Studebaker Cars — History, Iconic Models and 2026 Values

Studebaker began in 1852 as a wagon-maker in South Bend, Indiana, became one of America's most innovative car makers in the 1950s, and ended automobile production in 1966. In that 111-year span Studebaker produced milestone designs that defined American post-war styling — the 1953 Starliner, 1956 Golden Hawk, and 1963 Avanti. This 2026 guide covers the iconic models, the company's collapse, and the current UK collector market for imported Studebakers.

Studebaker built its first electric car in 1902 and its first petrol model in 1904. The 1929 President Eight FE was a luxury rival to Cadillac with a straight-eight engine producing 115 bhp. Pre-war Studebakers like the 1937 Dictator and 1941 Champion are well-supported by the Studebaker Drivers Club (studebakerdriversclub.com) with 7,000+ members and parts available through SASCO. 2026 UK values: £15,000–£35,000 depending on body style. See our enclosed shipping service.

Raymond Loewy's design team produced the famous 'next-look' 1947 Champion — the first all-new post-war American car. The bullet-nose 1950 model is the most iconic. 1953 brought the Starliner and Starlight hardtops styled by Bob Bourke, considered among the most beautiful American cars ever made — Frank Lloyd Wright owned one. 2026 UK values: £16,000–£32,000 for a clean 1953 Starliner. See our USA to UK shipping page.

The Hawk evolved from the 1953 Starliner — Power Hawk, Sky Hawk, Golden Hawk, Silver Hawk, Gran Turismo Hawk. The 1956 Golden Hawk used a 352ci Packard V8 producing 275 bhp and is the rare collector grade — only 4,071 built. The Gran Turismo Hawk (1962–1964) restyled by Brooks Stevens is the elegant final-generation Hawk. 2026 values: Silver Hawk £18,000, Gran Turismo Hawk £24,000, Golden Hawk £45,000+.

Raymond Loewy delivered the Avanti's fibreglass-bodied wedge design in just 40 days. Powered by Studebaker's 289ci V8 (240–290 bhp depending on R1/R2/R3 trim), it set 29 land speed records at Bonneville in 1963. Only 4,643 originals built before Studebaker closed South Bend. Avanti II and later continuations were built independently until 2006. Original 1963 R-series Avantis fetch £45,000–£90,000 in 2026; Avanti II continuations £20,000–£35,000.

Studebaker closed its South Bend plant in December 1963 and ceased Canadian Hamilton production in March 1966. Cars are abundant in the USA, particularly in dry-state collections in Arizona, California and Texas. As 30+ year-old historic vehicles all original Studebakers qualify for 5% UK VAT only. RoRo from Long Beach to Southampton runs £1,500–£2,000 in 2026. Avantis with fibreglass bodies are particularly suited to enclosed shipping. See imported car insurance guide.

Studebakers offer one of the most distinctive American collector experiences — innovative engineering, Raymond Loewy and Brooks Stevens styling, and a strong active club movement despite the marque's 60-year dormancy. The 1953 Starliner and 1963 Avanti are gallery-worthy designs; the Golden Hawk is a serious investment classic. Parts supply via SASCO and a network of UK-based marque specialists keeps Studebaker ownership practical even in 2026.

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