1954 Studebaker starlight coupe, Studebaker’s personal luxury car

[@JamesAllmond]

53 Guages 54 Stude, I am a sick man... 31 REO! The Beach Boys - Kiss Me, Baby (and that is a guess)

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices Yeah buddy Congratulations you got it =) If you want to listen to the song kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHa0foCIip5-p5o

[@29madmangaud29]

Good one, maybe you're older than i, gonna be 60 next month, I could hear the Beach Boys, but couldn't get the song. > GOOD JOB!

[@JamesAllmond]

@@29madmangaud29 got a few years on you and brothers 6 to 10 years older, that helped. Listened to all that era's music when I was a kid! STill do!

[@8176morgan]

My congrats to you. That's definitely a hard one to get. A person has to be a big Beach Boys fan in order to be able to be able to identify that little sample. But I'm sure glad that someone was able to recognize it.

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

This car is SO FAR AHEAD OF ITS TIME! The design is just beautiful!

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree and super underrated fir what it was/is

[@bobmitchell8012]

Studebaker Stylists were right on the money........Beautiful.

[@What.its.like.]

They were it’s a pity they couldn’t be profitable for some reason.. this car was somewhat affordable.

[@winstonelston5743]

Designed by Bob Bourke, but Raymond Loewy claimed credit.

[@agostinodibella9939]

Jay, I believe the ’53-54 Studebakers were the best looking of the fifties cars! They looked aerodynamic and ahead of their time.

[@5610winston]

The '51-'53 Kaiser sedans were really gorgeous, too.

[@markw208]

Agreed. About 10 years ahead of their time. Compared to the '54 Chevy and Ford, the Studebaker looks like it's from another planet 🪐

[@5610winston]

@@markw208 And a shout-out to the genius who came up with that design, Bob Bourke of Raymond Loewy Associates. Ten years ahead of their time, though? Look at the piles of bricks from the major US car makers even forty years later. Then look at Studebaker's new fiberglass Avanti that did come out ten years after the Starlight and Starliner coupes of '53 were designed. Raymond Loewy gets the credit for the Avanti, but the real heroes of that effort were Sherwood Egbert, president of Studebaker-Packard who had the vision to commission it and Loewy's team consisting of Studebaker designers John Ebstein, who had escaped the German persecution of the Jews and came to work for Studebaker in the 1930s, Bob Andrews who was also a long-time veteran of Studebaker's design and engineering department, and a very young fellow named Tom Kellogg whom Loewy called early one Saturday morning, out of the blue. Kellogg was half-asleep when agreed to be on the Avanti team.

[@Steven-p4j]

The Studebaker were a stand-out style leader for a long time, partly due to internal budget constraints; they were forced to do more stylistically with less. The results created a unique, and to my eyes, an outstandingly beautiful set of visual cues in their range. The Studebaker could never be confused with another brand. If anything, it had the quirky exoticism of a European sports car, in what ever body shell it was presented. The familiar low and wide set grill became a feature that is permanently associated with an era in American motoring, which shall never occur again. This was when a manufacturer had a house style, which could highlight its differences from other brands, with the level of familiarity creating icons within the car industry worldwide. The shovel nose established its place, so that even when the 'Lark' came along, just enough of its essence carried over to the interior, with exterior references to Studebaker the exception expressed with great subtlety everywhere. I would say to you, Jay, that it was quite the coupe, hey? (made you say it. I'm 12 years old) I ask you, who can fail to be drawn to a toggle switch, with its 'Jaguar' resonance undiminished in translation. The bonnet (hood) line, although sleek and low, retained the central bulge, reminiscent of the 40s vehicles, where headlights were outrider's to the front construction. 1. Nash Healey. 2. Stutz.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing all that information as well as insight great choices one vote for stutz

[@Irishfan]

Your comment was excellent, I couldn't have said it better. Not only did they have a house style, but many American Automobile Design features were copied and tweaked by foreign manufacturers years later. Studebaker was one of those that was copied and tweaked by the domestic competition as well.

[@StevenHoman]

@@Irishfan thanks mate I'm an Australian, but credit where credit is due, right? Look at the first 50s continental, and tell me that European cars, with the slab sided elegance appeared as if by magic. RR had been doing that for years, but not as an innovator of style, only in that they source their coach builders out of house. Carriage/coach building houses each had their house style. For inspiration, often people look at the whole market.

[@davidallen5776]

I see one in person almost every weekend morning!

[@What.its.like.]

What a sight to see =)

[@godfreyberry1599]

Made to last virtually FOREVER.

[@TheSmarq17]

An underrated beauty of the 50s. Studebaker has been lost to history and not many now are even aware that it existed. My father owned a Studebaker as his 1st car during his HS days in the mid-50s and I always enjoy showing him anything related to his younger days. Thanks for this vid.

[@shable1436]

The oil filter mounting on top was an option BTW

[@What.its.like.]

I like it better there as well. You don’t have to get underneath the car to change the oil.

[@robertwatkins364]

My dad loved these things, he had a pile of them when he passed. Everybody called him Studebaker George. The 1952-1953-1954 are possibly the most beautiful cars ever made . . . . in my humble opinion.

[@glorialondon5054]

The 1952 models had a completely different styling than those of 1953 and 1954!

[@robertwatkins364]

@@glorialondon5054 Yes I know that. The 1952 was the first year for the Hardtop. I did not care for the front grille, but the bullet nose stuff will fit nice. 53-54 we're completely different. They are collectively the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion.

[@charlesacker8552]

Studebaker afficionado here. Great video. The 1954 was the second year of that styling cycle. Fantastic looking cars, low slung, very modern and stylish. Compare to other mid fifties car. They didn't call the 1955 through 1957 Chevys "shoeboxes" for no reason. I have three Studebakers. One is a 1955 President 2dr coupe which was the top of the line that year with the same general body shape and styling. Thanks for a great video.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for all of that added information out of the three Studebaker‘s which one is your favorite. =) We love the orphan cars on here there will be more bakers coming that is for sure =)

[@robertwatkins364]

1955 seemed like a big year of change for Studebaker. With the 224 V8, instead of the 232, 259. Some cars had a curved windshield, and some had a wrap around windshield. They changed mid-year. Weird year!

[@ivanhicks887]

I had a 53 coupe in 1954 -- LOVED IT the body had faults - mechanical - it was rushed to production after studebaker was surprised that it was a huge winner -- It Had STYLE -

[@What.its.like.]

Was it the champion 6 or commander v8? What did you like the most about the car what did you like the least.. what happened to it?

[@ivanhicks887]

@@What.its.like. It was the Champion 6 bought used with about 20000 mi - It was 1954 i loved the cars looks problems ! The hood bend when the hinge stuck as did the trunk -at about 25000 the engine blew and other stuff Still loved the car got out of the air force went to Pratt for industrial design sold the car with about 70000 mi on it - 64 mustang got all the glory - it took the studebaker concept - loved the car

[@joeseeking3572]

One day I'm actually going to make the trip to CAM - a little too far for a day trip but I've got a friend up that way and I owe her a visit. I remember the frist time I saw a Starliner in the flesh. There've been a number of cars that just made me stop and say is beautiful - the Starliner was one. Imagine seeing it in 53. Apparently many felt the same way - but Studebaker geared up to build a much higher percentage of sedans, which did not look half as good or sell as well. The exception (on looks) was the Land Cruiser which shared the coupe's longer 120.5" wheelbase and was actually top of line, not middle. BTW - there is a very comprehensive Studebaker museum in South Bend - if Studebaker made it, and even if they didn't make it (prototypes), it's there. WYR: Nash-Healey

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that correction Great choices for the wood you rather Classic auto mall is an awesome place be sure J from what it’s like sent you there if anybody asks. The staff are extremely friendly very knowledgeable. =)

[@gordon-n6s]

Never rode in one, but the simplicity was a classic.

[@JackBWatkins]

Today I would pick the Corvette, but as contemporaries back in the dayI would go for the Studabaker Coupe Regal Commander.

[@shable1436]

They took lots of care to design them like aircraft, and aircraft cockpits were designed by the engineers favorite vehicles, this had been going on for decades, and continued into the space race. My dad owned a Waco cabin plane, and it basically looked like a car inside, had bench seats, wooden trim, and a steering wheel, not a yoke

[@jtaub9288]

Love those Studebakers. I've owned and drove several throughout my lifetime.

[@What.its.like.]

These are cool my favorite is the 57 golden hawk =)

[@winstonelston5743]

11:23 The under-dash handle next to the heater is the overdrive lock-out, marked OD

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you

[@toddfleury7324]

One of the coolest cars of that era.

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@Doctorj63]

That's really great that you can put your arm on the arm rest. Way ahead of the time.

[@sharksport01]

I love the colors these models came in. The dove greys, jades and mustards. Two-tone interiors. My dad said most buyers were designers, architects and artists.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@GMCTIM]

My dad loves Studebaker ! He has several, one is his dads ( grandpa ) a39 suicide 4 door grandpa bought in 1961 ! Still have it ! 👍🏻

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =) glad you still have it

[@dugwthree]

i think Studebakers are some the best looking cars from that era.

[@What.its.like.]

They definitely stand out =)

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I ❤️ Studebaker cars 😊

[@What.its.like.]

Me too =)

[@garyalford9394]

Those 1953- to 1955 stude coups were pretty cars had a neighbor.with a 1955 speedster coup always envied. him !!!

[@gustavoadolfoorregotoro4656]

The Studebaker is the most beautiful car in relation to many brands. Its design remains a topic of discusión.

[@What.its.like.]

They are drastically underrated. I can’t wait to do a hawk. 57/58 but honestly that’s a car that I really want to drive because that’s a car that I really want to own and I want to just know what they drive like.

[@kenlodge3399]

I gotta tell ya, if they said I could have my choice of my ten of the best cars in history, I'd be lost cuz the task would be impossible. I had a "list", a go to list, but now am reminded of the Studebaker, Commander and it blows my whole list to smithereens!! It just goes to show I could never make up my mind.

[@dontresness6192]

I had a 53 commander. Loved it.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@kevinferrin5695]

There are cars whose running lights at night look like the grill of this car. It instantly takes me back and makes me feel like I'm in a time warp.

[@markpfeifer1402]

I like the 1952 Starlite Coupes with the Push Me - Pull You "same coming as going" rear end. Super cool.

[@santiagorubio833]

Nice car.

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

This Studebaker is not a bad looking car thanks in part to Raymond Loewy and his team. I just wish Studebaker would have also offered a convertible. Great work Jay.

[@What.its.like.]

I totally forgot to mention Raymond Loewy designed this thank you so much for adding that information glad you dig this episode =)

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

@@What.its.like. You sir, are welcome.

[@What.its.like.]

I didn’t know of that story.

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

@Eric Ruud Exner and Loewy were not fond of each other for many reasons. When Exner left Chrysler there were times he was very critical at the way the firm's designs were headed.

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

@Eric Ruud i agree. Unfortunately, by 1958 Packard was essentially dead in all but name only. Studebaker was not going to invest any more money in the firm when Studebaker saw a more lucrative opportunity by franchising with Mercedes Benz.

[@onefastcyclist]

Raymond Loewy was the BEST designer of his generation!

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@neildickson5394]

53 Studebaker, absolutely the first person' luxury car. They started the longer, wider and lower trend. These were personal luxury cars for the average person. Below the super luxury cars like a Packard Caribbean, or Cadillac Eldorado. These are among the most beautiful cars ever produced. Studebaker and future sales partner Mercedes Benz got into a tiff over that Tristar hood ornament. Studebaker modified it adding the 8.

[@dustbat]

Man I love these cars. Two things I noted on the stocker were dual pipes and the paint guard on the doors at window level. I bought those for my 48 May flower at Pep Boys. Those boys were a big help in keeping my coupe on the road. 🦇

[@ronaldsmith6829]

One more thing...😅😜 I love the headroom in the fifties Studebakers. Even the Larks had good headroom till '63. then the shaved off a few inches of the roof and I have to take my hat off. Also, the passenger sun visor in that '54 Commander was an option that the buyer paid extra for. Kids used to fight over sitting on that center armrest in the back seat! You could see a lot better over the front seat that way.😆

[@What.its.like.]

That’s crazy that the extra sunvisor on the commander was optional I thought it was optional on the champion series.. thank you so much for sharing that added information and insight

[@glorialondon5054]

The passenger side sun visor was standard equipment on all models, except those with Custom level trim. The Starliners were only available with the Reagle trim. The Starlight Coupes could be had in either, Reagle, or Deluxe, but not Custom trim. It was only available on the sedans. As well as the wagons, after they were introduced in 1954.

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

When you walk in, you can hear the angles sing and see the cars smile. Is the only difference between the 1953 Studebaker and 1954 Studebaker just the grilles? "Bar" style in '53 and egg crate grille in 1954? Hopefully you can get into a 1953 Starliner Coupe in the future. That's the AMT plastic model kit and it would be nice to see all that interior before building the model.

[@What.its.like.]

I’ve been looking for a 53 =)

[@dondandean]

This video has been up for at least 9 months and there are so many comments that I just don't have time to read, so someone may have already told you that what you thought was labeled HOOD for the hood release actually only has OD on it for overdrive that engages when pulled while driving in 3rd gear. To open the hood you have to be in front of the car and feel around for the latch.

[@What.its.like.]

They are all different Hudson had good latch on the inside clear back in 1939

[@dalemettee1147]

I was impressed with the Golden Hawk, especially the dash gauges. S/W all the way with engine turned panel. Engine with a Paxton blower. Very nice.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree =)

[@christopherkraft1327]

Happy Easter to you & your family Jay!!! I was at a family dinner so I wasn't able to see this video about this oh so cool Studebaker!!! 👍👍🙂🐰

[@What.its.like.]

Happy Easter =)

[@TheStobb50]

The Sudebaker coup and hawk my favourite cars ever since I had a toy one from corgi, after Studebaker closed down, the head designer came over here to the UK to work for the Roots organisation and carried on designing, fantastic cars, on a smaller scale to suit European roads, the sunbeam rapier was a scale model of the Studebaker Coup and absolutely beautiful

[@richroj]

great video Justin, I love that Studebaker styling.

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@faerieSAALE]

At that time - the Studebaker "LOWEY" coupe was 6 to 8 inches lower than other cars offered by anyone. Except for the Corvette. The body was channeled to sit low on the frame, which is why there are footwells in the rear seating area. Studebaker was known for its economical engines and the 232 V8 with 127 horsepower was enough power to propel the vehicle anywhere within reason. The two coupes, the hardtop, and the post coupe were sold as SPORTS CARS that could seat five people. ( not recommended ) They were not meant to be the standard grocery getter or kids hauler. These cars handled well and because they sat low to the ground, could easily outrun big heavy luxury cars, like Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac or Chrysler or Fords. My father owned Studebaker Coupes from 1954 to 1965... and they were our family car. Then he switched to Pontiacs, with a 1966 GTO two-door coupe being his second Pontiac. His first one was a 1941 Torpedo coupe with a straight 8 engine. I too own a 1954 Studebaker Commander two-door hardtop coupe, with the 232 V8. It is my baby and summertime beach car. My grocery-getter is a Lincoln MKX. I live in Michigan on Lake Michigan Waterfront facing property.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share all that =)

[@stephenlawson2546]

I believe it should be classed a luxury sports

[@smokeystover5682]

Correction: The Land Cruiser was at the top of the line. The Commander was the mid-range offering.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that correction I wasn’t sure if Land Cruiser was by itself or if it was under the commander series there was a lot of conflicting information with that

[@smokeystover5682]

@@What.its.like. Land Cruiser rode on the 120.5 wheelbase, as did the Starliners and Starlights. Commander and Champion sedans rode the 116.5 wheelbase. Glad I could help.

[@glorialondon5054]

The Land Cruiser was the top of the line, sedan model. It was also a Comander as well! The Starliners were the flagship models, expected to draw customers into the showroom and boost sales of the more practical sedans.

[@ernielaw]

Although I like the Corvette and Healey for their rarity, I would give the nod to the Studebaker as it has more interior room and I'm not a performance buff. The Studebaker Company under estimated the sales success of their new coupe when it was introduced in 1953. Demand for the coupe ran 4 times higher than the sedan while the company had the assembly line set up for complete opposite. Also take notice of there being no post by the vent window on the door, a feature on the previous generation Studebaker as well.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that added information and insight I can’t wait to find a Healey.. corvettes especially from the early 50s are over rated 235 in-line six next to no room and getting in is hard

[@seed_drill7135]

Early ‘53’s still had two piece windshields, but that was changed during the model year.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing that =)

[@glorialondon5054]

I don't believe Studebaker produced any, '53 Automobiles, with two piece windshields? Maybe it was the case with their '53 Trucks, I'm not sure?

[@seed_drill7135]

@@glorialondon5054 There's a photo of one in "Cars of the Fabulous 50's." The editors mention that the split windows meant it was an early one, though it could have been a prototype.

[@glorialondon5054]

@Seed_drill , is there any way you can post a picture of it?

[@seed_drill7135]

@@glorialondon5054 Mea culpa, I went back to the book and 1950 was the year they switched over mid model year.

[@androidtexts6948]

Suppedly a half of this car is in the museum of modern art nyc

[@hcombs0104]

I would go with the Studebaker Commander. The very early Corvettes weren't that fast from what I understand. I really like these cars. They look modern compared to other cars from that era. But I need to do a little research. When did American cars stop the oil bath air filters?

[@What.its.like.]

I agree not sure about the oil bath air cleaner they were on some early 60s cars

[@smokeystover5682]

I vote for the 1930 Packard for your next episode. And I would choose the Studebaker over the Nash Healey or Corvette.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices One vote for packard =)

[@overshoe6361]

My dad had a couple of the 53's, 6 cyl models, pillared coupes like this one. He finally gave up on the last one in '67 due to rust and a succession of poor rebuilt engines from Sears. A truly ahead of it's time design, that always reminds me of my dad. Thanks!

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome glad to bring back those memories =)

[@christophermckinnon4920]

My dad's valve covers are yellow. His is a 54 commander 2dr coupe

[@glorialondon5054]

Studebaker used yellow valve covers on the last version of their standard V8s. Midyear '62 - '64 models. As well as on the early '65 McKinnon 283"s.

[@johnclark2212]

Had a 53 Regal Coupe in 1961, 53 dash better looking. Best looking car I have ever had ( outside styling)! Have had many since then, none looked as good.

[@larrynason8716]

I own a 1954 Studebaker Starlight Regal Coupe. I do prefer the 53 dash and grille.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =)

[@effenbeezeetravel4474]

I have driven some really special old cars driven by rich excentric old owners but not this and I am very excited by this car ! Why are modern cars so ICKY ? It is so beautiful !

[@What.its.like.]

I would really like to drive a 57 Gordon Hawk one day, or this car I was in a 56 Golden hawk and I don’t remember the steering wheel being as low as it was in this car..

[@glorialondon5054]

@What it’s like , the 54 and 56 steering wheels are exact the same dimensions. However, the wheels used for the sedans were an inch larger in diameter than those used for the Coupes, & Hardtops. I suppose, maybe, someone's installed a sedan wheel in this car?

[@billolsen4360]

Like the '53 dash better with hooded gauges. 10:49 The front wing windows are unique for domestic cars from the 1950's, isn't it? Having a post between the rollup side window and the vent window was pretty much SOP for American cars at the time. For first W.Y.R., the Corvette, second Stutz.

[@What.its.like.]

I 100% agree with a 53 dash I like that dash better. Great choices one vote for the stutz =) I’m kind of hoping that what wins that was a holy Grail moment bucket list thing that engine was just WOW 😳. But all three are great cars and they were all be shown on here eventually.

[@subnormality5854]

Does "personal luxury car" differ much from "business coupe"? I can't help but think of Willy Loman,

[@tony64t]

As a child growing up loving cars in the late 60s. I always thought the Raymond Lowey designed Studebakers were some of the most beautifully designed cars of the time. Great video! ❤😊

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agrees =)

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid, really enjoyed!!!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you dig =)

[@davidchristensen6908]

Ha ha ha grumpy trolls. Don’t let them get you down . If I wanted advice on working on a car I would not tune into your channel. But to have you take the time to give us a video tour of all these cars. You do a good job showing off each car. Trolls be damned keep smiling

[@What.its.like.]

Haha yeah This is more of an information channel.. I try to show as many angles as the car as possible that way if somebody’s restoring one of these cars they can see what it looks like where stuff is supposed to go, I love showing the button switches and knobs in detail because that is a characteristic nobody else really shows. I try not to let the Grumpys get me down I just like to have fun

[@glorialondon5054]

@What it’s like , Forgive me? I don't mean to be a grumpy troll. But I did notice a couple of mistakes in your description of the dashboard and the hood release. You stated that the handle under the dash marked OD, just to the right of the one marked Heater, was the hood release. It isn't it's for either locking out or engaging the Overdrive. The hood release lever should be located just inside the upper edge of the grill surround, on the driver's side. Between the first and second tooth from the center. The toggle switch above the dash in the location marked start was specifically for use only on models equipped with automatic transmissions. For those equipped with manual transmissions, the starter switch was located on the floor above the dimmer switch, and it was engaged with a tab attached behind the clutch pedal that sticks out to the side. When the pedal's pushed all the way to the floor, the starter is engaged. I believe I can see both of these pieces still in place in your video? I'm not sure why they've been substituted with the toggle switch? If it were set up as it was originally, it would not have the switch, but a plug in the start location, just like the one in the fog light switch location.

[@captaccordion]

These Studes by my reckoning are among the most beautiful cars ever made. The story is that when they were released, the public went mad for the coupes, and Studebaker couldn't meet demand. Yet sales on the whole were not quite sufficient. In my view the front and rear styling, while amazing on the coupes, translates less well to the bread and butter 4 door sedans.

[@What.its.like.]

I agree =)

[@glorialondon5054]

In my opinion, the styling of Studebakers sedans was no worse than what was being offered by most of their competitors.

[@danielmoore7332]

It could also be the Beach Boys 'When I Grow Up To Be A Man' Those high pitched males!

[@What.its.like.]

Another great guess but not that song

[@mikew6765]

Recently discovered your channel and I really enjoy the content and your style of coverage. I do have one issue for you to consider in your narrative. In this episode you described the door as being bent. To many that would imply that it is damaged. A better description would have been to say that the door is curved. Look forward to the upcoming cars you intend to feature, especially that Stutz.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much I should have said curved thank you so much for catching that =) One vote for stutz

[@LWVH81]

This dealership has so many great cars for sale. I need to hide my checkbook from myself everytime I look at their website

[@What.its.like.]

They do, it’s a great place to spend the day if you dig cars =)

[@HarborLockRoad]

My uncle had a 53 champion pillared coupe, the only one in our little town. It was 2 tone, red and cream yellow, with the side coves and roof in red. Funny story, my uncle got a deer hunting and in those days, you tied it on your vehicle . When he got home, my mother took the car to the corner store and everyone was staring as she pulled in and then out... It was only when she got home that she realized the deer had left blood all over the front of the car!

[@What.its.like.]

Wow what a crazy story thank you so much for sharing that crazy memory =)

[@drakbar5957]

Starliner hardtop became the platform for the Gran Turismo Hawk (62-64). While Loewy is credited as the designer of the Starliner/Starlight, Bob Bourke did all the heavy lifting.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that information =)

[@handyman9298]

the 2 door is Beautiful

[@What.its.like.]

I love the hardtop =)

[@handyman9298]

@@What.its.like. have you ever notice this one has a B pillar behind the door and some have no B pillar behind the door?

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah that’s the difference between the hardtop and the coupe this was the coupe.. star liner which would later transform into the golden hawk would become the hardtop in 56-58 then the silver hawk powerhawk, sky hawk, i might be missing one not sure they are coupe models that have the rear vent/ windows that are rear hinged, and a post. The hardtop doesn’t have a post and has a quarter window that can roll down =)

[@stephenholland5930]

Ignore the trolls, Jay. Another great video.

[@What.its.like.]

Haha there aren’t many trolls yet, thought about reading some bad comments in that voice at the end... lol

[@BobSmith-mj7ik]

My dad had a 54 champion. Beautiful car.

[@TPOrchestra]

So far ahead of its time stylistically. Compare the Ford and GM cars of the same year and they look ten years older. Head designer Raymond Loewy was at his peak around this time.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree =)

[@allenwayne2033]

wyr: 1. Nash Healey, Vettes are a dime a dozen 2. Definitely the Stutz!

[@What.its.like.]

=) great choices one vote for stutz (that was a holy grail moment that car is really cool )

[@danielulz1640]

Land Cruiser was the TOP offering from Studebaker.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that correction I saw so much conflicting information some sources said it was under the commander line other sources said it wasn’t part of the commander line thank you for clearing that up =)

[@johnnyjet3.1412]

a few years before I retired and not long before iPhones existed, on my morning bicycle commute thru residential back neighnborhoods was a car carrier and being loaded was an AVANTI!!! - When I arrived at work I announced to the crew that 'I just Saw an AVANTI!!!' there were only 2 of us in the shop that were older than the car - part of the morning was writing 'AVANTI' on notes for everybody to look up when they got home. The next morning all of those young guys were greeting me with 'JOHNNY!!! That car is SO COOOOL!!!!' except Steve who's my age and denying that such a thing ever existed, followed by great choruses of 'Steve you are an IDIOT!!'

[@What.its.like.]

Great story thank you so much for sharing that great memory with us =)

[@billolsen4360]

Did Steve eventually go into politics?

[@johnnyjet3.1412]

@@What.its.like. and the Studebaker that I want is the US Army Weasel

[@nsidor1234]

It WAS the first personal lux car. A family mans sports car...

[@sharksport01]

Cadillac Eldorado?

[@nsidor1234]

@@sharksport01 Although they both hit the pavement in '52, The Studebaker was far more stylish and attainable. Maybe it's the first muscle car ?

[@sharksport01]

@Neal Sidor I appreciate the Eldorado but I'd trade 2 of them for the Studebaker.

[@Irishfan]

During the day, I considered Studebakers to be ugly cars. Today, I am an admirer. I grew up in a small town just north of South Bend, Indiana, where Studebakers were made. I saw a lot of Studebakers. For years after the company went out of business, you could drive down any street in South Bend or Mishawaka and see a Studebaker in a driveway or parked along the curb. I like the dash on the 53 better. As for my pick of the car, I would pick the Studebaker.

[@What.its.like.]

I get that a lot in the comments that Studebaker back in the day was looked upon as like a grandpa car they made some really cool cars though the golden hawk.. and some of their wagons jump out at me

[@robertwatkins364]

The choice between the 1954 Nash Healy, and the Studebaker, would be tough. I never was a big fan of the Tupperware Chevies. In 1954 they still had the inline six.

[@oscarblom4885]

Thank you for sharing this video. One of my favorite cars 👍👍👍

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome glad you dig this episode =)

[@66dunoon69]

I had 2 Stude's a 1953 Champ coupe and a 64 Avanti. Wish I had them today, where is this place?

[@What.its.like.]

The place where the cars are for sale is classic auto mall it’s located in Morgantown Pennsylvania If you’re talking about the car show the car show is May 8 it’s a Monday it’s 5 to 8 in Lowville Ohio. Which is just literally across the Pennsylvania line it’s not far away from Boardman Ohio Youngstown area. Out of those two Studebaker‘s which one did you like more and why?

[@66dunoon69]

@@What.its.like. We are talking 1964-65, I guess the Avanti it was more of a pussy wagon and head turner, to be honest Studebaker was never known for it's high quality autos, the company was really conservative in that instead of making something new they would modify what they had, for example the fins on hawks were just added to 53-54 rear fenders. They were terrible rust buckets, most of the vents in the fenders were rusted out after only a couple years. The upholstery was cheap, though the Avanti had much better that earlier ones. They stayed with that huge and heavy 289 till the end. big engine small displacement. I'm orginally from N. Indiana Studebakers were everywhere. Their advanced and forward designs weren't enough to keep them going, if ya worked for Studebaker you would probably be layed off in a couple years, It would be instresting to find out in a 20 year span how many lay=offs they had. I still love the ol' orphan.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing your cars with us they sounded great I know Studebaker didn’t use the best quality steel neither did Mopar that’s why Chrysler products from the 50s are worth a fortune because they didn’t use quality materials and they literally rusted on the dealership parking lots, a friend told me that. I also find it really funny in a peculiar way, Studebaker used kingpins till the very end they never updated their front end to A arm set up

[@Vegaswill714]

I remember reading Hot Rod magazine back in the day, there was much coverage of 53 - 54 Studebakers making speed runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The stories were that these cars were naturally aerodynamic, that they were far more stable at speeds of 200 mph+ than any other cars of the era. Studebaker aficionados, please elaborate, comment or correct me on this point! Yes Jay, I totally dig your channel.

[@What.its.like.]

That’s awesome thank you so much for sharing all that added information and insight, glad you dig the channel. =)

[@Vegaswill714]

I am adding this photo to my previous comment. I believe a lot of the early 50's Studebaker's were eaten up by Hot Rodders in the 60's and 70's. This photo was dated 1966.drive.google.com/file/d/1QkGI1Tn7Xp2y1xREfjpsk7SwT2mKYWLK/view?usp=sharing

[@clarencehoffmann3391]

The 2 door coups and hardtops from 1953 to 1964 had a 120.5 wheel base. The sedans and wagons were 116.5 except for the 55 to 58 President models were also 120.5.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you for that correction =)

[@glorialondon5054]

Yes, the 1953 and 1954, Y body Land Cruiser sedans, shared the 120.5" wheelbase, with the Coupes and Hardtops, in those years. But the only, '55 to '58, President model that used the 120.5" wheelbase was the President State sedan. They basically just renamed the Land Cruiser in '55!

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Much as I like Corvettes, gotta go with the Stude here. Made in South Bend, Indiana. Would like to see the REO episode next, then Stutz, and then the Packard.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet one vote for each in that order

[@rogergoodman8665]

Old Studebakers are awesome. If you ever come across a 1926-29 Pontiac I'd love to see a video on one.

[@What.its.like.]

You bet, we are going to try to hit all the lost and forgotten cars on this channel =)

[@DeutschlandGuy]

16:13 "Notice the generator is on the left"... No, it is on the right side of the car... not the left. 😂

[@What.its.like.]

Based on perspective

[@alethacriss9308]

Love the Stuz. Little surfer girl

[@What.its.like.]

Kiss me baby Beach boys

[@5610winston]

The post-war Land Cruiser was the stretched Commander sedan, and trim level for trim level, the most expensive Studebaker model.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for the correction and there was a lot of conflicting information whether or not the Land Cruiser was by itself or part of the commander line

[@Radiowild]

Today's "Would you rather" choices for me would be the Stude, and the Packard. I really like the studes. The "Champion" with the bullet nose and trunk just look so rude! My friends 59 Silver Hawk with the Corvette 327 is way cool!.

[@What.its.like.]

57 golden hawk is my favorite great choices =)

[@Retroscoop]

Beautiful car for a reasonable price, but what a confusing branding / naming....

[@5610winston]

5:10 Starlight and Starliner shared the 120.5 inch wheelbase with the Land Cruiser. Sedans and the Conestoga station wagon rode the 116.5 inch spread.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that correction =)

[@davidstoyanoff]

Stude and stutz!

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

This elegant design would be appropriate for a much more expensive car, and there is an impressive amount of bright work in that otherwise spartan interior. I liked the '53 dash better, and you'd have to pry a Nash Healey from my cold, dead fingers. STUTZ! Please? And the grumpy trolls haven't seen many episodes and obviously missed naptime.

[@What.its.like.]

Haha I just wanted to have some fun at the end lol =) Great choices one vote for the stutz =) I just went back to look at the poll it is super close.. going to be interesting to see which one wins either way going to make cool back story for all of them

[@Steven-p4j]

Hi Jay, I saw a bunch of photos of early era car wrecks, and what came across clearly, was the general weakness of wooden spoked wheels. If the vehicle had wood wheels, they were invariable ripped off and /or apart. Steel spokes and metal dished wheels fared far better. From the look of the wrecks, the evidence appeared to indicate serious injuries, or even death, even in the lower speed accidents, with displaced steering columns and wheels. Sometimes sacrificing for your art becomes silly.

[@ronaldsmith6829]

I'd take the Studebaker in the first choice. It's a great car to drive and you can easily get parts, so you can drive it often. If you are a member of the huge club, there is help available no matter where you travel with your Studebaker.

[@What.its.like.]

Studebaker/packard people Hudson people are the most helpful groups.. I’ve had experience with local packard chapter great bunch of people makes me want to own one =) 10 years ago my friends Porsche 930 died at the car show and Porsche people wouldn’t help him.. with jumper cables. We asked if anyone had any and the look on their face what’s jumper cables?? Lol packard people were the only ones that helped us they even helped push the car out of the show so we could get it on the back of a tow truck

[@ronaldsmith6829]

The nose badge you are showing in the top picture for comparison between '53 & '54 is the early '53. Mercedes Benz complained about it so the emblem you show on the '54 actually debuted eight months early. If you find a car with the early '53 nose emblem, it is less then fifteen percent of the production. really, the only difference between the '53 and '54 is trim. Even the '55 is almost identical. This same bodytub became the Hawk in '56 through '60. Still, the '53-4 are my faves of all Studebakers. Another thing that is common in any model, is that you don't have to slam the doors to close them tightly. Something else I love about them. Hence the reason my username throughout the internet is Studeclunker. Because I drive unrestored driver-type Studebakers. Both the Champ Pickup and a '56 Stationwagon.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for pointing that out I searched in search and search the Internet for a badge like that and I couldn’t find one from 54 so I just found one that was close enough.. because for what ever reason there isn’t (or I couldn’t find ) 54 version of that badge, Out of the thousands of people who watch this episode you’re the only one that was able to tell that it wasn’t the right your badge great job in catching that

[@automatedelectronics6062]

I'd probably go with the Nash-Healey. Only about 500 were made in it's model run, but they did dominate racing. The coupes were sport coupes and the convertible version was a true sports car. I wouldn't mind seeing the Packard 726. It's too bad that it's sold.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =) I want to hit the healey so bad one day... they are hard to find The Packerd been there for a while I wanted to do it every single time I was there but could never get inside of it because of the location it was in this time it was fully exposed, and didn’t want to miss the opportunity =) One vote for packard

[@tigre7739]

A real stunner!!🤩 Coolest of the cool! 😎 First scenario, Studebaker all the way! Second scenario, Stutz !

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome glad you dig this video one vote for stutz Great choices =)

[@draggonsgate]

1) Studebaker 2) Packard The thing that get me the most about these Studebakers, is that during an era that was emphasizing size, and utilizing all the tricks to make things lo bigger than they were, these full sized cars almost look like compacts. They must be rare as hen's teeth, but love to see the wagon reviewed. Prefer the 53's gauges.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices totally agree about the 53 gauges One vote for Packard

[@1lovesgreatness]

That car was way ahead of it's time. It's a timeless looking ho.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree =)

[@ronkemperful]

The styling tweaks on the 54 model make both the dash and the bright-work pop in a good way. Too bad that modern EV dashes are more like a glorified iPad than a straight forward design that communicates the essentials; I think modern manufacturers could learn something by looking back.

[@What.its.like.]

I love this interior the only thing that I didn’t like about the car is the steering wheel is almost in your crotch if you are about the same size as me 34 pants.. but I will say there is a whole lot more room in this car than there is in a 54 Corvette or a 55 Thunderbird this car is what the Thunderbirds should have been from the get-go.. I honestly think that this car should be credited as the first personal luxury car not the Thunderbird because this predates the Thunderbird and it does everything better than the Thunderbird ever did, in the mid 50s I would probably go so far as to say is the 5758 Studebaker Golden Hawkins better than a 58 Thunderbird there total different cars by that point but all things considered I’d take the hawk. I’ve been in a 60 Thunderbird and that is the reason the crotch test exists because the steering wheel was in my lap in that car and there’s nothing you can do about it.

[@Friedbrain11]

I prefer the '53 Starfire hardtop.

[@alanblanes2876]

Terrific review Jay, and I'd play the Packard review next.

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this episode One vote for packard =)

[@richardwarren7492]

A very nice one - wyr Nash Healy - Packard

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices =) One vote for packard