The North Star Chapter received it s charter from the Studebaker Drivers Club in 1968. Today, we enjoy a membership of more than 125 Studebaker enthusiasts and their families from Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

The emphasis of the North Star Chapter is on having fun! From our informal monthly meetings (where good food always plays a role in the location) to the many get-togethers, car shows and cruises throughout the year, Chapter members and their families always have an ample opportunity to have a great time while sharing their knowledge and mutual love for all things Studebaker.

When you become a member of the Studebaker Drivers Club and the North Star Chapter, you'll become a part of a more than 12,500 member community that shares your passion for Studebakers. If you're restoring a Studebaker, North Star Chapter members are a wellspring of Studebaker knowledge... and always willing to share it with other Studebaker lovers.

Just as Studebaker was known for building cars for families, we are a family-oriented club that equally enjoys getting out of the garage and getting together out on the road.

So, whether your favorite Studebaker is a Golden Hawk, Bullet-Nose, C-cab, Avanti, or any of the other great cars and Trucks Studebaker built in its legendary 144 year history, the North Star Chapter welcomes you.

A Brief Studebaker History

The legend began in 1852 when the Studebaker Brothers started building horse drawn wagons. Their most famous wagon, called the Conestoga, was a primary mode of transportation as the nation migrated westward. In 1902, Studebaker started building electric automobiles, but soon went to gasoline power.

By 1915, Studebaker was building more than 45,000 cars annually. Wagon production also continued until 1919. In 1928, Studebaker acquired Pierce-Arrow. Unfortunately, by 1933 Studebaker had gone into temporary receivership, but was on the road to recovery in 1934. In 1939, Studebaker introduced the Champion, a new economy model designed by the soon to be famous Raymond Lowey studio.

During WWII, Studebaker produced trucks and radial engines for aircraft, including the B-17. After the war, automobile and truck production resumed with a vengeance. In 1950 and 51, Studebaker offered their famed bullet-nose design. In 1953, the incredible new "Lowey coupe" was introduced. Bob Bourke, a member of the Raymond Lowey team, is credited with the innovative new design. During the last half of the fabulous fifties, Studebaker introduced their family of Hawks, merged with Packard and in 1959, responded to the growing demand for a more compact family car with the Lark.

Studebaker once again turned the automotive design world upside down in 1963 with the unveiling of the Avanti. While the Avanti was universally acclaimed, Studebakers days as a US company were numbered.. Production ceased at the long-time South Bend, Indiana plant in 1964, Studebaker production continued in Canada until 1966. The Avanti continued to be built in South Bend until 1987 where production moved to Youngstown, Ohio until 1991. Avanti is currently being produced in Villa Rica, Georgia.

For more Studebaker history, click here.