The American automotive industry has faced unique adversities that have shaped it into what it is today. At the beginning of the 20th century, approximately 3,000 registered automakers in the United States had an automobile in limited production or full production. Two World Wars, the Great Depression, economic recessions have led us to 2021. The United States has just 11 brands based in the country, with one or two startups like Rivian and Lucid bringing that number into the low teens when they begin volume production later this year.

One iconic American brand casualty is Studebaker. Founded in 1852 as a carriage builder, the brand endured a tumultuous history of success, innovation, mismanagement, and eventually its dissolution in 1966. Throughout its history, the small automaker from South Bend pioneered many firsts and lives on through its cult-like fanbase.

10 1902 Studebaker Electric

Via: Classic Auto Mall

Studebaker's first volume horseless carriage entered production in 1902 with an idea that would not have its renaissance until over a century later. The Studebaker Electric looked much like the horsedrawn carriages that Studebaker already had in production, but hiding below its upright bench was something far more advanced than storage space. A Westinghouse electric motor and 970 lbs of batteries were housed in the base of the vehicle.

Studebaker Electric
Via: Mecum Auctions

Advertised a civilized alternative to gas-powered cars, the Studebaker Electric quickly became popular among upper-class citizens of major cities. The car featured a range of 70-80 miles and could be started by a simple switch, rather than going through the trouble of cranking over a contemporary gas-powered vehicle. Later iterations featured enclosed cabins to protect from the elements. Studebaker produced its electric car until 1912 and sold about 1,700 examples.

Related: 10 Reasons Why EVs Are Going To Take Over The World

9 1937 Studebaker Coupe-Express

Studebaker Coupe-Express
Via: Heacock Classic

Just over two decades before the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero, Studebaker introduced a passenger car-based pickup. Released for the 1937 model year, the Coupe-Express was built on the Dictator passenger car chassis. Buyers were able to enjoy the comforts of a passenger car with the utility of a pickup truck.

Via: Heacock Classic

Deco lines made the Coupe-Express the most stylish truck on the road. Large sweeping rear fenders mimicked those appearing up front, further enhancing the presence of the truck. Just 3,125 examples found homes before the project was quickly discontinued after a product restructuring at Studebaker.

8 1950 Studebaker Commander Starlight

Via: The Classic Car Journal

Following the Second World War, Studebaker introduced a completely new series of vehicles featuring smooth aircraft-inspired styling. The Commander Starlight resided at the top of the lineup. Raymond Loewy is responsible for the aircraft-like nose and soft side panels. In contrast, Virgil Exner designed the car's striking roofline and wraparound rear window before moving on to the Chrysler Corporation. Four curved pieces of glass created a panoramic view for passengers to watch the road roll away from the car's rear.

Via: Classic Car Journal

Upfront, the unique nose of the car highlighted its roots in aviation. The center-bullet was designed to mimic the nose of an aircraft, while chrome wings jetted out from the side of it, trimming air intakes. The radical styling proved to be successful in the age of excess, and the car represents one of Studebakers most successful endeavors.

Related: Grand Finales: the Final Cars Produced By 10 Defunct Companies

7 1955 Studebaker President

1955 Styudebaker President
Via: Mecum Auctions

1955 brought a new flagship to the Studebaker lineup in the form of a touring coupe. Initially available solely in a "Speedster" body style, most Presidents commanded the eye, especially when painted in the model's signature lemon-lime paint scheme. Featuring Studebakers own 259 C.I. V-8, the President sent 185 H.P. to the rear wheels. A decent number for a low-slung compact coupe.

Via: Mecum Auctions

At the rear, the car featured a tapered tail and a large wraparound rear window. Though not quite as dramatic as the Starlight, the one-piece glass has dramatic curves to remain parallel to the car's 'C' pillar. In total, 2,215 of the distinct cars found homes.

6 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk

1958 studebaker
Via: The Truth About Cars

The Studebaker Golden Hawk was an evolution of the Speedster that came before it. A dramatic upright nose led to an airy greenhouse while dramatic golden wings brought up the car's rear. A luxurious leather interior comforted buyers of Studebakers latest flagship. Under the hood was a supercharged 289 C.I. V-8 that sent 275 H.P. to the rear wheels. A 0-60 of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 125 MPH put it in the competition range of the Chrysler 300 it was aimed at, the only other six-passenger performance coupe on the American market.

1957 Studebaker Golden HAwk
Via: The Truth About Cars

Its unique lines designed by Loewy and unusual powerplant propelled the Hawk into the hearts of 1950s American car collectors. Values of the 1957 Golden Hawk have risen substantially over the years, leading it to be one of the most sought-after examples of the Studebaker Corporation.

5 1959 Studebaker Lark

Studebaker Lark 1959
Via: Barnfinds

By the late 1950s, the disaster of the companies Packard merger had significantly put the company underwater, Studebaker had taken out sizeable short-term loans to keep the company afloat, and fiscal deadlines for fast approaching. The financial turbulence led to the rapid development of the Lark. The Lark resulted from a straightforward idea, build a small and stylish car at a low price. While large American manufacturers were attempting to outdo each other by building larger and larger automobiles, Studebaker evaluated the market and determined a small compact car for young Americans could be financially viable.

1959 STudebaker Lark
Via: Barn Finds

After a short 18 months in development, the Studebaker Lark arrived in showrooms for the 1959 model year and was met with great success. With the optional V-8 returning an astounding 25 mpg, buyers flocked to what was called the first full-sized compact. While the car was feet shorter than the average American car, the car's cabin offered the same space as a full-size car. In 1959 Studebaker sold 131,075 Larks, resulting in one of the best sales years in the companies history.

4 1960 Studebaker Champ

Studebaker Champ
Via: Motor Biscuit

Following the success of the Lark, Studebaker quickly began reinvesting in their line of heavy-duty trucks. Despite their trucks having strong, consistent annual sales, Studebaker allowed the lineup to stagnate while focusing on restructuring their passenger car lineup. Comfortable general-use trucks for regular Americans were becoming extremely lucrative, but Studebaker lacked the time and funds for a ground-up project. So to give consumers passenger car appointments and truck versatility, they took an obvious short-term approach.

Via: Motor Biscuit

They cut apart the existing two-door Lark body and mated it to the current 1/2 ton commercial truck platform. While intended as a placeholder until Studebaker could design a new truck from the ground up, the Champ became an accidental success. The passenger car interior quickly became the best equipped on the pickup scene, with factory a/c even being an option. The Champ also retained its commercial underpinnings. A rugged solid front axle hung below a torquey V-8 designed with towing in mind. Thanks to the saved development cost, the Champ was offered a lower base price than its Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet equivalents, creating an economical and instant hit.

3 1963 Studebaker Avanti

1963 Studebaker Avanti R2
mecum.com

After evaluating the profits from the Lark and cutting costs elsewhere in the company, Studebaker went forward, creating their crown vehicle, one that would essentially become the first American supercar. In late 1962, deliveries of the new 1963 Avanti began. The fiberglass coupe was the fastest production vehicle someone could purchase. A stock Avanti fresh from the dealership could reach 178 MPH. Disc brakes and supercharged V-8 were standard equipment, as was seating for four adults.

The radically advanced car was designed to allow Studebaker to carve a new name for itself. With high development costs, Studebaker needed to sell 20,000 units in its first year to avoid coming in at a loss, sadly due to a high price and what turned out to be a smaller than intended market, just 1,200 examples sold. The car lived to see 1964, with a few thousand more being produced before Studebaker could no longer afford to keep the vehicle in production. Studebaker would immortalize their name with the Avanti but never would financially recover from the car.

2 1962 Studebaker Wagonaire

Studebaker wagonaire
Via: Optima Batteries

1963 saw the quieter introduction of another revolutionary product from Studebaker, this one intended for families. The versatile Lark-based station wagon featured a roll-roof over the cargo compartment for the transportation of large goods. The manually sliding steel panel gracefully unlatched and slid into the cabin. A flush folding step ladder mounted to enhance tailgate versatility.

The Wagonaire enjoyed marginally good sales numbers following its introduction, but they were no higher than the standard station wagon. Other unusual features like a passenger-mounted dash beauty vanity and optional disc brakes further set the car apart but to no avail. GM revisited the idea with its XUV's in the early 2000s, however.

Related: 10 of the Coolest Classic Station Wagons

1 1966 Studebaker Daytona

1966 Studebaker
Via: studebaker-info.org

By 1966 Studebaker had shut down 90% of its plant operations and laid off most employees. Studebakers smallest factory, the Hamilton plant, was now operating a single-assembly line to produce the 1966 cars. The Lark Daytona and Lark Cruiser models became the sole offerings, with drivetrains directly supplied by GM, as Studebaker no longer could build their own. Disc brakes and elaborate interior fabrics were now standard on the stately coupe and sedan.

1966 STudebaker
Via: Greg Gjerdingen

Despite several unique standard features, sales were abysmal. Buyers were aware of Studebaker's financial situation and were afraid of buying a car with no aftermarket support. In March of 1966, Studebakers' remaining executives concluded that there was no way out, and the company was broken up and dissolved. Despite their abrupt ending, Studebaker continues to live on among a loyal fanbase who spread the word about the innovative little company from South Bend, Indiana.

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