1906 Studebaker Model G Side Entrance Tourer

The Studebaker marque is America's oldest vehicle manufacturer; they entered automobile production in 1897, beginning with electric-powered vehicles before switching to gasoline-powered ones. Their early vehicles were smaller two-cylinder vehicles before eventually progressing into larger, grander ones.

The 1906 Model G was priced at $4,000 and offered as a five-passenger Roi des Belges touring car with compound curves that were a significant step ahead in automotive design for the time. Power was from a T-head, dual-cam four-cylinder engine which offered 36 horsepower. The exhaust system was made up of four individual headers, which were muffled by a factory dual exhaust that had one point at each end of the muffler. It had a three-speed progressive gearbox that was produced for Studebaker by Garford of Elyria, Ohio. The Model G was capable of cruising speeds between 40 and 45 mph, with a higher top speed possible.

This example, chassis number 841, was reportedly originally owned by a doctor in New York City. Around 1909 it passed to a retired physicist, Nathan Wheeler, of Calley College, New York. A short time later, it was put away at his home in rural New Hampshire.

Henry Austin Clark Jr. uncovered and purchased the car in the 1940s. At the time, it was solid and completely original, having been well protected from the elements. During his ownership, it was restored and then reportedly utilized by Studebaker for a promotional film, which was produced in Florida in 1953. It remained with Mr. Clark until 1968, when it was offered for sale at Parke-Bernet's auction at the Larz Anderson Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was sold for the then-princely sum of $6,750 to Bill Harrah. The car remained in the Harrah Collection until 1982 when it was purchased by Bob Valpey. Mr. Valpey began the Studebaker's restoration, which was continued in the ownership of Dr. Leo Parnagian of Michigan, and then by the current owner after he purchased the car in 2005.

During the restoration, the car was given an electric starter for easy operation. The car made its restoration debut at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, taking top honors in its class. It was then shown at the 2006 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegnace, where it again earned Best in Class.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014

The Studebaker brothers, Henry and Clem, operated a blacksmith and wagon building shop in South Bend, Indiana, in the 1850s. Their horse-drawn carriages saw duty in both the Civil War and World War I. Carriage production overlapped their entry into the auto business, but ended in 1919. The first Studebaker cars were electric and production began in 1904 with the Model C petrol car. Studebaker acted as selling agents for cars built to their order.

Studebaker's more expensive offerings, such as the Model G shown, were produced by the Garford Company. This is the largest and costliest model, offered at $3,200. Powered by a four-cylinder, thirty-five horsepower engine feeding a three-speed differential, on the rear axle. The G also used dual exhausts, flared front fenders, an I beam front axle, mechanical valves and mechanical oiler lubrication. This car has been fully restored and is currently being toured.