Studebaker-Packard/Mercedes Benz

[Lou Van Anne]

Since S-P was the distributor of MB in 1958 does that make a 1958 MB a related enough "model" to be welcomed at an SDC event?

[rockne10]

I would certainly welcome it. See if you can find one of the magazine ads of the period, with the black and white line drawings of the M-B in a Studebaker ad to accompany your display. Would also like to see more Pierce-Arrows show up as well.

[Avantict]

I would certainly like to think so but the next logical question is when to cut them off. i.e.: When Studebaker sold the distribution rights back to Mercedes.

Very interesting question as I have been a supporter of Monte Carlo Caprice El Camino Firebird Mustang based Avanti owners reaching out to and attending those Marque shows as a means to broaden those events. I guess I will find out now that I have a Mustang based Avanti.

[Lou Van Anne]

A good idea, but would "we" be welcomed?

I would certainly like to think so but the next logical question is when to cut them off. i.e.: When Studebaker sold the distribution rights back to Mercedes.

Very interesting question as I have been a supporter of Monte Carlo Caprice El Camino Firebird Mustang based Avanti owners reaching out to and attending those Marque shows as a means to broaden those events. I guess I will find out now that I have a Mustang based Avanti.

[Studebaker Wheel]

So who is going to volunteer to be the judge on authenticity? Matching numbers etc? How many more trophies to order? Are Studebakers welcomed at M-B shows?

[SN-60]

Since S-P was the distributor of MB in 1958 does that make a 1958 MB a related enough "model" to be welcomed at an SDC event?

Mercedes of that era would be an interesting occasional diversion.....but to answer your question,..'No'

[Warren Webb]

Studebaker's contribution really put Mercedes on a strong footing in North America. I think that's a great idea for them to be placed within the 58-65 era.

[StudeRich]

They would be placed right there with the Flanders, EMF, Erskine, Rockne, Pierce Arrow and Detroit Packard, in the Studebaker related Class.

I do not recall ever having seen a Nice '58-'63 190SL Roadster at an International Meet, but they should be welcomed, a good number were sold at Studebaker Dealers.

[paul shuffleburg]

Did Studebaker own or manufacture MB?

[Stu Chapman]

Food For Thought

Let me try and put this initial thread and subsequent posts in a scenario that bears discussion by the National Meet Committee and SDC Board.

1 - The time frame of the Mercedes-Benz/Studebaker affiliation did not end until 1965.

2 - Mercedes-Benz most definitely was an integral part of Studebaker, being in essence a division of the Corporation. My responsibilities in advertising and public relations at Studebaker extended to Mercedes-Benz. In fact Studebaker executives often were consigned Mercedes-Benz automobiles as company cars.

3 - Studebaker did not manufacture Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

4 - January 2015 Turning Wheels, page 24, states that Division 1: Prewar 1902-1946 includes Erskine, Packard & Pierce Arrow. I'm surprised that Packard is included here since they were not part of Studebaker during that time period.

5 - Also the January TW shows Division SI: Special Interest Vehicles, Class B, includes Weasels, Racers & Excaliburs. Weasels were Studebakers. Excaliburs were not. Perhaps this is the area that Mercedes-Benz could be included, but then so should all Packards that were built during the time they were built by Studebaker-Packard Corporation.

6 - It seems to me that we used to have a judging class known as "Studebaker-related". Such a class would make the most sense. It could have two categories - one for all 1902-1946 vehicles and one for all 1947-1966 vehicles.

Hopefully this will open up the thinking process further on the subject. For those members concerned about authenticity knowledge of related vehicles, perhaps judging could be on a people's choice basis. The initial thread certainly deserves further study at the appropriate levels.

Stu Chapman

[56H-Y6]

From page 51 & 52 in "Champion of the Lark: Harold Churchill and the Presidency of Studebaker-Packard 1956-1961" by Robert R. Ebert:

"The Studebaker-Packard product line was enhanced at this time through an arrangement to distribute Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In April 1957, Curtiss-Wright, working with S-P and using connections it had with Daimler-Benz, A. G. of Germany, worked out the agreement giving Studebaker-Packard exclusive rights to import the Mercedes-Benz line of passenger cars and truck into North America. Larger Studebaker-Packard dealers were selected to handle the Mercedes-Benz line of upper-middle through high-priced luxury class automobiles, which certainly expanded the S-P offerings."

If I recall correctly, this arrangement lasted until 1965.

Adding to Mr. Chapman's enlargement of the subject, Studebaker had control of Pierce-Arrow from 1928 through 1933 only. Though in an ecumenical spirit, all Buffalo's fine cars are welcome at meets.

[Avantict]

When it comes to authenticity and judging I have the following thoughts. 1) Affiliated vehicles would not have a judging option. i.e.: Display only 2) Phone numbers to local trophy shops could be provided to those so inclined. I think the benefits of telling and demonstrating the "whole story" far out weigh competition concerns.

[StudeNewby]

I like the idea of M-B being shown, especially the 1958-65 model years. It makes sense, right along with the other aforementioned "Studebaker-related" marques. A friend of mine drives nothing but M-B and owns a 1962 "finned" model which would make a nice addition to a show. And as Stu suggested, "People's choice" seems to be an easy way to bring them into judging, as the SDC would not have to acquire M-B expertise for such a category. Bring 'em on!

[swvalcon]

I've often wondered if had Studebaker continued would they be in the same class as Mercedes today? Maybe Mercedes should have bought Studebaker Packard in 63.

[candbstudebakers]

Here are a few pictures of the San Francisco Examiner news paper on Sunday Dec. 8 1957 this is a 16 page insert advertisement showing the 58 Studebaker line along with 4
pages on the MB, note front page sates "The worlds finest motor cars" my guess they would be welcome at any Studebaker meet and a place for them would be there .









Sorry about the poor pictures but this is the best I can with my camera.