Jack Aberth's 1953 Studebaker

Jack's Studebaker was featured on the cover of Motor Trend July 1956. The story inside was titled "Buckeye Beauty."

A new grille opening was made from a half-inch solid rod that was bent and welded around the lights and across the front end. Gold-lacquered, expanded metal was installed inside the grille opening. The license plate was installed behind the grille. Buick bumper tips were made to protect the front fenders. Photo by Hube Briers, courtesy of Motor Trend.

The Chrysler-like fins were hand formed from 20-gauge steel, and according to the Motor Trend story Aberth claimed that he introduced this 1 year prior to Chrysler. Photo by Hube Briers, courtesy of Motor Trend.

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Photo by Hube Briers, courtesy of Motor Trend.

Photo by Hube Briers, courtesy of Motor Trend.

1953 Studebaker owned by Jack Aberth of Copley, Ohio. Jack's Studebaker was restyled by the Moorehead Bros of Akron. The car was featured in Motor Trend July 1956, and according to the story Jack had always wanted a car that was really different, but until the advent of the 1953 Studebaker hardtops he hadn't seen one that he would take customizing to his satisfaction.

Chrysler Like Fins

All chrome, except for a few stainless steel strips around the windows, was shaved. Solenoids, controlled by buttons on the dash and under the gas filler cap, operated the doors and deck lid. The roof was cut off and made removable, and the car was fit with an emergency cloth top. The front and rear fenders grew 4 inches, and the original lights were frenched in. The Chrysler-like fins were hand formed from 20-gauge steel, and according to the Motor Trend story Aberth claimed that he introduced this 1 year prior to Chrysler.

A new grille opening was made from a half-inch solid rod that was bent and welded around the lights and across the front end. Gold-lacquered, expanded metal was installed inside the grille opening. The license plate was installed behind the grille. Buick bumper tips were made to protect the front fenders. Coral and white Naugahyde covered the interior, including the padded top. Once completed, Jack's Studebaker was featured on the cover of Motor Trend July 1956, in a story titled "Buckeye Beauty."

Magazine Features and Appearances

Motor Trend July 1956