- Sturdy 1920s Studebaker
- Complete 600-hour restoration
- Features unusual accessories
Having spent half a century building some of the nation's most
popular horse-drawn vehicles, the Studebaker brothers ventured into
self-propelled mobility in 1902 with an electric car. Reaching the
mainstream took longer and involved collaboration with the Garford
Company of Elyria, Ohio, and later, the acquisition of
Everett-Metzger-Flanders of Detroit. The result was Studebaker
Corporation, based in the brothers' hometown of South Bend,
Indiana. By the early 1920s, the corporation was selling three
series of Studebakers priced in the middle and upper-middle price
segments of the industry. For 1922 they sold more than 110,000
cars, placing fifth behind Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Buick.
For 1923 there were three series: Model EM, the Light Six; EL, a
Special Six; and EK, Big Six, in ascending order of price and, not
coincidentally, power. Displacement ranged from 207 cubic inches in
the Light Six to 354 for the Big Six. The Special Six was right in
the middle, at 287 cubic inches, 50 bhp, and a 119-inch
wheelbase.
This Model EL Special Six tourer was purchased from Doug Foeller of
Naples, Florida, in 1998. The recipient of a 600-hour complete and
accurate restoration, it is painted yellow with black fenders,
attractively pinstriped in black. This contrasts markedly with red
disc wheels and whitewall tires. The upholstery, in black pleated
leather, is new. Accessories include wind wings, a full-width
rearview mirror at the top of the windshield, chrome front and rear
bumpers, a dog-bone radiator cap with MotoMeter temperature gauge,
and a rear-mounted steel trunk located behind the spare tire.
Accessory turn signals have been unobtrusively added.
The engine compartment is clean and correctly appointed, while not
over-detailed. Studebaker built more than 146,000 cars in 1923,
placing seventh in the auto industry. This car is a very attractive
example.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
