Back handed Studebaker Tribute...

[mmagic]

As I begin the long research on rebuilding my Speedster, one thing has bit by bit grown on me. Now, my first car was a Studebaker and my last Studebaker was traded away in '66 so I have a long soft spot for Studebakers (my college blond flame was even a Studebaker).

What I find fascinating is the number Rat-Rods or highly modified Studebakers I have encountered. I doubt if any other brand has seen the extent of engine/drive train swaps and even whole body swaps to another brand. Even within the brand, the number of '55 converted to '53s and 53-55s re-badged to Hawks is amazing. I ran into a friend who collects 240-Z's and discover he's driving a Cruiser body mounted on an Olds Chasis/interior!

I've seen a number of MOPAR and Mustang "Clones"... attempts to re-badge within a model year. But, I only recall hearing of one attempt to re-badge a C as a Speedster... ok, it was a Phantom, not a clone. My point is that Studes just keep hanging around and be re-incarnated as "My Car".

Ok, I'm even thinking of re-creating my '63 Lark 4 door with a Caravan interior, alloy wheels and a '66 Mustang Candy Apple exterior for a fun driver. No, the Speedster may get front discs and a dual master cylinder but beyond that it will be as designed in South Bend.

[warrlaw1]

My 55K was intended to be a recreation of the 55C I lost 35 years ago. Once I got into it and found the production order, I decided to keep it as stock as possible. I'm glad I did. Others build what they want. I built what I could have had and now have. It gets just as many "wow"s as any custom out there. Good luck with your Speedster.

[Chris Pile]

I doubt if any other brand has seen the extent of engine/drive train swaps and even whole body swaps to another brand.

Yeah, right.
Tell it to all the 30's and 40's Fords out there with bowtie belly-buttons.
We have nothing to complain about here in Studebaker Land.