Studebakers return to Custer Aug. 31

Five decades of automobile history will be on display in downtown Custer when members of the Studebaker Drivers Club (SDC) gather for their annual, free outdoor show Sunday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Visitors to the show are invited to vote for their favorite car or truck.  
SDC Members from  South Dakota, eight other states and Canada will show a variety of cars and trucks. These will include high performance models and convertibles as well as those which were considered to be more suited to family usage, such as station wagons.  Both restored and modified models will be available to see. And their owners will usually be nearby to answer questions or share stories of the individual car or truck’s history.  
Members of the Dakotas Chapter of SDC will start hosting the owners Friday night, Aug 29.  They will tour Custer State Park on Saturday. A banquet will honor the vehicles and their owners on Sunday evening, including the presentation of “Visitors Choice” trophies. Special awards will also be given by the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Custer Mayor Bob Brown. 
Studebaker was one of the early manufacturers of automobiles in the United States. Five Studebaker Brothers began with building carts and wagons used in Westward expansion and the Civil War. Then they updated their goals by producing cars and eventually trucks until 1966. They were known for innovations and excellent design features.
In 1954 the Studebaker Corporation joined with Packard, so cars of this brand are also eligible to be included. One unusual Packard on display this year will be a fully restored hearse.