This 1950 Studebaker appeared at the 2008 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. I think I have always liked these classic cars because my Dad had a 1951.
Although Studebaker touted the slogan "First by Far with a Post-War Car," by the late 40s their designs were considered dated by consumers and critics.
Studebaker turned to styling consultant Raymond Loewy. Loewy, sometimes called "the father of industrial design" who produced a design reminiscent of an airplane complete with an aero nose. Studebaker called it "The Next Look."
The look was "next" but "bullet" nose was not new. Tucker used a similar design in 1948 by tipping its hood with a third rotating headlight. Ford followed with its version of the design motif in 1949 and 1950. But Loewy exagerated the feature and created an iconic design forever associated with Studebaker.
The 1950 Studebaker also carried over the "black light" illuminated instrument panel and a unique wrap-around rear window from earlier models.
Later, Raymond Loewy was responsible for Studebaker's radical and remarkable Avanti.
Ahhh, the airplane nose - what everyone will always associate with Studebaker! Thanks for posting the great background information about company history!
Posted by: greasegirl | January 22, 2009 at 04:46 PM