Features Studebaker's lets see them

Posted before, just newer photos.

 

Les Leggett's #500 "The Beast" at El Mirage Dry Lake bed, the fastest Studebaker on the planet. Over 275 mph. 335 mph on the salt

 

Never cared for flames personally .

 

I couldn't find the 'absolutely gorgeous' button, so used 'like', instead.

 

Had a number of Studys,loved them all,my fav. was a 55,but started out with 53,then 54,later on a Golden Hawk an a Lark. Never got a Avanti,still would love one. Just 55 photo from the net,but real cool.

 

my father-in-laws 58 golden hawk 1 of 587 made


Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.

 

My only Studebaker contribution is this 1938 steering wheel I cut down and fitted to my Model A. The horn Button is from a 1934 Studebaker President.

 

You did a great job. This could be your new business.

 

Not really, I just found the wheel on eBay, loved its look, rolled a new ring, welded it, and found a bunch of others to do the rest. Sherm’s Plating polished the spokes, Kenny March painted the hub, Backwards Unlimited cast and finished the rim, and Shrock Brothers made up the 34/38 horn button. A whole lot of help brought my vision together. Shrock Brothers also found The piece of tapered shaft I needed to splice onto my F100 shaft.

 

Well it really came together great. That is something to be proud of when you get it in your car.

 

Al Hirshfield in the background: 1960 Bakersfield Smokers March Meet

Hello,

Ok, it is Mike Marinoff’s 1955 Chevy Bel Air that set records in the B/Gas and C/Gas class from the Midwest. But, those sharp eyes will spot Al Hirshfield’s two door Studebaker Sedan in the background (hood up) from the 1960 Bakersfield Smokers 2nd March Meet pits.
Al Hirshfield /Howard Cam Special



Still, Studebakers played an important step in our hot rod /drag racing builds for the next several years. Upon going to Lions weekly for racing the 58 Impala, we kept seeing the old Studebaker sedans of Junior Thompson and Al Hirshfield running in the B/Gas class. They were the top players in this competitive class. Every time those two came to the starting line and I had my movie camera handy. It was, listen for the motor starting, rev up while getting staged and the acceleration was tremendous for those big sedans.

Their components and speed parts sponsorships were instrumental in our next step 1940 Willys coupe build for the B/Gas and C/Gas classes. The McCulloch supercharger from Junior Thompsons sedan, we already liked, from the Fords and Studebaker stock cars. (some form of supercharging was the way to be competitive) The Howard Cam influence from Al Hirshfield was chosen for our 292 SBC (with a 671) motor in our 1940 Willys Coupe.

Jnaki

Not only was it the Studebaker sedans with the powerful motors, but the attitude of the owners/drivers toward anyone asking questions about the build and parts. That was the impressive part my brother liked and when it was time to build our Willys Coupe, we were a showcase ad for Howard Cam products. The Isky cam (Junior Thompson) was already installed in the 283 long block that was our original starting point.

What about the centrifugal supercharger? My brother had big plans to install one on our 58 Impala after the stock car class racing days. There is no way to dislike the “whine of the supercharger” on any motor to give it some power. It warns others to “watch out what you wish for” in any encounter.

SOUND Jr Thompson 1959


Thompson vs Hirshfield

Hirshfield vs Al Dal Porto

 

WHY BE ORDINARY ?

 

WHY BE ORDINARY ?

 

WHY BE ORDINARY ?

 

I'm too poor for fancy hotrods.
Mine have to earn their keep.

WHY BE ORDINARY ?

 

WHY BE ORDINARY ?