Class: Cars, Sedan — Model origin:
01:30:54 Background vehicle
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◊ 2011-08-03 11:44 |
/vehicle_420183-Checker-Taxicab-A8-1956.html Commander, any way to tell apart '57 from '58? -- Last edit: 2011-08-03 13:14:52 |
◊ 2011-08-03 13:29 |
Studebaker Scotsman?? "Model Name of the Week" winner. |
◊ 2011-08-03 15:48 |
Yes, the grille mesh is different (horizontal rectangles for '57 like the other '57 models; a unique eggcrate mesh design for '58). Also, the taillamps matched the same '57/'58 differences as the other models. Unfortunately, neither is visible in this photo. However, in the 1956 Checker photo, more of the hood of the Studebaker can be seen, revealing it has no hood-top medallion, making it a 1958. (The '57's had a small ornament flush with the hood, unlike the raised hood ornament of the other Studebaker 1957 models.) Actually, I believe this is Studebaker's specialty "Econ-O-Miler" taxi model rather than a Scotsman owing to the rear door quarter panes. The Econ-O-Miler had the same grill/taillamp differences as did the Scotsman. -- Last edit: 2011-08-05 17:55:29 |
◊ 2011-08-04 15:41 |
Reviewed my research notes. There are 5 exterior ways to tell a 1958 Scotsman from a 1957 model: 1) Eggcrate grille mesh vs horizontal rectangles. 2) Flatter roof contour. 3) Absence of hood TOP medallion (as apposed the "S" badge on the hood FRONT, common to both years). 4) 1958 style taillamps. 5) Absence of front fender side vents. These vents were removed from ALL 1958 Studebaker cars except for the Hawk line. The Econ-O-Miler can be differentiated fom the Scotsman by the fact it has the longer (President Classic) wheelbase and (non-functioning) rear door quarter panes. These panes could be opened on the President Classic and Packard Clipper versions. -- Last edit: 2011-08-05 17:54:24 |
◊ 2011-08-05 17:59 |
Final word on this after some more research. We know this is a 1958 Econ-O-Miler for another very good reason: there was no 1957 model! 1958 was the first year. (I learn something new all the time - even about post-war Studebakers!) |
◊ 2011-08-10 16:05 |
Would you believe...... Got my latest (August) Studebaker Drivers Club magazine in the mail yesterday and it contained a feature article on Studebaker taxi models! Without going into TOO much detail, I will just say it confirms what I understood from other sources that 1958 was the first year that Studebaker built the "Econ-O-Miler", their first dedicated taxi model. Up to 1956, all Studebaker taxis were outside modifications of standard Studebaker models. There were no "in-house" built taxis. In 1956 and 1957, Studebaker produced taxi models but they were Chammpion/Commander based, closely resembling standard Studebaker models with 116.5" wheelbases. They carried some special taxi features but otherwise looked like Champions or Commanders. There were no 1957 Scotsman based taxis. In 1958, Studebaker went all out with a fully dedicated special taxi model as pictured above (the Econ-O-Miler) but using the longer wheelbase President body (120.5" wheelbase) mated with Scotsman trim. Again, this can be spotted by the unique combination of Scotsman features with the rear door quarter glass (non-opening on cabs) of the President line. In 1959 and beyond, Studebaker's taxis were Lark based. The Econ-O-Miler name was continued through the 1960 model year as was the 120.5" wheelbase and rear door quarter panes. Starting in '61 the cab was just called the "Studebaker Taxi". Taxis were continued all the way to the end in 1966, always using the longest wheelbase available. There is a real nice magazine color cover photo of a '58 Econ-O-Miler which I will scan and post here shortly. |
◊ 2011-08-10 17:10 |
Here is the scan: http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2881/1958studebakereconomilep.jpg While this is not technically a Scotsman, it does demonstrate all 5 trim differences between the '57 and '58 Scotsman models: Flatter roof Eggcrate grille No front fender side vents No hood top emblem (the small "S" was common to both years) Round taillamp lenses (just visible) -- Last edit: 2011-08-10 17:20:26 |