Had some enjoyable Studebaker time today. Was off work, it was sunny and mild for our area for the time of year. Recent heavy rains had washed the salt from the roads, so I fired up the '54 Champion this afternoon for a little ride. After warming up, it purred away and ran as if I had just shut it off yesterday. Drove it about 25 miles. What fun.
While out and about, I stopped at my only local gas station that still sells non-ethanol gas and had the tank filled up. While I was there, a gentleman about my age stopped to buy ordinary gas for his Subaru. He struck up a conversation with me and stated that when he was very young, he grew up a couple doors down from the Studebaker dealer in Austintown, Ohio. He said they had a showroom that only held one car, had a small service area, and then some other fenced off area that they used to store cars. I asked where Austintown was and he said just west of Youngstown, which is in eastern Ohio. I told him that such a small dealership was very typical of Studebaker back then.
I just wondered if any of our Ohio members recall this dealership, or have a picture of it? I forgot to ask him the name of the dealership. Anytime you go anywhere with a Studebaker , it's not uncommon to have encounters like this and it's all part of the enjoyment.
Before I forget, Happy New Year to All!
Dave Bonn
'54 Champion Starliner
While out and about, I stopped at my only local gas station that still sells non-ethanol gas and had the tank filled up. While I was there, a gentleman about my age stopped to buy ordinary gas for his Subaru. He struck up a conversation with me and stated that when he was very young, he grew up a couple doors down from the Studebaker dealer in Austintown, Ohio. He said they had a showroom that only held one car, had a small service area, and then some other fenced off area that they used to store cars. I asked where Austintown was and he said just west of Youngstown, which is in eastern Ohio. I told him that such a small dealership was very typical of Studebaker back then.
I just wondered if any of our Ohio members recall this dealership, or have a picture of it? I forgot to ask him the name of the dealership. Anytime you go anywhere with a Studebaker , it's not uncommon to have encounters like this and it's all part of the enjoyment.
Before I forget, Happy New Year to All!
Dave Bonn
'54 Champion Starliner
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