Jun 27, 2011  •  Sightings Stories  •  20 Comments

Studebaker Graveyard

Studebakers By Sign

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Reader Harry B submitted this Studebaker Graveyard he came across while traveling from Atlanta Georgia to Deltona Florida. He stumbled on this old Studebaker service center in a small town along GA-19. Harry said, “It looked like nobody hadn’t touched any of these beauties for years” and we are inclined to agree with him.

Studebaker Field

Studebaker opened its doors in 1852 and manufactured a variety of cars up to its closure in 1966. The first cars the company manufactured were electric. In 1904, the company began manufacturing gasoline powered cars, making it one of the earliest American manufactures producing gasoline powered cars. This service center appears to have a wide variety of Studebaker cars and trucks, but it appears most are post war cars. Can you spot the Studebaker Champion in this photo?

Studebaker Shop

We weren’t able to identifiy this Studebaker, so If any of the Studebaker affociandos out there knows which model this is please share.

Studebakers By Statue

Of the post war American auto manufactures Studebaker had some of the most unique and innovative designs. Studebaker grew intially after WWII ended, but as the major auto makers began manufacturing cars again a price war started and caused Studebaker to struggle for survival.

Studebakers Under Cover

This service center not only has many rough Studebakers, it has several in excellent condition. These two look to either be restored cars or survivors. Notice the dust and dirt on the windows of these cars, we would guess its been a long time since either has been driven. We don’t know if any of these cars are for sell, but if anyone is interested in contacting the owner please contact us for more info on its location and phone number. We would like to thank Harry B for submitting this great find.

Comments

  1. Jim Rizer
    Jun 27, 2011 at 2:18pm

    The unidentified car is a Studebaker Golden Hawk I believe.

    Like 0
  2. Doug MiddlestetterMember
    Jun 27, 2011 at 5:15pm

    I am thinking it is a "President"….a 53 to 56 vintage with the Hawk coming out in 57 with fins… but I could be wrong… just shooting from memory. I do know that when I was in High School there was one in the neighborhood that was reported to have original "super charger" equipment on it… Was not a driver, so never saw it in action. Great style, though…

    Like 0
  3. Chris
    Jun 28, 2011 at 5:18pm

    It's a 56 Sky Hawk – Didn't have the fiberglass fins that the Golden Hawk did, and the 289 Stude V8.

    Like 0
  4. Neil Thornton
    Jul 10, 2011 at 2:34am

    Chris wins!!! It is a 56 Sky Hawk. How do I know? Because it's mine. I like to think of this place as a Studebaker country church. True there is a graveyard out back, but many that come in the front leave in better shape. Most of what you see are drivable, just waiting their turn to be made pretty again. And yes some have had a long wait.

    Like 1
  5. Neil Thornton
    Jul 10, 2011 at 8:37am

    The blue 52 4 dr, and the black and white 56 sedan under the shelter are Champions.

    Like 0
  6. Jim
    Jul 10, 2011 at 10:14pm

    NOT a graveyard, but an active car restorer

    Like 0
  7. Barn Finds
    Jul 11, 2011 at 12:06am

    We stand corrected! It is not a graveyard but an active garage. What a coincidence that the owner (Neil) would run across this post too! Thanks for letting us know and welcome to the site.

    Like 0
  8. Foxy
    Oct 9, 2011 at 6:23pm

    When Mmy father and I were car shopping for my first car we ran across a lark 2dr sedan. I’m not sure of the year,, it was about ’67 when we saw it. I wanted it bad, but my dad said it was too much money. The thing that stands out in my memory is the fact that it had a 289 v8 with a Mcculloch superchatger on it and what looked to be a factory 4 speedw/ a hurst shifter. My question is ,, was this a factory option? and if so how many were sold?? thanks Foxy

    Like 0
  9. Neil Thornton
    Oct 10, 2011 at 6:00am

    Yes. The package you describe was an option beginning in 63(I think) but it should have been a Paxton supercharger. McCulloch was used on the Golden Hawks in 57-58. For more info go to The Studebaker Drivers club.com. Check out the technical forum specs and data.

    Like 0
  10. Neil Thornton
    Oct 12, 2011 at 3:48pm

    There is one Ebay right now. Bid is at 9000.(10-12-11) Seller says there was less than 60 built

    Like 1
  11. Foxy
    Oct 13, 2011 at 1:06am

    Thanks for the info Neil, It probably was a paxton. It has been a long time. I’ll check out that one on e-bay. I will be wishing my dad would have had $350. that day. thanks again. Foxy

    Like 0
  12. Dana
    Apr 8, 2012 at 7:13pm

    Hi im interested in the studebaker trucks that’s on your graveyard finds. Please email me and let me know if they are for sale and the year.

    Like 0
  13. David Reeves
    Jan 26, 2013 at 9:07am

    Do you know if any of these are for sale ? Because I would really like to have the Brownish,brassy colored sedan in the middle of the 2cnd picture (58)? Thanks for posting this find, I’ve been looking for a car graveyard/salvage yard in the south eastern area. Thanks and warm welcomes from Mobile!!

    Like 0
  14. Peter Lee
    Apr 5, 2013 at 1:12pm

    I also have a ’56 Sky Hawk, one of only 66 currently registered in the country. Talk about rare!

    Like 0
  15. Rebecca Akridge
    Jul 15, 2014 at 7:43pm

    What a beautiful collection!! I will be showing your pics to a vert dear friend who dreams of restoring a “51” Commander 4 door. He &his wife use to own one brand spanking new back in the day! His dream is to find one that’s been left behind and bring her back to life!! If anyone may know of where one might be PLEASE help me make his dream come true!!

    Like 0
  16. scott Armstrong
    Apr 5, 2015 at 5:35pm

    My mothers family name is Studebaker. We are from Troy Ohio. My grandmother, Ruth Studebaker worked on the newsletter. I always wanted a hawk. I wish I could find a fixeruper for cheap.

    Like 0
  17. Wade Anderson
    Jul 2, 2016 at 9:02pm

    There is a barn full of Studebakers on S.R.10 in Clio Alabama looks like a lot of Larks all on racks

    Like 0
  18. JOHN E burke
    Oct 27, 2018 at 4:17pm

    hi neil would you happen to have or know a source for 56-58 v8 full set of backing plate assemblies

    Like 0
  19. Mike Vander Ploeg
    Sep 2, 2019 at 9:42am

    The Car could be a 55 Speedster

    Mike

    Like 0

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