Cohort contributor ggh06 has been posting quite a few photos lately, including several of a lot full of retired Curbside Classics. I was drawn to this weathered old Studebaker as it no longer has a bullet in the chamber, so to speak.
The ’50-’51 Studeys were largely the same as the advanced postwar ’47s, except for a remarkable nose job obviously inspired by contemporary aircraft. They’re among my favorite Studebakers, especially the Starliner coupe with its wraparound backlight. Today’s ’51, however, is the more common four-door sedan.
And that’s not all folks, for a second ’51, retaining a lot more trim and glass than its neighbor, was just a few yards away. This fenced-in lot holds even more interesting subjects, but since I’ve always had a soft spot for Studebakers, I had to give them first billing!
So where was all this old iron? As ggh06 tells us:
“This set was shot on two consecutive days at the site of a now-closed auto body shop about 30 miles north of Victoria, Texas. The collection of abandoned vehicles here seems to include quite a lot more than just the unrepaired late-model wrecks that seem to collect around such facilities…guarding the property entrance is this none-too-shabby ’63 Pontiac Star Chief…”
Looks quite nice in aqua and white. It just needs some proper wheel covers–or better yet, some eight-lug alloy wheels.
I also had to include this lovely ’55 Cadillac. One of the first car shows I attended was the 1986 or 1987 June Jamboree, in East Moline. As a tot of only six or so, I clearly remember a 1955 Cadillac like this one in attendance, in mint condition.
It was painted black–no two-tone–and had a light gray broadcloth interior. I believe it was a Sixty Special; I have a vague recollection of those hash marks on the rear quarter panels, but I can’t be sure. At any rate, I was most impressed: Due to my stature at the time, it appeared to be a block long! That memory has stayed with me all these years. This green one looks like it could be fired up and on the road with little trouble.
We’ve got quite a variety of cars here: a short-bed ’60s C10; a Maverick with period-correct slotted mags; and a 260Z 2+2, with gaudy aftermarket wire wheels.
There were also several ’55-’58 Chevys, including this ’58 sedan. As you can see, there was security on the premises.
There was even a ’59 Edsel, which I’m quite sure has not been Eco-boosted. Quite a few of the old-timers were sans paint, but the majority of them still had most if not all of their brightwork.
Want more? The rest of the “retirement party” CCs begins here at the Cohort. Enjoy!
I saw this same lot on a trip to the Rio Grande Valley last weekend. I’m sure it’s the same Studebaker but it’s now missing the doors. I guess the place isn’t totally abandoned. Not far from there is an Avanti on a pole. Hudson and Studebaker are the two independents that I badly wanted to survive.
There is a lot of this type of scenery in Texas. No salt on the roads, at least not Houston and environs south.
As much as I love the old Studes, I believe that the 55 Caddy would be my choice for a little companionship today. A very nice assortment.
Looks like a lot of interesting stuff in there.Love the Pontiac hope it gets restored
If I were a collector, I’d be outraged at all those classics (esp. the valuable Chevys) put out to pasture like that.
Check out http://www.plan59.com for some more old car art.
Oh man I love that ’63 Pontiac… perfect colors, and it’s incredibly rare to see anything but a Bonneville or Catalina from that year. I would drive it just like it is, with the one addition being the 8-lug factory alloys Tom suggests.
There was a bullet-nose Studebaker at a restaurant near my house for as long as I could remember. It was only a lawn ornament – never moved, but it looked to be in nearly perfect condition in-and-out. It was a really old restaurant and the building it was in dated to the early 19th century. They went out of business a few years ago, and shortly afterwards it burned to the ground – and the Stude burned with it. What a depressing sight that was! I haven’t seen another one since.
Wish I could just hop in the car and drive around rural Texas, chill at junkyards… with goats. All of these pictures are excellent.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks of the Muppet Movie whenever I see a Studebaker of that vintage.
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_11081-Studebaker-Commander-1951.html
Great collection, I’m kind of partial to the 63 Fairlane but there is something for everyone here.
As for the Chevys, hasn’t the 57 slipped somewhat in it’s icon status? Like the Model T and Model A, these used to be THE old car, but now the status or desireability seems more in line with the 55 and 58.
I’ve never seen a ’57 Chevy with the hood rusted out like that one is. And I’ve seen more than one that was quite neglected….
http://homepages.tscnet.com/pmadsen/57chev.jpeg
That place looks heavenly — definitely a vacation destination.
I love seeing abandonned tri 5 Chevs so many are sold for stupid money its nice to see one not restored to far better than new. I avoid them at car shows.