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.
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.
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