International Drive Your Studebaker Day is coming
Saturday is International Drive Your Studebaker Day, which means you might be able to catch a glimpse of a classic car from a bygone era on the road again.
Dennis Luukko plans to be one of those drivers behind the wheel of the iconic car. By day, Luukko makes a living selling paint for a hardware company. But outside of his regular job, he is the club historian for the Ocean Bay Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club, a local group for fans of the classic cars.
Luukko, 64, lives in Webster and has been a fan of Studebakers since he was in college during the 1970s.
“When I was in college I bought a 1950s Studebaker Champion and it fascinated me,’’ said Luukko.
That interest has not waned, even after many years.
“For me and many others, the look of it fascinates me,’’ said Luukko. “Because of that, I got into it, and learned the history of the corporation.’’
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Local Studebaker owners discuss their classic cars:
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The Studebaker company was originally founded in 1852 in South Bend, Indiana as a manufacturer of wagons and buggies for farmers, miners, and the military. By the early 20th century, Studebaker took its first steps into the automotive world, first by producing electric vehicles and later gasoline versions. The company would also produce amphibious vehicles for the military during World War II.
After the war, Studebaker established itself as a leader in automotive style with a new look from designers Raymond Loewy and Virgil Exner. New style concepts include the wrap-around rear window, the very long flatback trunk, a V8 engine, and the “bullet nose’’ hood design.
But the company faced financial difficulties that caused it to merge with the luxury carmaker Packard in 1954.
Despite revealing new models, including the Avanti, the company’s financial problems worsened over the next few years. Studebaker closed its South Bend plant in 1963. Production continued at the company’s Hamilton, Ontario plant until the last unit rolled off the assembly line in 1966.
While it has been almost 50 years since the last Studebaker was produced, the car brand has retained a loyal following among car enthusiasts such as Luukko. Luukko has since sold his first Studebaker Champion. But today, he owns another one. His collection now includes four Studebakers, including a 1951 Champion, a 1954 Commander, a 1950 Land Cruiser, and a 1928 President.
He says his fascination with the car led him to join the Ocean Bay Chapter, where he met other like-minded fans and friends.
In celebration of Studebakers, Luukko says he plans to attend a cruise night event on Saturday night. On Sunday, he and some other Studebaker owners will show off their cars at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton.
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