The Thornburgh Studebaker

Does anyone know if the Tommy Thornburgh '47 Studebaker custom survives?

It was an early Barris custom. Thornburgh's father was a long-time Studebaker dealer, so Tommy wanted to keep it in the family tradition.

It wasn't the most graceful custom, but it was almost unique in that it had a Carson top in a dark color - black or dark blue, I believe. I think the paint was a light blue. It also had a neat chrome side trim with contrasting color panel.

Anyone have pics of this car? I'm not sure I have ever seen a color photo.

Below is a pic from the July, 1953 Rod & Custom, along with the Hirohata Merc.

Dave

 

Here's a color shot of the car out of Rikster's fotki album.He has a GREAT! collection of pics and there are many more.Check them out.Lots of eye candy...

 

I have never heard anything about this odd, but very well done and proportioned Barris custom. All I have are some more pictures. The first picture is a rare one with out the Blue Carson top... and without a front bumper and side trim. (perhaps this photo was taken before the car was finished, could be even in primer... hard to tell from this picture)

 

Rikster,
Thanks for the photos - I had not seen any of them before, and I have a pretty good collection of old custom car magazines!

Did you notice the "For Sale" sign in the window of the middle shot?
Looks like it was taken at a parking lot car show judging by the other
cars in the scene.

Anyone know what trim was used to make up the spear?
The grille is neat, too.

Dave

 

Here is another great photo of the Studebaker. Perfect angle.




I think the grille is made out off two 51 Lincoln grille's with some parking lights at the end. Not totally sure though. I have to look in my do***entation to see if I have any info on the side trim make.

 

the spear is off a '52 pontiac if I could figure out how to post pix on the NEW hamb i'de show you

 

The side spear is indeed from a 52 Pontiac. and according to the one of the Barris Kustom Techniques books, the grille was made using two '50 Lincoln grilles... (but I still think they are 51 Lincons) The Front and rear bumper are 52 Licoln units. The taillights are 52 Studebaker.

 

Wow, normally I don't like those years of Stude, but that custom looks like a million bucks.

 

Rikster and InPrimer:
Thanks. The grille does indeed look like '51 Lincoln, maybe the Cosmopolitan model.
As for the side trim - '52 Pontiac it is. That was a head-smacker too,
...I have some similar '53 Pontiac in my stash of stainless trim!
I knew I had seen it before, but just couldn't put my finger on it.

Harry Bradley, the designer, says that every car has an angle which explains the design perfectly. The one one showed as the Perfect Angle is it!

Dave