
Studebaker cars are no longer manufactured. The Studebaker Corporation, an American automobile manufacturer, ceased production of all vehicles on March 17, 1966. The company was not sold to another automaker to continue the brand; it simply went out of business. Today, the Studebaker name and logos are owned by Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, which preserves the brand's history, but no new cars are made.
Studebaker's story is one of the most dramatic in American automotive history. Founded in 1852, it initially built wagons and transitioned to electric and gasoline-powered automobiles in the early 1900s. For a time, it was a major competitor to Ford and General Motors. However, post-World War II financial struggles, intense competition, and a series of unsuccessful mergers—most notably with Packard in 1954 to form the Studebaker-Packard Corporation—led to a slow decline. The final car, a 1966 Cruiser, rolled off the line in South Bend, marking the end of an era.
While the company is defunct, its legacy is kept alive by a vibrant community of collectors and enthusiasts. Original Studebaker vehicles, from the classic "President" and "Commander" models to the iconic 1960s Avanti sports car, are highly sought after in the classic car market. The Studebaker National Museum is the primary authority on the brand, housing an extensive collection and archives.
| Event | Year | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Company Founded | 1852 | Began as a wagon and carriage builder. |
| First Electric Vehicle | 1902 | Entered the automobile market. |
| First Gasoline Vehicle | 1904 | Expanded to internal combustion engines. |
| Peak Production Year | 1929 | Produced over 225,000 vehicles before the Great Depression. |
| Merger with Packard | 1954 | Formed Studebaker-Packard Corp. to combat financial woes. |
| Final Car Produced | March 17, 1966 | A 1966 Studebaker Cruiser sedan. |
| South Bend Plant Closure | 1966 | Main production facility shuttered. |
| Hamilton, Ontario Plant Closure | 1966 | Last remaining assembly plant closed. |
| Studebaker National Museum Founded | 1966 | Preserves the company's history and assets. |

Nobody makes them anymore. Studebaker folded for good back in the '60s. It’s a real shame; they had some stylish cars, like the Avanti and the Hawk. My dad had a Golden Hawk, and he still talks about it. If you see one on the road today, it’s a lovingly restored classic, not a new car. They’re just part of history now, which makes them pretty special if you're into old cars.


