1924 Studebaker Light Six

Studebaker was a long-established builder of vehicles when the automobile industry was in its infancy, widely known for the Conestoga wagons that became iconic elements in America's westward expansion. Self-propelled vehicles became part of the company's enterprises a half-century later, when Studebaker began building electric cars. Although Studebaker also produced gasoline-powered cars during its early years, electrics continued to be a corporate staple through 1912. But the 1913 model year marked a major transition, as Studebaker consolidated its operations in-house, becoming a manufacturer of complete cars.

That same year marked the introduction of Studebaker's Big Six engine, one of the earliest monoblock castings on the market. The 286 cubic-inch Light Six followed in 1914, and by 1920 four-cylinder engines had disappeared from the Studebaker lineup. Model designations were based on the three engine options - Light Six, Special Six, and Big Six - with output ratings of 40, 50, and 60 horsepower, respectively.

The 1924 model year was the last for the Light Six engine, which was discontinued in favor of the more powerful versions. Studebaker spiffed up its styling for 1924 with a nickel-plated radiator shell, while pneumatic tires and bumpers became standard features. However, model years weren't always the distinction they are today, and the design of this Light Six actually made its debut in December of 1922 as an all-new model. Production continued until July 1924, when Studebaker changed its tooling for 1925 production.

The company's capabilities made a lasting impression on Studebaker's plant manager, Coy Goodrich, who, after returning to the U.S., ordered a custom-body shipped to San Francisco for his new 1924 Studebaker Light Six chassis.

The aluminum body was trimmed with teak and painted blue with blue mohair upholstery. The 'CCG' radiator badge stands for Coy C. Goodrich, the vehicle's original owner.

The car remained in the Goodrich family for 80 years until 2004, when Mr. Goodrich's son donated the now-restored automobile to the Studebaker National Museum.

A United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana, the Studebaker Corporation, or simply Studebaker, entered into the automotive business in 1897 to create electric vehicles.

The Studebaker Light Six automobile was introduced in 1918 and was produced until 1927. The car was renamed the Studebaker Standard Six in August 1924. Both the Light Six and the Standard Six were the least expensive of Studebaker's models while in production. A large variety of body styles were available for this vehicle during its period in production. The Light Six was renamed the Studebaker Standard Six Dictator in 1927. This was in preparation for the 1928 model year, when the vehicle would then be known as the Studebaker Dictator.

The Studebaker Special Six was a vehicle produced by the Studebaker Corporation from 1918 to 1927 and represented their mid-range model. This model was also available in an array of body styles throughout production. The Special Six was renamed the Studebaker Special Six Commander in 1927. This was in preparation for the 1928 model year when the vehicle then be known as the Studebaker Commander.

The Big Six was offered from 1918 until 1920 as only a four-door touring vehicle. This was the most popular body style for vehicles at this time. Beginning in the 1921 model year, the price of enclosed vehicles came down, and buyers realized the benefit of both closed and semi-closed passenger compartments, and a wide variety of body styles became available. The Big Six lineup grew by the 1926 model year to include the specialty body styles of the dual-cowl Phaeton and the Berline sedan.

Producing 60 bhp at 2000 rpm, the Big Sixes from 1918 to 1919 were powered by Studebaker's 354 in/3 I6 engine. The engine output jumped to 75 bhp by 1926 at 2400 rpm. The wheelbase of the Big Six was enlarged to 120 inches in 1918, and in 1926 the car was made available in either short 120-inch wheelbases or long, 127-inch wheelbases.

1918 Studebaker models represented a magnanimous milestone for Studebaker because they represented a big break from the earlier legacy of E-M-F vehicles that Studebaker had previously been constructing. The Big Six President in 1928 marked the introduction of Studebaker's famous 313 in/2 V8, which produced 100 bhp at 2600 rpm.

In 1954 the Studebaker Corporation was acquired by Packard Motors Company of Detroit, Michigan, and became a division of the Studebaker Packard Corporation from 1954 until 1962. The company reverted to its previous name Studebaker Corporation in 1962. Studebaker continued to survive as an independent closed investment firm until 1967 though the company left the automobile business in 1966.

By Jessica Donaldson