The Studebaker is an American automobile that was produced during the mid-19th through the mid-20th centuries. They produced a variety of different vehicles including the Champion, Commander, Hawk, Lark, and Avanti. They were known for their avant-garde designs, their innovative engineering, and their high-performance capabilities.

Unfortunately, the company suffered financial difficulties and production ended in 1966. They were beautiful cars that are still prized to this day, and that’s why there’s a modern holiday dedicated to this classic car.

This holiday is known as International Drive Your Studebaker Day and it’s observed annually on the second Saturday in September. It’s a day for people to show off their Studebaker vehicles, connect with other vehicle owners, and have a little bit of fun.

The History Of International Drive Your Studebaker Day

In 1852, the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company was founded. This company focused on producing buggies, wagons, carriages, and horse harnesses. The very first Studebaker was a horse-drawn wagon that had a carriage front suspension and four wheels.

It was a comfortable wagon that would become an important means of transportation up to and during the American Civil War. In 1902, Studebaker began to produce electric vehicles, and two years later, they began to produce their first gasoline-powered vehicles.

Over the next 5+ decades, the company enjoyed a fair amount of popularity, although it also ended up having a fair amount of financial difficulties over the years. In 1966, the last Studebaker production models rolled off the manufacturing line in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

In 2009, Bob Shaw ended up founding International Drive Your Studebaker Day. The holiday was created to encourage Studebaker enthusiasts to take their vehicles out for a spin. It was also a holiday that was conceived to allow people to get together over their appreciation of this vehicle. It’s been observed around the world ever since.

Observing International Drive Your Studebaker Day

This is a holiday for Studebaker owners to take their vehicles out for a drive or to one of the events that naturally pop up on this day. Of course, we understand that not everyone has access to a Studebaker, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t celebrate this holiday as well.

They can watch videos of Studebaker drivers, learn more about the history of this vehicle, and go to car shows that feature this vehicle. And everyone observing this holiday can spread the news about it, as well as their love of this vehicle, online using the hashtag #InternationalDriveYourStudebakerDay.