I was just watching the film "D.O.A." on Youtube and noted that this Starlight Commander convertible was featured in a chase scene in the film. A bit off the topic of this post, but still fascinating. What did this try to say about the film's chief character, Bigelow?
See below for more on the Coupe!
The calm of the 1946 and its warmed over 1942 automobile models was shattered during the summer of 1946 with Studebaker's announcement of their 1947 product line. The work of Raymond Lowey and Virgil Exner, the "coming and going" sign featured a short hood with a long rear deck. The roof was supported by wide B pillars.
What this meant was that Studebaker had abandoned its straight eight going back to 1928. For a time Studebaker had toyed with the idea of a rear engine design, but reverted to the conventional in a model that was 78 inches lower than its predecessors. Much was new. but flathead 6 cylinder engines(170 and 232 cubic inches) were featured.
Most spectacular was the Starlight Coupe body with its full wrap around tripartite window, not found on the 3 passenger Business Coupe. It was simply astonishing to many, a revolutionary look that anticipated such designs as the Tucker. The Box shape going back to the beginning of the automotive age was finally on the way out in common person's car. Even a factory worker could now get behind the wheel and feel light he or she could take off, even though it was largely an illusion. But the Golden Age of the automobile that characterized the 1950s and 60s was replete with illusions and ironies.
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