That's the most beautiful car ever build IMO, over here Rootes copied it albeit with in a more modest dumpier looking form with the Sunbeam Rapier, still a nice car but very much a quaint imitation.
@KnockoffNigeI I wouldn't mind owning either car actually, glad that I'm not the only one who thought a Rapier's grille resembled a Studebaker. I don't know if you could say that the Rapier was a quaint imitation, Rootes may have been copying the Studebaker sedans which have the same grill but a taller profile then the coupes. Still the Rapier was nothing to sneeze at, I remember seeing some old saloon car races on TV and they did pretty good.
@OlegKostoglatov Yeah I think the Rapier was a pretty successful rally car in its day, I didn't mean to knock it, I'm a bit of a Rootes fan it's just if I do look at them side by side "quaint" is the word that comes to mind.
My partner has the 1954 Commander Starlight Regal in red. When the car goes anywhere it attracts attention and wins awards. It's also fun to drive.
The '54 model was almost identical to the '53 except for stiffeners for the frame to keep the doors from popping open on a turn. Very helpful in a car with no seat belts.
This is the same car that's used in the movie "Killers From Space" The one driven by Dr. Martin (Peter Graves) Of course the film is in B&W so not sure what color the car is. It is only describes as a "two tone coupe"
I am just old enough to remember when these were actually on the road. Unfortunately, by the time I was old enough to have a job, money and a drivers liscense....most of these good old cars were just too old and not practical to own. I think the design of this car shown stands up well even today.....
One of the truly great automobile designs of the 20th century, it was the first Milestone Car, (post WW II classics). Although Raymond Loewy received the credit because he owned the industrial design company which produced the plans, it was actually designed by Robert Bourke, Loewy's South Bend man, who also did the front end of the '49 Ford.
There would be a lot more if drag racers hadn't bought them up for competition cars, also Daytona type events. I think Raymond Loewy designed it. There was a museum in Virginia(?) that has his work and also a uniquely talented railroad photographer named O.Winston Link.
By all the gods, I shall own one of these in my lifetime!
Vincek88 6 months ago
For some reason I often picture deities driving cars like this. Should I be worried?
MattTheSaiyan 6 months ago
Too hell with the european look .Theres nothing nicer than a Big finned american classic,thats what folks want
canthill3 6 months ago
I remember when that came out. South Bend was way ahead of Detroit when it came to style.
Featureman 7 months ago
That's the most beautiful car ever build IMO, over here Rootes copied it albeit with in a more modest dumpier looking form with the Sunbeam Rapier, still a nice car but very much a quaint imitation.
KnockoffNigeI 10 months ago
@KnockoffNigeI I wouldn't mind owning either car actually, glad that I'm not the only one who thought a Rapier's grille resembled a Studebaker. I don't know if you could say that the Rapier was a quaint imitation, Rootes may have been copying the Studebaker sedans which have the same grill but a taller profile then the coupes. Still the Rapier was nothing to sneeze at, I remember seeing some old saloon car races on TV and they did pretty good.
OlegKostoglatov 8 months ago
@OlegKostoglatov Yeah I think the Rapier was a pretty successful rally car in its day, I didn't mean to knock it, I'm a bit of a Rootes fan it's just if I do look at them side by side "quaint" is the word that comes to mind.
KnockoffNigeI 8 months ago
My partner has the 1954 Commander Starlight Regal in red. When the car goes anywhere it attracts attention and wins awards. It's also fun to drive.
The '54 model was almost identical to the '53 except for stiffeners for the frame to keep the doors from popping open on a turn. Very helpful in a car with no seat belts.
greggesimmons 11 months ago
My grandfather bench tested the Mercedes transmissions,at Studebaker in South Bend. If it didn't have the right pitch,at speed,they threw it out!
Rowzdower69ify 1 year ago
This is the same car that's used in the movie "Killers From Space" The one driven by Dr. Martin (Peter Graves) Of course the film is in B&W so not sure what color the car is. It is only describes as a "two tone coupe"
thegalaxybeing 2 years ago
I am just old enough to remember when these were actually on the road. Unfortunately, by the time I was old enough to have a job, money and a drivers liscense....most of these good old cars were just too old and not practical to own. I think the design of this car shown stands up well even today.....
inkey2 2 years ago
One of the truly great automobile designs of the 20th century, it was the first Milestone Car, (post WW II classics). Although Raymond Loewy received the credit because he owned the industrial design company which produced the plans, it was actually designed by Robert Bourke, Loewy's South Bend man, who also did the front end of the '49 Ford.
TomLibby100 2 years ago 4
thanks for adding to the story and making sure Robert Bourke received well-deserved credit.
mrpitv 2 years ago
There would be a lot more if drag racers hadn't bought them up for competition cars, also Daytona type events. I think Raymond Loewy designed it. There was a museum in Virginia(?) that has his work and also a uniquely talented railroad photographer named O.Winston Link.
EdVidz 2 years ago
You're right, the 53-4 Stude coupes were to Bonneville what 32 Fords were to hot rodding. It was their sleek areodynamic body.
Still, I saw a beatifully restored all stock 54 Starliner on ebay a few weeks ago. It had the original flathead 6. REAL nice.
canine2 2 years ago
One of my favorite cars of all time.
charlie8575 2 years ago
No automobile today or yesterday can compare to STUDEBAKER.....
Aardvarkrdjlbj 2 years ago