Jack Preston's 1953 Studebaker
1953 Studebaker restyled by Jack Preston and his brother Jim Preston. The borthers restyled the car while they both were living in Tacoma, Washington. Later on Jack moved to Ventura, California. The front end was modified in order to accept a custom grille made by 1954 Kaiser grille components. A set of 1953 Buick headlights were canted installed and frenched. They removed the bumpers and rolled the gravel pans. Preston added a large peaked air scoop filled with chrome mesh screen on the hood. Jack was hunting for a clean look, so he shaved away the stock trim and the door handles. They peaked the rear fenders and made taillight housing to the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette taillights. Bumperettes from the same make was added to blend in with the new bodywork which reminded strongly on a Corvette rear end. The sunken license plate was housed within a 1958 Dodge item. The deck lid was shaved as well. The car was lowered 4 inches by modifying the springs. Hap Gaylord of Tacoma installed a full-race Cadillac mill with loads of chromed goodies. The engine transmitted power through a reworked Stude truck transmission. The candy red paint job was done by Dick Coburn of Ojai, California. Oldsmobile Fiesta hubcaps wrapped up the style.[1]
Magazine Features
Motor Life February 1959
Custom Cars August 1959
Trend Book 189 Custom Cars 1960 Annual
References
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