On March 17, 1966, the last Canadian Studebaker was built.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Studebaker officially shut down the next day.

Studebaker Canada

{snip}

End of the line

On August 18, 1948, surrounded by more than 400 employees and a battery of reporters, the first vehicle, a blue Champion four-door sedan, rolled off the Studebaker assembly line. The company was located in the former Otis-Fenson military weapons factory off Burlington Street East, which was built in 1941. The Indiana-based Studebaker was looking for a Canadian site and settled on Hamilton because of its steel industry. The company was known for making automotive innovations and building solid distinctive cars. 1950 was its best year but the descent was quick. By 1954, Studebaker was in the red and merging with Packard, another falling car manufacturer. In 1963, the company moved its entire car operations to Hamilton. The Canadian car side had always been a money-maker and Studebaker was looking to curtail disastrous losses. That took the plant from a single to double shift - 48 to 96 cars daily. The last car to roll off the line was a turquoise Lark Cruiser on March 17, 1966. Studebaker officially shut down the next day. It was terrible news for the 700 workers who had formed a true family at the company, known for its employee parties and day trips. It was a huge blow to the city, too. Studebaker was Hamilton's 10th largest employer at the time.

The old Studebaker plant was later re-acquired by Otis Elevators, which used the building until 1987. It was scheduled for demolition in 2012 to make way for a new industrial estate.

[dawg day]

1. My uncle loved Studebakers.

He even invested in the company.

[Bev54]

2. My Dad had one

in the late 50's early 60's, not sure what he ever did with it. I don't remember it ever running, just parked by the house.

[LiberalLovinLug]

3. My dad did too. A 1960 Studebaker Lark

He loved it And that's the car I learned to drive with. He'd take me out on mostly deserted back roads when I was 15 to learn. Before I even was qualified to get a learners. They had an odd design. Not pretty, but definitely unique.