Classic US Auto Styling The Studebaker Larks & Champions

By Edward Schreyer


Studebaker, better known as one of the largest manufacturers of horse back drawn vehicles, began producing wagons at the blacksmith shop of Henry and Clem Studebaker in 1852. However, the company started producing electric automobile in 1902 then quickly changed to gasoline-powered cars. Still the merit of their electric car products were of such high caliber that Thomas Edison purchased factory release product number # 2. Studebaker was famous in manufacturing class and reliable cars that stand out in creating new speed records. The company joined with Piece-Arrow then experienced annihilation in 1933, but the company survived with the released of 1930s Depression to the market. Into the 1950's the auto firm survived yet again an automotive industry corporate remake being purchased and integrated into the mighty motorcar engineering and design innovator - The Packard Motor Company of Detroit Michigan.

Studebaker released a leaner and lighter version of full-sized car in 1939, called "Champion." However, the company contributed to the Second World War. The war did not affect their automobile production but they were able to manufactured prewar models then developing their new postwar designs. Studebaker employed Raymond Loewy, in which he was supported by Virgil Exner to conceptualize the new postwar car design. In 1947, Studebaker released the Loewy-Exner model. It was noticeable for its flat flanks, enclosed body, built-in fenders, and extraordinary trunk outline combined to form "three-box design." The company also released Starlight, an innovative model that has a rear window enclosed from door to door.

Industrial designer Raymond Loewy, known as the principal designer of the original Champion, joined Studebaker to design a new postwar car. He was assisted by Virgil Exner who was the styling head of Studebaker. The company launched its 1947 Loewy models after the war. The 1947 Loewy-Exner Studebaker design was remarkable for its flat flanks, covered body, incorporated fenders, and exceptional trunk outline joined to form "three-box design." However, the premier American automotive styling houses ' distinctive Starlight model was a ground-breaking model. It has a rear window enclosed from door to door to establish its roof floating above it.

Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products - some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The "Champion" in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed "Starlight " model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name "Land Cruiser". This was one of Studebaker's 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker "Land Cruiser ", "Commander" and "Champion Models". All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders. Its rather amazing , or perhaps to be expected in the automotive industries , that is one little company who could be said to be innovator responsible for the development and introduction of our modern day SUVs and Crossovers. Larger companies - the "Big 3" of Detroit who dominated the auto industry came to be down for their great bureaucratic malaise. GM for example became known as the "worst example" of this decision making by committee and committees. Nothing could be done and nothing really new innovated without going through myriads of approvals and working within the system. Yet it was Studebaker and not General Motors , Ford & Chrysler whom can be said to be the pioneering organization who laid the groundwork for a set of products , while too early in the marketplace for the survival of Studebaker , did rescue the US auto industry from oblivion with both their niche market sales and great bottom line profitability and profit-abilities

Studebaker will always remain in the history of automobiles. They proved their fame with the aid of their several designs in the past which was magnificent in quality and reliability.




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