Thread: Conestoga has arrived!

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If it's been outside prior to this Pat, it probably wouldn't be essential....but then a can of Krylon over the bare and rusted spots would certainly prevent any further deterioration....

Might also be a good plan to dig out all the trash, dirt, etc from inside the car so that it will have a good chance to dry out, too....

Wow...what a cool ride! I didnt even know they made a station wagon, let alone a two door! That's gotta be a rare find!...

They made about 11,000 of them in '54 and the same number in '55. So they aren't completely rare, but you still don't see them very often. I'm gonna have fun with it for sure. Probably won't see one like it at the local car show...

Pat

Conestoga wagon: Is the name a coincidence?

A friend of mine had a buggy made by Studebaker and he told me that Studebaker also made the Conestoga covered wagons that settlers used to travel out west.

Can a Studebaker expert confirm?

Another coincidence: I purchased and renovated the former Harry Israel Studebaker dealership into what is now my home and shop.

I've had my eye out for just the right car to display in the shop. Good find!

It is no coincidence, Studebaker did make many wagons including many of the Conestogas that carried America west. John Studebaker was a black smith and came west during the gold rush. He ended up in Placerville CA where is smithing skills were in demand, he started out building wheel barrows for the miners. After a time, he went back to South Bend Indiana where he and his brothers started a wagon building business in 1856. They were the only wagon manufacturer that made a successful transition to automobiles. Wagons are still around and are quite collectable.

I love your home and shop, it would be every Studebaker lovers dream home!

Pat