COMPANY

The Studebaker company did not begin by creating cars. In its infancy, the Studebaker company designed wagons and buggies. The company was founded in South Bend, IN by Henry and Clement Studebaker on February 16, 1852. They dubbed their company the H & C Studebaker blacksmith shop.

Later on, their younger brothers joined the firm and the name changed to Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. Soon, the firm became the largest manufacturer of both buggies and wagons.

It wasn't until 1902 that Studebaker began selling its first electric automobile called the Electric Runabout. Earlier, the company had experimented with electric carriages, but the Runabout was Studebaker's first production automobile. This particular car was purchased by Thomas Edison and drove up to 13 miles per hour. The Runabout was offered in five different models and the company sold twenty Runabouts that first year.

In 1911, the company changed its name to The Studebaker Corporation. During the year 1918 and through the next decade, Studebaker created a series of six-cylinder vehicles called the "Big Six" that featured a 60hp engine and was sold as a coupe, sedan or tourer. The company also manufactured a series of 50hp engine cars called the "Special Six" series which cost less.

For consumers who could afford neither series, the Studebaker Corporation created a lower priced series of automobiles called the "Light Sixes". These less expensive cars boasted a 40hp engine. By 1920, the company had ceased manufacturing buggies and wagons and focused on creating automobiles.

The arrival of the Great Depression brought about economic struggles for the company, but new Vice Presidents, Paul Hoffman and Harold Vance became the company receivers in 1933. Their leadership role within the company helped to save the auto manufacturer during those difficult times.

Studebaker automobiles sold during the 1930s include the President Eight State Brougham, the Studebaker Rockne, the Studebaker Commander and the Studebaker Champion. Interestingly, the Studebaker Champion was introduced in 1939 and helped the company break free from low record sales brought about by the Great Depression. The Studebaker Champion was a huge success, returning Studebaker to its position as the largest independent vehicle manufacturer in the world.

The arrival of the 1950s ushered in a new style of cars created by Studebaker. These cars featured a "bullet nose" body design. In 1951, Studebaker introduced a V8 engine as well. One car sold during this time period was the V8 Commander Starliner. The car was introduced to the public in 1952, coinciding with Studebaker's 100-year anniversary. The 1953 Commander was known for its graceful lines and was aerodynamic and sleek. The media praised the car for its European styling and classic appearance.