Attention to detail! Note the 1941 Champion steering wheel and the four gauge instrument cluster.

[56H-Y6]

Hi

Vince Gardner demonstrated what good design 'bones' were and are available in the '47-'52 bodies to anyone who wants to build a sporty customized roadster. Fortunately, there is still a long supply of donor cars that could become as attractive as his effort. While it's a major project only for the very skillfull, a worthwhile one to consider.

Gardner's work history prior to Loewy and Studebaker was in the Auburn/Cord design department, so he had a fine background in lithe, slinky, sporty cars.

Steve

[DEEPNHOCK]

Looks like a 12v electric power steering setup...
Jeff
PS: I thought I saw Mickey Prankas in the background of Richard Quinn's Photobucket pic...

What is the pump for ? The car shows a hard cover.
Klif