1952 pace car clone

[Michidan]

The recent thread on the 62 pace car got me wondering if there are any known clones of the 1952 commander convertible pace car. Anyone ever hear of any?

Dan
52 hardtop

[52 Ragtop]

Dan,

I've not seen a 52 Pace Car clone, (or the real one) BUT, if I ever find the original Pace Car, I would buy it, even if the only things left were the body tag and VIN #!
I gaurentee that my 52 would "disapear" for a few months, and "re-apear" Maui Blue with a black top and red leather interior, AND lettered up as a Pace Car! <G>
I have had the 52 Pace Car VIN # run, it's NOT in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio or Michigan. Well at least it's not registered in any of those states.
Dick Quinn did a feature article on the 52 500 cars a few years ago in Turning Wheels. From what I remember, the Pace Car was still owned by Studebaker until 1954. It was then sold to an (unknown) dealer, and it was "probably" sanded down, painted and sold as a used car, and now has come back to life as a toyota or something!
I know of NONE of the 52 500 cars that have survived.

Jim

[52 Ragtop]

Dan,

I've not seen a 52 Pace Car clone, (or the real one) BUT, if I ever find the original Pace Car, I would buy it, even if the only things left were the body tag and VIN #!
I gaurentee that my 52 would "disapear" for a few months, and "re-apear" Maui Blue with a black top and red leather interior, AND lettered up as a Pace Car! <G>
I have had the 52 Pace Car VIN # run, it's NOT in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio or Michigan. Well at least it's not registered in any of those states.
Dick Quinn did a feature article on the 52 500 cars a few years ago in Turning Wheels. From what I remember, the Pace Car was still owned by Studebaker until 1954. It was then sold to an (unknown) dealer, and it was "probably" sanded down, painted and sold as a used car, and now has come back to life as a toyota or something!
I know of NONE of the 52 500 cars that have survived.

Jim

[Michidan]

April 99 was the Almanac article about the 1952 Indy 500. Richard found all the serial numbers for cars associated with the race. I have a sidebar at www.studebakerhardtop.com on the event. I have yet to determine what, if any at all, markings were done on the other cars and trucks provided that day. (in all 29 cars and trucks!)

Even cloned, a 52 pace car convertile would be so, so cool. A good project for someeone. Wish it was me.

Hmm. I suppose a few minutes with the sawzall would take that hardtop I have right off...

Here's a good question - I wonder what the most recent Indy 500 is where a pace car or cloned pace car does NOT exist? Could the world be waiting on us Studebaker guys?

Dan
52 hardtop

[Michidan]

April 99 was the Almanac article about the 1952 Indy 500. Richard found all the serial numbers for cars associated with the race. I have a sidebar at www.studebakerhardtop.com on the event. I have yet to determine what, if any at all, markings were done on the other cars and trucks provided that day. (in all 29 cars and trucks!)

Even cloned, a 52 pace car convertile would be so, so cool. A good project for someeone. Wish it was me.

Hmm. I suppose a few minutes with the sawzall would take that hardtop I have right off...

Here's a good question - I wonder what the most recent Indy 500 is where a pace car or cloned pace car does NOT exist? Could the world be waiting on us Studebaker guys?

Dan
52 hardtop

[studegary]

A friend of mine owned a '52 Pace Car replica (Maui Blue/red leather), but I do not know its current whereabouts.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[studegary]

A friend of mine owned a '52 Pace Car replica (Maui Blue/red leather), but I do not know its current whereabouts.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[55s]

Question/Provocation:

If you think it would make your car more fun for you, and more valuable for a car collector, why not take your saw and cut off the hardtop roof?

My understanding is that they are almost identical, except for the frame strengthening (X-member) and the convertible top itself.

It sounds to me like a do-able, worthwhile project. Comments???

Meanwhile, my advice is that it is your car and your money. Enjoy!

Paul

[55s]

Question/Provocation:

If you think it would make your car more fun for you, and more valuable for a car collector, why not take your saw and cut off the hardtop roof?

My understanding is that they are almost identical, except for the frame strengthening (X-member) and the convertible top itself.

It sounds to me like a do-able, worthwhile project. Comments???

Meanwhile, my advice is that it is your car and your money. Enjoy!

Paul

[52 Ragtop]

52 ragtops do NOT have an X member! at least mine doesn't. I'm sure that mine is original, as I still can see the original pinch welds on the rocker panels. My 52 had NO rust holes, bullet holes yes, but no rust! <G>
My 62 ragtop does have the X member.

Jim

[52 Ragtop]

52 ragtops do NOT have an X member! at least mine doesn't. I'm sure that mine is original, as I still can see the original pinch welds on the rocker panels. My 52 had NO rust holes, bullet holes yes, but no rust! <G>
My 62 ragtop does have the X member.

Jim

[JDP]

If you check the parts book, the hardtop cab be removed fairly easily.

64 Commander 2 dr.
64 Daytona HT
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk (Black)
63 Avanti R1
63 Daytona convert
63 Lark 2 door
63 Lark 2 door #2
62 Daytona HT/ 4 speed
62 Lark 2 door
60 Lark HT
60 Hawk
59 3E truck
52 Starliner
51 Commander

[JDP]

If you check the parts book, the hardtop cab be removed fairly easily.

64 Commander 2 dr.
64 Daytona HT
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk (Black)
63 Avanti R1
63 Daytona convert
63 Lark 2 door
63 Lark 2 door #2
62 Daytona HT/ 4 speed
62 Lark 2 door
60 Lark HT
60 Hawk
59 3E truck
52 Starliner
51 Commander

[Swifster]

quote:Originally posted by 52 Ragtop

I have had the 52 Pace Car VIN # run, it's NOT in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio or Michigan. Well at least it's not registered in any of those states.
Dick Quinn did a feature article on the 52 500 cars a few years ago in Turning Wheels. From what I remember, the Pace Car was still owned by Studebaker until 1954. It was then sold to an (unknown) dealer, and it was "probably" sanded down, painted and sold as a used car, and now has come back to life as a toyota or something!
I know of NONE of the 52 500 cars that have survived.

Has anyone checked with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum? Seems to me that they have quite the fleet of former pace cars. And if I remember correctly, doesn't the winner of the race get the pace car?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona

[Swifster]

quote:Originally posted by 52 Ragtop

I have had the 52 Pace Car VIN # run, it's NOT in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio or Michigan. Well at least it's not registered in any of those states.
Dick Quinn did a feature article on the 52 500 cars a few years ago in Turning Wheels. From what I remember, the Pace Car was still owned by Studebaker until 1954. It was then sold to an (unknown) dealer, and it was "probably" sanded down, painted and sold as a used car, and now has come back to life as a toyota or something!
I know of NONE of the 52 500 cars that have survived.

Has anyone checked with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum? Seems to me that they have quite the fleet of former pace cars. And if I remember correctly, doesn't the winner of the race get the pace car?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona