A Model Dose... Sunday 9/10/23

A Look at Studebaker...

A recent visit to the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana led me to do a little more research on the brand. It's history and the influences that it had on the auto industry as a whole. With all that info in mind, I've chosen this post to look at the Studebaker design in the model arena. While as a collector, I'm always looking for another model from this brand and to be honest, I'll never be totally satisfied with what I have but I will say I have a really nice representation of the brand in models, especially in 1:43 scale, but the 1:24 scale brings some great models as well.

Yesterday, my post gave us a look at the radical design of the Studebaker's 1950/1951 Champion/Commander. A selection of models that Danbury Mint did an exceptional job with.

In 1947, Studebaker was the 1st major American automaker to bring a brand-new design to the buying public after WWII. It was a completely new and totally unlike the previous models made before the war and carried over for 1946.

While no model was offered in 1:24 of the '47 design, one was available in 1:43 from Madison Models. It's shows off the radical new rear window design that Studebaker continues through the 1952 model year. 

Here's a quick look at that model -- 1947 Champion Deluxe Coupe

As I mentioned previously, the Danbury Mint gave us several examples in coupe and convertible form. All beautifully done. Here's a look at couple of them.

1950 Champion Convertible & 1951 Commander Starlight Coupe

Time in the auto industry moves quickly, so with that, a once radical and fresh new design in 1947 is old and very dated by 1952. Tastes have changed and all new and exciting styles are coming out from other manufacturers. By 1952, Studebaker was looking old and tired. Even the fresh new hardtop couple wasn't quite enough to prove beneficial to the brand. With that, the '52 Starliner is still and attractive car.

1952 Commander Starliner Hardtop Coupe

and from NEO Scale Models in 1:43 scale, here's another look at this aging style. 1952 Champion Custom Sedan

All that changed for 1953. Studebaker was once again on the forefront of a new and radical design for the times. Designed by Raymond Loewy the new style brought a completely new sport coupe that was much different than anything else offered by other manufacturers. A lower profile and sexy curves made this an exciting design that inspired many changes to the basic form and carried on for 11 model years. It is one my favorite styles of the mid-50s through the early 60s. Each year, for this collector, is fresh and inspired with a whole bunch of models offered to please all of my desires, well at least for the moment...LOL!

1953 Commander Starliner Hardtop Coupe -- Danbury Mint

1955 President Speedster Hardtop -- Danbury Mint

1957 Golden Hawk Hardtop Coupe -- Danbury Mint

and you know I couldn't forget to include this "controversial" gem to the post.  1958 Packard Hawk Hardtop Coupe -- Danbury Mint

moving into the 60s, Brooks Stevens was tasked by Studebaker to update the now aging body of this legendary design. In 1962 the Gran Turismo Hawk was born, and its fresh new look brought new life to the aging platform. With its new look, Studebaker continued the GT Hawk for three model years. It is a top-5 favorite of mine in 60s style. Fortunately for the model collector, GLM & Tom Dirnberger Exclusives have offered two of those model years with the '62 & 63 GT Hawk, they are 1:43 scale. I sure hope a '64 is in the works as well. 

1962 Gran Turismo Hawk Hardtop Coupe

1963 Gran Turismo Hawk Hardtop Coupe

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me as you view this post, and please forgive my "mixing of scales" with the model photos. The 1:43 scale format has become an important part of my collection now and while not for everyone, these are wonderful models with a large variety of offerings available to satisfy.