New Owner of Studebakers West?

[r1lark]

I saw in the Southeast Zone newsletter that Studebakers West has a new owner, and Carl Thoms will be retiring. Anyone know who the new owner is?

[mbstude]

Carl told me the gentleman's name, but I don't remember at the moment. It's an old friend of his that's been in the Studebaker hobby for a while, not someone that's already in the parts business. My understanding is that ownership will "officially" change at the end of this year.

[r1lark]

Thank you Matt for the additional info!

[abkco]

Business is being moved to Marysville, Ca.

[unclemiltie]

Can you please have him contact me when he is ready so I can update the vendors list. Thanks you

[Chartrain]

I had the honor & privilege of a visit with Carl last week
My car, a 63 GT Hawk had many of its parts sourced from Studebaker West
My perception of the facility & what I visited were 180 degrees apart
I approached an open garage door with a man sitting at a table parked under an Avanti on a lift.
The man, Carl Thoms was quietly working away building a wire harness that his brother had promised to a customer.
I told him about my car & asked if I could sit & chat for a while.
Looking around at the mountain of parts scattered everywhere made me sense that an era was closing.
I also realized why when I called the day before that there was no response. The phone is still a land line behind the counter so it takes a while to get to it. If you want to reach him, let it ring!
In a candid & almost humorous way, when I asked how his brother had passed, Carl said “ well he got up one morning & went ahead & died”
We spoke at length of international meets & the various obstacles faced & overcome.
I am delighted to say that God willing, that Carl will be attending our meet in Texas next year

[Chartrain]

[Studebluecar]

Looks like their web site is off line. What's the best way to contact them?
Dave in baltimore

[M-Webb]

Did they ever even have a website?

[StudeRich]

Yes Studebakers West did have a simple Site with contact info.
In your March Issue of Turning Wheels Vendor Issue you find Carl's phone, IF He is still open.
650, Three Sixty Six, 87, eighty-Seven.

[Studebluecar]

Thanks for your response.

[abkco]

Carl still answers the phone, but he’s a 1-man operation now. He said he expects the transition to happen at the end of the year.