South Bend Madness! 10 Classic Studebaker Ads

1956 Studebaker Hawk, Classic Studebaker Ads — 1956 Studebaker Hawk

Having been born in 1965, I am just the right age for certain elements of automotive history to be lost on me. Sadly, one of those elements is Studebaker.

Though Studebaker operations overlapped with my time on this planet, I was never exposed to the vehicles. No member of my family or friend of my parents ever owned a Stude, and I never recall seeing them on the street.

I have appreciated them from afar, however. Like many, I find the original Avanti to be a thing of honest beauty, and this Gran Turismo Hawk calls to me in my dreams.

I did drive a Studebaker once, however. A buddy’s dad let me take his 1961 pickup for a spin. It was a pretty worn-out example, and at the time it was powered by a Chevrolet 307. It was actually pretty awful. The steering was utterly dead for the first 20 degrees of rotation in any direction, and the brakes were dangerously feeble.

Still, I can say I’ve driven a Studebaker, and I consider that a feather in my modestly plumed cap.

To celebrate a brand that may seem a little distant to you as well, I’ve collected ten cool Studebaker ads from over the years. If you’ve ever taken a spin in a Stude, please tell us about it. Be sure to tell us the year and model.

Photo Feature: 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk