Paul:

Yes, he did.  In '61 he ran a covertible and got runner-up in his class.  For '62 he built the coupe, and won his class at the Nationals 7 of the next 8 years.  In later years in stock NHRA started dropping the lowest class, and he had to move up one class.  That happened at least twice, and he still won.  When NHRA ruled out any stocker older than '62 he started making it a bracket car.  Narrowed Ford 9", gm 400 automatic trans, big tires, one supercharger, then two, then two turbos.  He was always flogging that car to make it quicker, starting the first year he raced it.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Didn't Ted race that 51 Studebaker in lower NHRA stock classes in the late 50's and early 60's and win his class at the NHRA Nationals more than once?

Paul J. - '57 E Code

Paul:

That is correct.  Hamilton, Ontario plant.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Just an aside, it's my understanding, although I can't document it, that the last Studebaker's manufactured for 1966 were built in Canada..

Paul

Just saw the pics of the accident in the new Hot Rod Mag...I know he was sore for a while...really lucky guy.

Reed Patridge
Birmingham, Al
1936 Ford Pickup, Flathead powered cruiser
Model A Roadster, 292" Y-Block "project" vehicle

Reed:

There isn't a straight panel on it, the frame is buckled and bent, the rear axle took the brunt of the hit into the scoreboard, so the driveshaft probably crammed the innards of the transmission (turbo 400), a steering rod got loose and punctured the oil pan, engine condition unknown at this point.  Front suspension totally destroyed, broke the center out of one of the front wheels.  He still has the car, but is undecided what he'll do with it at this point.  He told me last Saturday that to get the engine out he will probably have to roll it on its side and torch some things, and he's not ready to put a torch to it yet.  He's been racing it for 48 years, I know it's hard to let go.  I'll try to remember to bring some pictures of it to Columbus.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

"Chicken Hawk"....that it the one, the magazine article was in B&W...but that was the car. Is it re-buildable or a total loss??



-reed

Reed Patridge
Birmingham, Al
1936 Ford Pickup, Flathead powered cruiser
Model A Roadster, 292" Y-Block "project" vehicle

I can't swear to it, but I have been told that the last Stude dealership too close its doors was in Clio, AL. My Grandpa bought a new 51 pickup there and later traded it for a 56 Ford pickup. The old building is still there although it is falling in there are a few cars still in a shed out back. I have never stopped there, but I've been told that the heirs would not sell anything after the owner died.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

Here's a Studebaker story for you guys.

My 90 year old Grandpa,in 1966 went into the Studebaker dealer and bought the last car they had the day before they closed their doors.It was a 4 door President.He drove it home(2 miles)and parked it in the garage.When he died in 1970,it was still sitting right there.The family had an estate sale a few months later.The Studebaker  sold for $200.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Reed:

His was dark blue with "Chicken Hawk" lettered on the sides.

Crenwedge, I hope your friend's zest for life returns soon.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"