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“First by far with a post-war car.” — Studebaker advertising slogan
Did you know the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk could reach 125 miles per hour? At the time, that made it one of the fastest cars you could buy. This sharp-looking car wasn’t just quick. It also competed with legends like the Corvette and helped inspire the muscle cars that came later.
When you own a Studebaker from the 1950s, you’re not only enjoying the thrill of driving, you’re keeping alive a piece of history filled with style and bold ideas.
In this guide, you’ll see what makes these cars stand out. You’ll learn about the eye-catching bullet nose, wide wraparound windshields, and the models that still grab attention today, such as the Champion, Commander, and Golden Hawk. That’s why collectors and car fans continue to treasure them.
What You’ll Learn
Here’s what you’ll discover about these rare classics:
How Studebaker changed post-war automotive style
A closer look at the Champion, Commander, Starliner, and Hawk
Expert advice to maintain your Studebaker's value and charm
Overview
Starting in 1950, Studebaker stood out for bold designs, creative engineering, and a willingness to take risks. These crucial factors helped it compete with Detroit’s Big Three.
Key Models and Features
Champion (1950–1958)
Position: The Champion was Studebaker’s most affordable car and made up over 80% of sales in 1950.
Design: Its 1950 “bullet nose” front end, inspired by airplanes, gave it an unforgettable look.
Innovations: It offered independent front coil suspension and an advanced automatic transmission.
Trim Levels: The Regal Deluxe Starlight Coupe stood out with its wraparound rear window.
Commander and Land Cruiser (1950–1958)
Position: The Commander was more powerful than the Champion, and the Land Cruiser added extra space and comfort.
Engines: Both cars used Studebaker V8 engines for stronger performance.
Design: They shared the Champion’s bullet nose look in 1950–1951. By 1952, it shifted to a more traditional style.
Starliner and Starlight Coupes (1953)
Design: Styled by Bob Bourke under Raymond Loewy’s studio, these cars were among the best-looking of the 1950s.
Features: The Starliner and Starlight had low, sleek profiles with wide glass areas and bold rooflines.
Legacy: They are highly collectible today for their elegant, modern style.
Hawk (1956–1964)
Position: The Hawk line sat between Studebaker’s regular sedans and its high-performance cars.
Engines: Early Hawks used six-cylinder and V8 engines. Meanwhile, the 1956 Golden Hawk carried a Packard 352 V8. This was later replaced by Studebaker’s own supercharged V8s.
Design: Hawks featured sporty rooflines and were refined over time into cleaner, more modern shapes.
Design and Engineering
Aircraft-Inspired Styling: Airplanes influenced the 1950–1951 bullet nose and wraparound window.
Raymond Loewy’s Influence: Loewy’s studio gave Studebaker cars smooth lines and bold curves.
Innovative Suspension: The 1950 Champion introduced front coil suspension that made rides smoother.
Automatic Transmission: Studebaker offered an advanced automatic transmission early. The Champion's transmission, though, lacked power.
Cultural and Market Impact
Sales and Competition: Studebaker peaked in sales in 1950. Later, it struggled against GM, Ford, and Chrysler, leading to a 1954 merger with Packard.
Marketing: The slogan “First by far with a post-war car” showed its push for new styles and technology.
Legacy: Collectors appreciate the creativity and unique character of 1950s Studebakers.
Studebaker in the 1950s: Defying the Mainstream
The 1950s were years of growth in America. Cars became symbols of freedom and progress. The Big Three made safe designs to capture the growing demand for cars.
Studebaker took chances instead. With roots in wagon-making, it valued craftsmanship. Its cars had sleek lines, bold bullet-nose fronts, and wraparound windshields. Creativity sets Studebaker apart.
The brand’s impact went beyond design. It pushed new technology into the spotlight. The 1950 Studebaker Champion, for example, introduced independent front coil suspension. This gave drivers a smoother and more controlled ride. The company was also among the first to offer the Borg-Warner automatic transmission. This made driving easier when most cars still used manuals.
By 1953, Studebaker engineers and designers created lighter, more aerodynamic bodies. In fact, the Golden Hawk’s fiberglass hood showcased modern materials that would later shape the future of car building.
These innovations are not enough to keep up with Detroit’s Big Three, though. The larger companies had more factories, bigger budgets, and stronger marketing. Studebaker, as a smaller automaker, faced higher costs and thinner profits. Its bold designs and strong engineering won praise, but money troubles grew.
By the late 1950s, the company was under pressure. A brief merger with Packard failed to bring lasting stability. Studebaker survived into the 1960s, but the decline had already begun.
Spotlight on Iconic Models
Champion (1950–1958)
The Champion was key to Studebaker’s comeback after the war. It was affordable and became the company’s bestseller. In 1950, it made up over 80% of Studebaker’s sales.
The car introduced the bold bullet-nose grille. With front coil suspension and a straight-six engine, it offered comfort and smooth handling. Families loved its style and trusted it for dependable transportation.
Key facts:
Trim options included upscale versions, such as the Regal Deluxe Starlight Coupe. Its dramatic rear glass treatment offered almost 180 degrees of visibility.
A Starlight coupe is on display at the Marin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona.
Commander and Land Cruiser (1950–1958)
The Commander and Land Cruiser gave Studebaker buyers more power and style. Early versions used six-cylinder engines. Meanwhile, later models gained strong V8s for faster performance. Longer wheelbases made the cars roomier and more comfortable.
The Land Cruiser stood out with luxury features, smoother rides, and longer doors. Both models shifted from the bullet-nose look to sleeker shapes.
Key facts:
In late 1952, Studebaker built a prototype convertible Commander based on the Starliner hardtop body, but it never went into full production.
In 1950 the Land Cruiser’s wheelbase was about 124 inches, which was four inches longer than the standard Commander models.
Starliner and Starlight Coupes (1953)
These 1953 coupes were Studebaker’s boldest break from tradition. Styled by Bob Bourke and his team, they redefined what American cars could look like.
The Starliner had a smooth roofline, wide glass, and a low stance that made it feel futuristic. Meanwhile, the Starlight featured a central pillar and broad windows that gave drivers panoramic views. Both designs focused on aerodynamics, visibility, and lightness.
Critics praised the look, but buyers were cautious. Today, their daring style makes them highly collectible.
Key facts:
The Starlight’s wraparound rear window design became so memorable that people joked you “couldn’t tell which way it was going.”
Some Starliners were converted by custom shops into “Studillacs,” with Starliner bodies and Cadillac V8 engines.
Hawk (1956–1964)
The Studebaker-Packard merger in 1954 created the Hawk series. These bold coupes were meant to bring excitement back to the brand.
In 1956, the lineup included the basic Flight Hawk. The Power Hawk added a V8 for stronger performance. The Sky Hawk was a sleek hardtop. The Golden Hawk stood out with a Packard V8. Later, the Silver Hawk simplified the range. In 1958, the Packard Hawk became the final statement of the partnership.
Key facts:
In 1956, the Golden Hawk became Studebaker’s first car to use fiberglass tail fins. This was later replaced by steel fins.
The name “Silver Hawk” was adopted by the South Bend minor-league baseball team.
Why These Studebakers Are Rare
A Studebaker car from the 1950s were often bold and uncommon. While most automakers played it safe, the brand chose its own path. Smaller production numbers meant fewer cars survived. Short runs and special trims added rarity. What seemed unusual then now makes these cars highly collectible and admired today.
Key facts:
Studebaker sold more than 1.3 million units in the 1950s.
In the same decade, Chevrolet sold around 13 million cars.
Cultural Impact and Historical Legacy
In mid-century America, Studebaker held an important place during the golden age of cars. It was more than a manufacturer. It was also a design leader that challenged tradition. While larger companies built for the masses, Studebaker built with an eye toward the future.
Its influence reached beyond showrooms and into design studios. The postwar Champion showed optimism in style and engineering. The 1953 Starliner, sleek and modern, pushed other automakers to rethink what an American car could be.
Key facts:
First U.S. automaker to launch an all-new postwar model (1947).
Helped usher streamlined styling into mainstream American car design.
Inspired a generation of designers with its shape-focused design language.
Though it couldn’t match the production might of Detroit’s giants, Studebaker’s creative DNA left a lasting impression on American automotive history.
Driving Experience Then and Now
Driving a 1950s Studebaker is an experience of presence and craft. A wide steering wheel and chrome gauges create a commanding view. The engine starts with a steady hum. Suspension softens the road, while the column shifter moves with precision. The result is focused motoring, free from modern distractions.
Key facts:
Manual steering and brakes provide a more tactile and engaging driving experience.
Panoramic glass enhances visibility and adds to the immersive, open-air driving experience.
Whether at a car show or on a quiet road, a 1950s Studebaker makes any drive feel special.
Restoration Tips for Long-Term Enjoyment
Restoring a 1950s Studebaker is a chance to give new life to history. It is more than polishing chrome or repairing engines. It also respects a time when cars were bold and carefully built.
Begin with the frame and body, then check mechanical systems. A 12-volt upgrade can add reliability. Using correct materials for paint, trim, and upholstery helps preserve authenticity and adds value at car shows.
Other key tips:
Source reproduction or NOS (New Old Stock) parts from trusted Studebaker vendors.
Address rust issues promptly to prevent more severe structural complications.
Join a Studebaker club or forum for technical guidance and hard-to-find components.
A well-maintained Studebaker not only looks great, but also offers a visceral driving experience that transports you back to a bold, design-driven era.
Common Issues and Resale Values of 1950s Studebakers
Where to Find One
Studebakers from the 1950s turn up in many places, from shiny showrooms to old barns. Big auctions like Barrett-Jackson or Mecum often sell restored cars. Websites such as Hemmings, ClassicCars.com, and eBay Motors list both projects and show cars.
Another source of information when looking for your Studebaker is clubs and forums. These give tips and connect buyers with sellers who know these cars.
Key tips:
Watch for estate sales and regional collector meetups. Hidden gems sometimes appear where you least expect them.
Always check the VIN and records to confirm the vehicle’s originality.
Buying a Studebaker is more than a purchase. It’s a way for you to connect with a piece of the 1950s.
Final Thoughts
The story of 1950s Studebakers is one of bold style and lasting character. These cars defied expectations and inspired postwar drivers to dream. From the bullet-nosed Champion to the fast Golden Hawk, each model showed Studebaker’s fearless spirit.
Collectors and newcomers agree: few classic cars carry a legacy as meaningful as a 1950s Studebaker.
Need Help Shipping Your Classic?
AmeriFreight Auto Transport is a car shipping broker that has helped move classic cars for more than 20 years. We coordinate with carriers who know how to handle vintage vehicles like 1950s Studebakers.
If you are buying a Studebaker or sending one to a show, enclosed transport adds extra protection. Our agents connect you with trusted carriers who treat your car with care.
We also offer the optional AFTA gap protection plan for added peace of mind. From pickup to delivery, AmeriFreight Auto Transport makes classic car shipping simple and dependable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes 1950s Studebakers different from other classic cars?
Studebakers stood apart for their bold design, engineering innovation, and independent spirit. From their iconic bullet-nose to their lightweight construction and early adoption of automatic transmissions, these cars were ahead of their time.
Are parts still available for 1950s Studebakers?
Yes. Reproduction parts and New Old Stock (NOS) items are still available through specialty vendors and enthusiast clubs.
What’s the most collectible Studebaker from the 1950s?
The 1953 Starliner coupe and the 1956 Golden Hawk are among the most sought-after models due to their distinctive design, impressive performance, and rarity.
How much does a 1950s Studebaker typically cost?
Prices vary based on condition, rarity, and originality. Project cars might cost under $10,000, while show-ready models can exceed $50,000.
How did Studebaker’s bullet-nose design compare to other unique auto designs of the era?
Studebaker’s bullet-nose design stood out by fully embracing aviation styling, unlike most cars of the era, which only dabbled in tailfins or chrome trim. Its “Aero Nose” front made it one of the boldest, most futuristic designs of its time.
What other defunct car brands of the 1950s are considered collectible today?
Brands like Packard, Hudson, Nash, DeSoto, and Edsel once thrived in the 1950s and are now prized by collectors for their rarity, history, and unique styling.
Disclaimer
AmeriFreight Auto Transport provides this article for informational purposes only and does not sell or broker vehicles. We have made every effort to ensure accuracy; however, readers should verify details with qualified automotive professionals and consult official documentation before making any vehicle-related decisions.
