Articles

- Bayside Cruise 2011

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Bayside Tour

On Saturday afternoon 26th March 2011, members & guests of our club gathered at the Club Rooms eagerly awaiting our Bayside Cruise. We were all given directions from the Club’s Social Secretary, Chris Skinner and headed off around 2.30 pm.

Our first stop was the Redlands Museum at Cleveland. The museum was filled with yesteryear memorabilia. Their latest exhibit was on Push Bikes which proved to be very interesting to the bike enthusiasts amongst us. Everyone reminisced over the museum’s collection while strolling around for the hour.

At 4pm we all headed off in convoy to Sirromet Winery at Mt Cotton. This winery is not only famous for wines, it also has a fantastic open air venue for live concerts. Some of us sampled the wine at the Cellar Door and purchased a bottle or two. Others enjoyed coffee, cake & ice cream. Our Studebakers attracted lots of attention as we entered and exited from the winery. The visit to Sirromet Winery was a pleasant way to spend part of the afternoon.

At around 5.30pm we drove to Victoria Point for our last stop which was the Rock’n’Roll Cafe for a Fish & Chip dinner. The Juke Box was playing while we drank, ate and chatted. Some of our members brought along their friends for the Bayside Cruise which they enjoyed, especially having a ride in a Studebaker!

The afternoon went far too quickly, the club run was most enjoyable and we all look forward to the next one. Thanks to Chris Skinner for organising this Bayside Cruise.

- Morayfield Auto Spectacular 2011

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The Morayfield Auto Spectacular kicked off at 9.00am on Saturday 12th February, 2011. Our Club had a representation of 13 Studebakers for the Show & Shine display.


Our Studebakers attracted many spectators as they looked grand parked in between the Club’s Studebaker flags flying high in the breeze.

Dave Lucas won a trophy for Best of 1950 for his 1952 Studebaker Starlight Coupe. George Udovicich won a trophy for Best Convertible for his 1961 Studebaker Lark Convertible. Our Club won the trophy for the Best Represented Car Club, the President Dick Adsett gladly accepted the Trophy.

This was the first Auto Spectacular organized by the Caboolture Community Action Group to raise greatly needed funds for the Homeless & Needy of the Caboolture Community.
The group has approximately 35 very hard working volunteers who each week raise funds through sausage sizzles every Saturday morning. Cook ups are also supplied twice a week by volunteer chefs and the food is donated by generous organizations.

Mr Mark Ryan, local member for Caboolture officially opened the Morayfield Auto Spectacular and thanked everyone for supporting this very worthy charity.
Total number of vehicles displayed was approximately 350 of which 201 entered the Show & Shine.

The day had plenty of activity, things to see & do with live Blues and Rockabilly music by The Zephyr Project, food & drink stalls to keep everyone happy.
The Stall holders helped raise much needed funds especially the Slushee stall who donated all of their takings on the day to the Caboolture Community Action Group. Thankyou to Dave Lucas for organizing our Studebaker Car Club to attend the Auto Spectacular, to Mick Malloy & Chris Skinner for helping with the judging and to Dick Adsett & Dave Lucas for taking the entry money at the gate.

Trophies were given for Best Car in different categories. Dave Lucas won a trophy for Best of 1950 for his 1952 Studebaker Starlight Coup. George Udovicich won a trophy for Best Convertible for his 1961 Studebaker Lark Convertible.
The Mayor’s choice – H.J. Monoro
People’s Choice – 1960 G.P. Jag
Car of the Show – Orange/Yellow Torana

The Studebaker Car Club of Qld donated trophies for the day. Our Club won the trophy for the Best Represented Car Club, and why wouldn’t we, with those fantastic Studebaker flags flying high!
The President Dick Adsett gladly accepted the trophy for all our sensational shiny Studebakers. Mr Bruce Panton was a main organiser for the Show & Shine for which he did a tremendous job, he also is one of the orginal members of the Queensland Studebaker Car Club.
Bruce was the Treasurer of the club in 1970.

Everyone had a fun day perusing all the Classic Cars, Utes, Hot Rods & Motorbikes, lots of great models, makes, colours and loud rumbling.

Our club hopes the day was a huge success for the Caboolture Community Action Group and we will be there again next year in our Studebakers to help support such a worthy charity.

More photos of the Morayfield Auto Spectacular are in the Photo Gallery.

- The Floods – 2011

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Our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone who has been affected by this natural disaster, especially those who are associated with the Studebaker Car Clubs of Australia.

We urge our members to support the Flood Disaster Appeal in any possible way.

The Brisbane River in full flood, taken from Mt Cootha Lookout.

- Qld Club Poster Collection On Display

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Club Poster

Members vehicles have been set into posters on display here.

- Members Stories – Part 3. Gwen McLoughlin And Lorna Venemas’ Studebaker Memories Written For The Club’s 40th Birthday Year 2009

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Qld Studebaker Club Members, Gwen McLoughlin and Lorna Venema remember stories from their early days for our Club’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Year of 2009.

As a past club President Gordon and Gwen McLoughlin have lots of Studebaker moments to remember.

John and Lorna Venema have many tales to tell. Lorna particularly remembers when they found their M16 Studebaker truck.

A short story by Gwen McLoughlin

Gordon, Carmel and myself attended the Studebaker Meet at Cooma. There was a large gathering from many other clubs and great cars on display. Sunday we set off for Thredbo with Lindy and Mike West. While in the Chalet at Thredbo it started to snow, a wonderful sight. Carmel came back to tell us she was staying awhile longer with Lindy and Mike. We were all ready to go in our 1959 Silver Hawk when Gordon wound down his window and got a lap full of snow off the roof of the car. The others came back to the Motel with a bag of snow in Mike West’s Ambulance. Monday morning on the point of leaving, Mike called out to the other club members to say goodbye. As they were coming off the balcony, Mike threw snow balls at them.

Don’t think we’d be welcome back there again!!

Last years 40th Anniversary Celebration Year was a great opportunity for members to write their Studebaker stories. Lorna Venema has added a special memory of her early Studebaker days.

Hi, Old and New Stude members. I was just going back in time… WOW!
A good memory of one of our tripa to my hometown Beechworth Victoria, was when we were at Bob and Joy Gpdleys home having a sing along and a BBQ.

Somebody told John about Mr Cronin in Dayesford, he had some old trucks so we ended up going there and buying our M16. It had carted wheat for many years, so we checked the oil and brakes and headed for Brisbane. We arrived at Jerilderie and the timing chain broke.
I wanted to leave M16 there but it ended up with ME towing it with a rope of many knots 300 miles to Dubbo behind my Rambler Rebel. I went on strike and left it at Mr Bells!

We went through Narrabri and John had to buy a Stude Station Wagon which also broke down several times as well. Bill Cunnington went back with John and towed the M16 with the Stude Station Wagon.
John did not talk to me for weeks, I told him I would help with Studies but I was not going to die for them!

Thank you all for many years of great friends and lots of great times.

- 39th Annual Concours 2010

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39th Annual Concours held at Queensland Maritime Museum, South Bank
on Sunday 29th August,2010

Club Members & their guests were wined and dined on board the H.M.A.S. Diamantina on Saturday night. The H.M.A.S.Diamantina is the only 1945 surviving River Class frigate in the world. She was gifted to the museum in 1980 and has been restored to her 1945 configuration by an innumerable amount of dedicated volunteers.

Many Members attended the B-B-Q dinner and had an enjoyable night wandering and exploring the levels of the ship. Thanks must go to the caterers, who call themselves Car 1900 from the Variety Bash. The guys cooked a great B-B-Q and also supplied a tasty breakfast and lunch at the Concours on Sunday. They were well supported, money raised goes to the Variety Club of Queensland. Also a scrumptious thankyou goes to Louise Cosgrove for the delicious chocolate dessert cake which everyone enjoyed with their coffee.

On Sunday morning, the Concours started early with our volunteers setting up the “newish” Studebaker tent, now with “Studebaker” printed on it which looked impressive for it’s first Concours, the flags were also on show for the first time at a Concours.
All the vehicles were on display by 9.00am ready to start the day of being inspected, talked about, photographed, admired and most importantly judged. The Venue for the Concours was in the grounds of the Maritime Museum at South Bank, next to the H.M.A.S. Diamantina and with a background of a lighthouse sitting on the edge of the Brisbane River. This certainly was a unique setting in which to hold our 39th Concours.

There were 3 first time exhibitors on display, the Studebakers were – 1968 Excalibur owned by Wolf Grodd, 1964 Daytona owned by Wayne Brosnan and 1960 Lark owned by Perry Gerber.
The Queensland Club is always well supported by the Newcastle & N.S.W visitors.
A sizeable variety of Studebakers, which included 5 interstate cars were on display giving a total of 31 vehicles altogether.

An unusual Studebaker entry at this year’s Concours was a Rare 51 Champion Businessman’s Coupe, owned by Club Members Lorna & John Venema. The Studebaker was built in Southbend, Indiana and was purchased by the Venemas in October 2006 while they were in Sandiego. The car was built as a basic, no frills model for Salesman to carry their goods in the oversized trunk. This is believed to be the only operational model in Australia.

We welcomed our overseas visitors from New Zealand who were Julie & Frank Ward – North Island, Kimbal Thompson – North Island and Tony McKinnon – South Island.
We hope they enjoyed their visit to the Queensland Concours and South Bank.

The Judges are always willing to volunteer their time and expertise in carefully inspecting an array of Studebakers. Many thanks go to our enthusiastic Judges who were – Dave Lucas, Shane Hodby, Gordon Thallon, Wayne Brosnan, John Cosgrove, Carl Murphy, Peter Lynch and Mike Cosgrove .

At 3.00pm everyone gathered around the “Studebaker” tent to hear the President Dick Adsett announce the winners for the Concours. Firstly, the Trophy for the longest distance travelled on “Wheels” this was awarded to Kimbal Thompson, New Zealand Studebaker Club member and friend to members of our Queensland Club.

Winners are listed below for the different categories.

Finned Hawk

1st Rob Fletcher
2nd Peter Leyden

Commercial

1st Steve Leyden
2nd Shane Hodby

Modified Winner

1st Perry Gerber
2nd Shaun O’Neill

Lark

1st George Udovicich
2nd Brian Jones

Cruiser

1st Chris Skinner
2nd Louise Cosgrove

GT Hawk

1st Russel Daw

Post War

1st Wolf Grodd

Avanti
1st Peter Lynch

TOP CAR – Steve Leyden – 1963 Champion

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – Rebel Adsett – 1959 Lark

The Raffle winner was Kimbal Thompson, lucky Kimbal won a basket full of goodies which he kindly shared amongst his Queensland Club friends.

Attendees of the Concours for 2010 are listed below.

Rebel Adsett 1959 Lark
Peter Leyden 1960 Hawk
Shaun O’Neill 1963 Lark
Steve Leyden 1963 Champ
George Udovicich 1961 Lark Convertible
John Venema 1951 Business Coupe
Dave Lucas 1960 Lark
Parry Gerber 1960 2 door Lark
John Cosgrove 1963 Wagon
Shane Hodby 1945 6×6
Louise Cosgrove 1964 Ambulance
Chris Skinner 1964 Daytona
Brian Jones 1960 Lark
Alan Arnold 1962 GT
Russel Daw 1962 GT
Carl Murphy 1963 GT
Rob Fletcher 1961 Hawk
Ross Oldman 1960 Hawk
Nathan Kramer 1963 Daytona
Les Scanlan 1962 GT
Malcolm Dunbar 1960 Hawk
Barry Fleming 1950 2R5
Harold Ireland 1958 Packard
Brett Hampson 1960 Lark
Wayne Brosnan 1964 Wagon
Mike Brazier 1963 Lark
Peter Lynch 1963 Avanti
Susie Bradford 1963 Lark
Dick Adsett 1964 Commander
Wolf Grood 1968 Excalibur
Des Skinner 1963 Avanti

Overall the 39th Annual Concours was another enjoyable weekend for everyone involved and especially for those who won trophies for their much loved Studebakers, all that polishing was worth it! A huge thankyou goes to President Dick Adsett and to all our tireless volunteers who always make everything such a success. See you all next year for the big one.

More photos are in the Queensland Concours 2010 album in the Gallery

- Studebakers at the RACQ Motorfest

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The Annual RACQ Motorfest was held on Sunday 11th July, 2010 at Eagle Farm Racecourse.

The Studebakers ready for inspection by thousands of onlookers at the RACQ Motorfest.

Club Members met at Hamilton Bowls Club at 7.00am for a departure at 7.15am. The Studebakers started to drive off in convey to arrive at Eagle Farm by 7.30am but there seemed to be a problem with a 1965 cruiser owned by Club Members Gail & Jim. Lucky for them there was help on hand with Club President, Dick Adsett & George Udovicich.

The key had broken off in the ignition, the battery was flat and to make matters more interesting the bonnet latch was frozen! This did not deter the willing mechanical minded car fanatics from lending a hand to fix the problems. After a short while Gail & Jim’s Studebaker was on the road again and everyone arrived at the racecourse to be part of another great Studebaker display in between the Club’s striking new flags.

All hands were on deck to raise the tent and have everything organised before the crowds started to arrive. The Club had a representation of 8 classic Studebakers on show, being part of the Motorfest gives the Club a positive image for anyone interested in Studebakers and joining the club. Dick Adsett was the lucky winner of the entry prize draw which was a basket full of goodies.

One of the best attractions for the day was a million dollar G1 Roadster which is the oldest Alfa Romeo in existence. RACQ stated that more than 12,000 people attended the Motorfest and money raised went to the RACQ Helicopter Rescue. Close to 800 cars and motorcycles were scattered around the racecourse with plenty of variety of vehicles.

The day was filled with live music, roving entertainers especially Marilyn Monroe & Elvis who made a special appearance at our Studebaker tent to sign autographs and have photos taken. Lots of food and great wine was available for the adults, while rides for the children kept them entertained. After some wine tasting by 2 Club Members, it was suggested that on our next Club run for the Maryborough weekend, we should visit one of the wineries near Gympie for some samples. We await further comment……

More photos of the Motorfest are available in the Photo Gallery.

- Studebakers at the last Queensland Wintersun 2010

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Studebaker Display - Ready for Wintersun 2010

Studebaker Display – Cars ready for Wintersun 2010

Wintersun festival was held again this year from June 4th to 14th at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads.

This years complement of Studebakers exceeded our expectations as last year the club only managed to have 5 Studebakers on display.

The Club’s Social Secretary, Dave Lucas arrived at the park on Friday to mark out a suitable spot to display the Studebakers. He negotiated with the Wintersun officials to secure an area for the SCCQ exhibit. On Saturday morning the early guard started arriving from 4.30am with the main contingent of Studebaker vehicles arriving after 6.30am. The prime lot that was staked out for the display was eagerly eyed off by other car owners as they drove by looking for a position.

The EH Holden Club weren’t so lucky as a large caravan and a truck parked in the middle of the display area they had reserved for their members cars. Dave organised to have the Club’s 4 new blue Studebaker flags flying high on the edge of the display area and a marquee for members and their guests to sit and relax under.

The new 4.9 metre flags made the Studebaker display visible from far away, easy to find and they attracted attention to the site. The Studebaker flags are certainly a great asset for the club and to use at future events. A big thankyou goes to Dave Lucas.

There were 12 cars altogether, 4 cars were from NSW and 1 Studebaker trailer in the display. It is always great to see our compatriots from NSW supporting our club display.

One Studebaker enthusiast had to have her photo taken in a Studebaker convertible, so she did and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The presence of the 1963 Excalibur Sports Studebaker based on the 1929 SSK Mercedes Benz was a real drawcard to the display. The Excalibur was registered just in time for Wintersun. To our knowledge only 5 Excalibur Sports Studebakers were manufactured in America.

An unusual car appeared this year in the street display also drew a huge interest. “The Studefaker” a cross between a 1979 Chevy Elcamino ute with a 1950 Studebaker bullet nose front.

The night parade had Studebakers represented as they drove along Marine Parade with many loud cheers coming from club members who were watching from their balconies.

Another great “Wintersun” weekend has come and gone with everyone having an enjoyable time talking, viewing and photographing cars and more cars. The Club members are all keen to meet again next year, same time, same place even though the festival will have a new name. Nothing else will change, the fun will still go on for many years to come. More photos are available for viewing in the Photo Gallery.

- The Pareora & St Andrews Branch of the Studebaker Fraternity

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1960 Lark Hard Top, Left Hand Drive

Ross and Pauline Oldman, Queensland Club members have made another discovery of Studebaker treasures. Read their story here and there are more photos in the Photo Gallery.

Ken Patterson and Owen Offen are an institution within the Studebaker community in New Zealand and more particularly within the South Island Contingent.

Pauline, my father and I were treated to an afternoon of their hospitality recently at their base, the garage in St Andrews and their homes.

I believe that between them they have more than eighty years of combined experience with the marque as owners and restorers of a wide range of Studebakers. Their interest has seen them set up shop years ago in an old garage in a little township called St. Andrew’s which is located a few kilometres south of Timaru in South Canterbury. The garage has been kept operational and they have all the facilities available to an old fashioned country gargage to indulge their passion. The garage is located beside the main highway and passing traffic has learnt to keep a look out for the latest Studebaker parked around the old forecourt. Not too many people with an interest in Studebakers fail to call in for a chat when they see a Stude parked out the front.

It would be fair to say that Ken and Owen are no longer in the first flush of youth and over the last few years they have had to make the difficult decisions as to which vehicles they want to keep. The inevitable need to reduce their collections to a more manageable size has forced them to become a little more selective with regard to what cars they keep for posterity and what they move on to willing purchasers.

Ken showed us the following vehicles on the day that we visited.

Harry Van Wees from Western Australia recently sold him a lovely example of a 1963 Avanti. This car has been treated to a no expense spared restoration over the years and presents beautifully. It is a credit to Harry. Of course Ken found a few things that he wanted to do to make it his own so subtle cosmetic and mechanical improvements have been made recently. The car now sports a brass name plaque near the gearshift identifying Harry as the creator of this beautiful car. Definitely a keeper this one.

I visited Ken a few years ago and at the time he was getting to the final stages of a complete nut and bolt restoration on a 1961 Hawk. The finished article is a credit to him. The attention to detail lavished on this car is astonishing, particularly in the out of the way areas where none but the most knowledgeable would know to look. The car is one of those that every time you take the time for another look something different pops up and grabs your attention. A lifetime of experience has been put into subtle improvements to the car. No expense or time has been begrudged this car. An impressive feature is the rich leather interior that has been completed in the rare Hawk 400 style.

Ken has sold the car to a very lucky member of the Studebaker Club and I believe that it will travel to a good home in Christchurch.

The Black Hard Top President was the next to come out. A lovely example of a low mileage one lady owner car from Illinois that has been kept totally original.

Back at the garage Ken has a 1960 Hard Top Lark undergoing the full treatment. It is early days yet but the signs are very good. It appears that the engine may well hide a few improvements that will provide more than average performance to the old girl. This car will round off the collection when finished.

Owen concentrates on the pleasure of ownership and using his cars as often as possible. Prestine show cars are not his ambition, more build them right and drive them often. A recent knee replacement has slowed him a little but it will not stop the work being completed.

Hiding in a corner of the St Andrews garage is a 1960 Hawk that has an interesting history. This car was built in right hand drive for the Earls Court Motor Show. To make the right impression all the period factory goodies were apparently included. A bit of provenance never does any harm when selecting the right car to put your time into. I believe that Owens intention is to restore her back to the Earls Court specification.

Parked outside was a 1955 Champion four door in very original condition. This car is Owens daily driver. I know that because it flashed past on the highway. It took a few kilometres to catch him. When he offered me a drive I understood why. This car hammers when you apply some throttle. I am not sure what the tweaks are but they seem to do the job. The car drives and handles like a much younger vehicle.

Back at Owens home we found a 1960 Lark Hard Top with all the period fruit that you can imagine including a continental kit, spats and sun visor. Pure 60’s extravagance.

The vehicle that Pauline fell in love with is the Lark Utility pictured below. Offered a drive she went off with a big smile and came back with an even bigger smile. Owen purchased this vehicle years ago from the builder. When you walk around it you can see the high professional standard that went into the work. First impressions are that Studebaker built this vehicle, perhaps they should have. What a competitor it would have been for those such as the E1 Camino. Look at it from any angle and the proportions and finish look right.

We all came away from our visit somewhat wiser and very impressed with the hospitality and the friendship offered by Ken and Owen. Photos of more Studebakers from the trip are available in the Photo Gallery.

- Local race team sets records at Sacramento Raceway

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The Folsom Telegraph, Folsom, California, Wed, 12 May 2010

Thanks to Qld club member Warren Hucker for sending this in.

Don Carter’s 1953 Studebaker, driven by Bret Williamson, speeds down the track

The local Sacramento-based Don Carter Motorsports/Team Eagle Racing/Gore Family Racing Pro Modified 1953 -Studebaker- won the first event of the 2010 season …

…. running with the West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod Association at Sacramento Raceway during the ‘Funny Car Fever’ event on the April 23-24 weekend.

It was only the second time out for the new team and this new car. The first time they went to Bakersfield a few weeks prior to the ‘Funny Car Fever’ event to get some testing done so they were ready to rock at the home track. The team qualified first with a 6.09 second pass at more than 240 mph on the quarter-mile track. In the first round of eliminations, the team improved their qualifying time and set a new Sacramento Raceway track and West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod association record with a 5.90 at 248 mph . Car driver Bret Williamson and his team are the first team from the West Coast to run a five-second pass in a Pro Mod car. Anderson won the next two rounds of eliminations and backed up the 5.90 pass with a 5.92 in the final round to take the event win for a clean sweep of the event.

The team is based out of Sacramento. Co-car owner Don Carter resides on El Dorado Hills. Williamson is the driver of the Studebaker and lives in Campbell, Ca. The other co-owner of the car, Rich Gore, grew up with Willismson but he now lives in Georgia and flies out to each race to watch his car run. Jeff Buttler is the crew chief of the race car and lives in Folsom.

The team couldn’t have done any of this without their sponsors: Folsom Lake Toyota (Folsom, Ca), Granitize car care products (South Gate, Ca), Marsh’s Carpet (Sacramento, Ca), Hones Engine off Fulton Ave. (Sacramento, Ca), Network Office Systems (Sacramento Ca), Quarter Mile Designs (Folsom, Ca), and Gladiaator Challenge (Apple Valley, Ca).

The next race for the 1953 Studebaker will be the ‘Nitro Nite’ at Sacramento Raceway on June 11-12. They will once again be racing with the West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod association class.