Choppin’ Block ‘31 Studebaker Model 54

It’s based on a 1931 Studebaker Model 54, but features a few modifications… to put it mildly. Motivation comes courtesy of a Chevy 350 with an Edelbrock intake, three, two-barrel carbs with open stacks, and a "Zoomie" open header exhaust system. The custom chassis rides on an equally custom air-ride suspension and Centerline smoothies wrapped in Toyo Proxes. As you can probably tell from the pics, it also has a totally customized body and interior that makes it one of the most attractive cars at the show.

Brief Studebaker History

Studebaker was born in 1852 when brothers Henry and Clem built three covered wagons in South Bend, Indiana. Actually there were five Studebaker brothers, all of whom participated in company affairs over the years. By 1872, Studebaker was the largest horse-drawn vehicle manufacturer in the world.

J.M. "Wheelbarrow Johnny" was president in 1902 when Studebaker began building automobiles. The first were electrics, soon joined (and later replaced) by gas-powered models. Albert Russell Erskine, a one-time company accountant, ran the company from 1915 to 1933.

Erskine liked to say "I eat obstacles for breakfast." His energy, optimism, and efficiency multiplied Studebaker’s sales and profits. The company was quite successful in the medium-price field, but Erskine wanted to expand both down- and upmarket. In 1927, a light six (dubbed Erskine) gave Studebaker a presence in low-priced field. Pierce-Arrow was acquired in ‘28 and gave Studebaker a strong entry in the luxury market.