Drive Your Studebaker Day – Sep. 12, 2026

Drive Your Studebaker Day
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Second Saturday of September
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Drive Your Studebaker Day arrives every second Saturday of September, a global tribute to the enduring allure of these classic American vehicles. This special day encourages owners to proudly display their Studebakers, connecting with fellow enthusiasts and sharing the brand’s rich history. Join the celebration by polishing your chrome, hitting the road, or attending a local car meet!

Want to sponsor Drive Your Studebaker Day? Learn how

Expected Drive Your Studebaker Day Deals

While specific 2027 promotions are still in the works, classic car enthusiasts can anticipate deals from various automotive parts and restoration companies. Brands like Studebaker International, Kanter Auto Products, and Classic Industries often offer discounts on parts, accessories, and maintenance services. Local auto detailers and vintage car insurance providers might also run special offers. Keep an eye out for discounts on car show tickets or memorabilia from online retailers such as Ebay Motors and Summit Racing. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Drive Your Studebaker Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DriveYourStudebakerDay. Share photos and videos of your classic Studebaker, showcasing its unique design and history.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DriveYourStudebakerDay. Join Studebaker enthusiast groups to share stories and event details.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Upload videos of your Studebaker in action, detailing its restoration or a scenic drive.

Social Media Tips for Drive Your Studebaker Day

Individuals

Take your Studebaker for a spin and share photos of your journey. Attend a local classic car show or organize a small gathering with other Studebaker owners in your area to celebrate.

Creators

Produce a video documenting the history of Studebaker, interview owners about their passion, or create a short film featuring different Studebaker models. Showcase the timeless design and engineering.

Brands

Automotive parts suppliers, classic car insurance companies, and restoration shops can run promotions or host virtual car shows. Encourage customers to share photos of their Studebaker projects using a branded hashtag.

Top Brands for Drive Your Studebaker Day

  1. Studebaker International

    Established in 1968, Studebaker International is a leading supplier of new and used parts for Studebaker cars and trucks. Based in Indiana, the company helps keep thousands of classic Studebakers on the road by providing essential components and expert advice to enthusiasts worldwide.

  2. Classic Industries

    Founded in 1975, Classic Industries is a premier source for restoration parts and accessories for classic American cars, including many Studebaker models. They offer a vast catalog of products, helping hobbyists and professionals restore their vintage vehicles to original condition.

  3. Hagerty

    Hagerty, founded in 1984, is a global leader in classic car insurance, valuation, and enthusiast events. They provide specialized coverage for vintage vehicles, including Studebakers, and foster a vibrant community through their media and events, supporting the preservation of automotive history.

  4. Studebaker Drivers Club

    Founded in 1962, the Studebaker Drivers Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of Studebaker vehicles. With chapters worldwide, it provides resources, events, and camaraderie for owners and fans of the marque, fostering a strong community.

  5. Hemmings Motor News

    Established in 1954, Hemmings Motor News is a prominent publication and online platform for buying, selling, and learning about classic and collector cars. It serves as a vital resource for Studebaker enthusiasts, offering classifieds, articles, and historical insights into vintage automobiles.

  6. Coker Tire

    Coker Tire, founded in 1958, specializes in vintage tires and wheels for classic cars, including those that fit Studebaker models. They are dedicated to providing authentic-looking and period-correct tires, ensuring that restored vehicles maintain their historical accuracy and aesthetic.

  7. Petersen Automotive Museum

    Located in Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum, founded in 1994, is one of the world's largest automotive museums. It features a diverse collection of historic vehicles, often including significant Studebaker models, celebrating automotive history, art, and industrial design.

Drive Your Studebaker Day Hero

John Mohler Studebaker

John Mohler Studebaker (1833-1917) was one of the five Studebaker brothers who founded the Studebaker Corporation. Starting as a wagon manufacturer in South Bend, Indiana, in 1852, he played a pivotal role in transitioning the company from horse-drawn vehicles to automobiles, overseeing its growth into a major American car manufacturer known for innovation and quality. His vision helped establish the brand's enduring legacy in automotive history.

History of Drive Your Studebaker Day

Although Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company was an American business founded in 1852 that focused on manufacturing wagons, buggies, carriages, and horse harnesses, its history dates back to when Peter Studebaker and his family docked on the shores of the ‘American Frontier’ in 1736. They built the first Studebaker carriage in a make-shift factory beside their home and used it to travel as far as Roma, Brisbane, St George, Charleville, and so many other places.

The first Studebaker vehicle was a horse-drawn wagon that had four wheels and a carriage front suspension to help the passengers stay comfortable through the ride. These horse-drawn wagons became very instrumental as a means of transportation during the American Civil War. By 1902, Studebaker had begun to produce electric vehicles and by 1904, their gasoline vehicles had rolled out of production. The company enjoyed a lot of popularity for over 50 years as they consistently produced exquisite models of the Studebaker.

Studebaker Electric remains one of the standout versions of Studebaker’s early electric cars. With electric motors firmly placed within its trunk, the Studebaker Electric ran on clean, rechargeable batteries which were very easy to replace. And although these vehicles were pretty sluggish at the time, they were perfect for urban areas that didn’t have gas stations.

Due to the heavy toll of the great depression and post-war cashflow problems, the Studebaker Corporation’s South Bend plant ceased automobile production on December 20, 1963, and the final Studebaker rolled off the Hamilton assembly line on March 17, 1966. Studebaker remained a separate manufacturer until May 1967, when it merged with Wagner Electric and then with Worthington Corporation to form Studebaker-Worthington.

Drive Your Studebaker Day timeline

1736
Discovering New Lands

Peter Studebaker and his family arrive on the shores of America.

1892
The Studebaker Corporation is born

The first Studebaker carriage is built in South Bend.

1895
The First Vehicle

The first Studebaker horseless carriage is created.

1902
An Electric Invention

The first batch of battery-powered Studebaker Electric cars is produced.

1963
The End Of An Era

The Studebaker Corporation's South Bend plant shuts down the production of automobiles.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Drive Your Studebaker Day

Local automotive businesses, classic car repair shops, and even diners can celebrate Drive Your Studebaker Day by hosting small meet-ups or offering special discounts to Studebaker owners. Auto parts stores could feature vintage car sections or run promotions on detailing supplies. Restaurants with a retro theme could offer a ‘Studebaker Special’ menu item, encouraging owners to park their classic cars outside as a nostalgic display.

Drive Your Studebaker Day FAQs

When is Drive Your Studebaker Day?

Drive Your Studebaker Day 2026 is observed on Saturday, September 12, a perfect weekend opportunity to take your classic car for a spin and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

How many Studebakers were produced?

Studebaker produced millions of vehicles over its history, from horse-drawn wagons to automobiles. While exact figures vary by model and year, the company was a significant player in the American automotive industry for over a century, with peak production years in the mid-20th century.

How many Studebakers are still on the road today?

While precise numbers are difficult to ascertain, it’s estimated that tens of thousands of Studebakers are still in existence, with many actively driven and maintained by dedicated collectors. The Studebaker Drivers Club boasts thousands of members globally, indicating a strong community.

What is the most iconic Studebaker model?

The Studebaker Avanti, introduced in 1962, is often considered its most iconic model due to its radical, futuristic styling and innovative fiberglass body. It remains a highly sought-after collector’s car, representing a bold design statement.

Drive Your Studebaker Day Activities

  1. Drive a Studebaker

    If you own a Studebaker, then Drive Your Studebaker Day is the perfect day to show off your vehicle to everyone. If they care to listen, you can take a step further and educate them on the specific features that make the Studebaker so classy.

  2. Attend a Studebaker chapter event

    On Drive Your Studebaker Day, Studebaker drivers around the world organize events where they display different Studebaker models. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Studebaker cars, mark the next date on your calendar.

  3. Watch videos of Studebaker drivers

    If you’ve never seen a Studebaker, you can easily find videos of classy and rare Studebakers on the internet. You can also explore the model designs and how they have influenced the current automobile industry.

5 Interesting Facts About The 1902 Studebaker Electric

  1. It had a variety of styles

    Different body styles of the Studebaker Electric vehicle were produced.

  2. They looked like carriages

    Many of the Studebaker Electric cars had bodies like the lucrative passenger carriage that came before it.

  3. They had limited mileage

    The Studebaker Electric cars could only be driven for limited miles at a time.

  4. The Studebaker Electric steering was a lever

    The steering was a basic long black L-shaped lever that moved the front wheels from side to side when handled.

  5. The gear is a lever as well

    The 1902 Studebaker Electric also had a brass gear shift lever between the seats which served as the gear.

Why We Love Drive Your Studebaker Day

  1. Its influence on modern-day automobiles

    The Studebaker's simplistic yet comfortable design has profoundly influenced several vehicle types and served as a pattern for some of the automobile industry's top manufacturers. Its outward horse-like design can also be found on several current automobiles.

  2. The space and comfort of the interior

    While Studebaker's outward design was a work of art, the interior design valued simplicity of mobility and passenger comfort above all else. This high level of comfort endeared Studebaker vehicles to a large number of wealthy people.

  3. Opportunity to take a ride in a Studebaker

    As the years pass since the Studebaker Corporation ceased production of new vehicles, it is getting increasingly difficult to come across a Studebaker. However, if you attend a Studebaker chapter event, you may be able to ride in one of the few remaining elegant models of the car.

Drive Your Studebaker Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 September 13 Saturday
2026 September 12 Saturday