My grandpa has a question...

[Chris_Dresbach]

My grandpa has a question for some of the folks here who grew up in South Bend. He was telling me that he remembers a Studebaker that ran around here that appeared to be a '50 champion in the rear, but something like a roadster in the front, but still had a regular '50 nose on the front. It also looked like the demintions were all out of shape, but still looked good and it was also a convt. He says he remembers it when he was a kid, and quite often on Adams Rd. in SB. Does anybody remember this car or know what happened to it[?] Or better yet, have a pic[?][?][?] Thanks![]

Chris Dresbach

1940 Champion two door.
Parts of the 1952 Model N

[Steve T]

That sounds like it might perhaps have been a business coupe that had been turned into a two-seat roadster...which is an interesting idea. I noticed how "unduly" long the rear end of the body looked on that gorgeous pale grey '50 biz-coupe at the '09 SB zone meet...with a small convertible top in place of the steel roof, that effect would be even more pronounced. That's just a guess. It wouldn't shock me though if Mr Quinn had a photo of such a car...

S.

[Gary1953]

I think I know the car your grandfather is asking about. It was featured in Motor trend back in the 70's.
I'll start looking for the article this weekend. I won't be able to scan the picture but can give the issue number.



Gary Sanders
Nixa, MO
President Toy Studebaker Collectors Club. Have an interest in Toy Studebakers? Contact me for details.

[Chris_Dresbach]

quote:Originally posted by Gary1953

I think I know the car your grandfather is asking about. It was featured in Motor trend back in the 70's.
I'll start looking for the article this weekend. I won't be able to scan the picture but can give the issue number.



Gary Sanders
Nixa, MO
President Toy Studebaker Collectors Club. Have an interest in Toy Studebakers? Contact me for details.

Cool! That sounds good. Unfortunately, I don't have any Motor Trends from that era.[V]

Chris Dresbach

1940 Champion two door.
Parts of the 1952 Model N

[Chris Pile]

Someone will come along and post a pic eventually.
It's an old Studebaker racer with the President 8 motor underneath the stretched bulletnose sheetmetal.

Chris Pile

http://midwaystudebakers.tripod.com/

[Dwain G.]

That's probably the one. Look for January 1980 Motor Trend.

[garyash]

That would be Virgil Exner's car. This photo shows it in later years with cream colored paint. An earlier phot shows it with red wire wheels and deep yellow paint. [Photo via John Shanahan]



[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/indy/gary_indycar25_vvsm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'32 Indy car replica (in progress)
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[fstst56]

That's the car I was thinking of.

I think the last time I saw it was at the International Meet in
Indianapolis.

Your Grandpa has a good memory.

[Chris Pile]

I never knew Virgil Exner had a part in this car's history.
Cool car - I would love to have it or a clone.

Chris Pile

http://midwaystudebakers.tripod.com/

[Chris_Dresbach]

Yup, that's the car! What is the history behind it[?]

Chris Dresbach

1940 Champion two door.
Parts of the 1952 Model N

[Dwain G.]

I don't think Ex had anything to do with that particular car, but it does have a connection to some Studebaker employees and an Indy car.

[Chris_Dresbach]

Was this a maroon color car at one time[?]

Chris Dresbach

1940 Champion two door.
Parts of the 1952 Model N

[Gary1953]

Yes.


Gary Sanders
Nixa, MO
President Toy Studebaker Collectors Club. Have an interest in Toy Studebakers? Contact me for details.

[fstst56]

I'm thinking there was a write-up on it in Turning Wheels
many years ago. Anyone know for sure?

[R2Andrea]

I've forgotten the history but it belonged to a local guy. I remember it being around at least into the '80's here. I think that pic was shot in one of the buildings at the St. Joe county 4H fair grounds. Possibly at one of the Pioneer Auto Shows.

R2Andy