From the forging shop to final assembly, see the Studebaker manufacturing process up close in this original 1952 factory film.
Unlike many of the independent automakers, Studebaker boasted its own fairly complete manufacturing facilities. The South Bend, Indiana factory complex included forging and casting foundries, a 325-ft transfer line for engine machining, and a stamping plant with 750-ton presses for large body panels, along with subassembly and final assembly lines. And in this 1952 Studebaker film we get to see most of the process, though thankfully it’s been edited down to a brief six minutes.
The early ’50s were good years for Studebaker, although the strain of competing with the giants of Detroit was beginning to show. Founded as a wagon maker way back in 1852, Studebaker enjoyed its best year in history in 1950 with more than 320,000 cars produced. At one point the automaker employed more than 25,000 workers and was an essential part of the South Bend economy.
But by 1952, Studebaker’s centennial year, the volume had slipped to around 168,000 units, though the company continued to produce a complete line in two basic models, Champion and Commander, in a wide range of body styles. And unlike its independent rivals Nash and Hudson, Studebaker was able to offer buyers an overhead-valve V8 and an automatic transmission. For a few years to come, Studebaker was still well in the game, and it would even enjoy a brief boom with the introduction of the 1959 Lark. Video below.
The guys in the spray booth not wearing any breathing apparatus remind me of my days working in a spray booth at a small factory in 1972. Luckily I’m still alive.
Nice video and also nice to see that Studebaker had an integrated workforce.
Thanks for sharing that awesome video! My first car (in 1973) was a ‘52 Champion; and I am currently restoring Stude #11, a ‘51 Commander.
Very impressive , so many workers all cooperating with each other, i have a 1955 Champian hardtop that was imported from Sacramento California in 2014 , still no rust anywhere and engine purrs like a kitten,
As I watch this video I keep looking for clues that the assembly line was barely wide enough for the cars it was producing.
Supposedly the narrowness of the South Bend plant’s lines was the reason why Packard production couldn’t be moved there, and we ended up with “Packabakers.”