Feel bad for the other guys...

[62studey]

Even though I'm happy the ol Studey got a Top10 Plaque at the little car show we went to today at a local Church with around 50 cars, I still feel bad for the guys with tons of money invested in their cars that she beat out. Guess they were judging unique rather than cars you see restored often. Someday after I've got the Studey actaully restored how I want and in much better shape, then I can take more honor in winning and feel I earned it. haha As of now the car is only a 10 footer maybe as far as paint and some rust goes. Anyways, enjoy a few pics below!

[sals54]

Did the Mopar owner race home to start a new overhaul on his car??? Studes Rock !!

[FlatheadGeo]

It seems that some trophy sponsors are starting to honor those that do their own work or that they are tired of over restored cars that never looked that way as they came from the factory. Recently at a local cruise night that I attend, I received a trophy for my 1963 Plymouth Valiant that looks like a rat rod in progress. I, too, was very surprised.

Next week end I will take the 1957 Champion!

[crusinsusin]

Congrats on the recognition! To me, it shouldn't be about how much money you spend. I don't fault the rodder, muscle car, or better-than-new restoration folks at all, because there's some amazing, gorgeous cars out there. But I think there's something special about a preserved "ordinary" car that many people respond to. Your Lark certainly stands out in a crowd. Love it!

[Cultural_infidel]

In my opinion, your car stands out from the pack.. simply because it is different. It would make me want to take a good look at it. Congrats.

[JimC]

I'll echo what the others said. Don't let the fact that some of these folks hemorrhaged cash to build their cars make you feel bad. The bottom line is that in the eyes of a lot of multi-make car show judges, a unique quirky car in "just okay" shape is going to be much more award worthy than pristine cars that are so common that you can still buy just about every part at a parts store. When I go to a cruise and I see 20 mustangs, 17 corvettes, and one oddball make, I'm going to spend more time looking at the oddball than I do at those ponies and 'vettes together. You get to a point where your're so over-exposed to certain cars that their charm is lost on you.

Additionally, you don't need to spend a fortune to have a nice car. I've seen cars that had literally a quarter million dollars work put into them, and I've seen cars done on a shoe string budget that looked nearly as nice. Money spent should never be used as a judging criteria. Indeed, there are some makes where just buying the car itself would cost more than a complete restoration on another car.

Be proud! Your car is worth the award. Studebaker made beautiful cars, even in the Lark. It deserves credit, and maybe by placing in the top 10, there are people there who will have a new respect for Studes.

[Roscomacaw]

Kudos to you and your Lark. I see a Rambler Classic convertible down the line - either a 65 or 66. I owned and drove one of those for a time. It was a right nice riding/driving car.