In 1852, two brothers with a dream and just $68 to their name began an epic journey. This was no ordinary quest — this was America’s love affair with the automotive industry being born. Henry and Clement Studebaker opened the doors to H & C Studebaker, a small blacksmith shop in downtown South Bend, IN, 172 years ago. Who would have thought that many years later, we would look back at their vision as a monumental blueprint for greatness?
Before the era of magnates like Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Carnegie, the Studebaker siblings embarked on a groundbreaking mission. With resolute determination, they transformed H & C Studebaker from a humble blacksmith’s workshop or commonly referred to in that day as a ‘smithy’ into the world’s largest manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages within a decade. Despite the odds, they weathered the storm of three major factory fires over just 13 years (1872, 1874, and 1885), among other challenges.
The Studebaker family embraced innovation long before it was a buzzword. In 1902, they launched America’s first electric car. Just two years later, they introduced their first gas-powered vehicle. This was no small feat — Studebaker still shines as the only carriage manufacturer in history to successfully transition into the automobile era.
Through periods of profound success and daunting challenges, the Studebaker legacy thrived. They chauffeured United States presidents, ushered in design innovation, and remained resilient in the face of economic downturns. Even after merging with Packard in 1954 and experiencing continuous declines, the company’s spirit remained unbroken.
Enter the Golden Hawk — the epitome of Studebaker’s enduring brilliance. Designed by the talented Robert Bourke, the Golden Hawk was exclusive, exhilarating, and way ahead of its time. Its aerodynamic design, high-performance suspension system, and richly appointed interior set it apart from its competitors. It was an icon of sophistication and timeless appeal, leaving an indelible imprint on America’s automotive landscape.
This enchanting artifact from the “Golden Age” of automobiles continues to glow in all its glory at The Automobile Gallery & Event Center in Green Bay, WI — a testament to the vision of two bearded blacksmiths who, 172 years ago, dared to dream.