Local antique car collector Leland Miller and his friend, Dan Thompson recently traveled to Palm Springs, Calif., for the annual Studebaker Car Show. The Miller's Studebaker is a 1919 convertible four-door touring car with the big-six engine, rated at 60 horsepower. Miller's would love to know the history of their Studebaker, but it wasn't available when they bought the car in Idaho in 1995.
When they brought the badly neglected Studebaker home from Idaho, it needed lots of mechanical work. The big-six engine had to be removed for a complete overhaul and most of the replacement parts had to be specially made.
The steering, brakes, electrical wiring, fuel system and transmission were each totally rebuilt. Two of the wooden spoke wheels were in need of repair as well and a craftsman in Oregon was able to reproduce new ones.
The Studebaker show in Palm Springs was well represented by about 18 cars. Miller's car was the oldest; others ranged in age through the 1960s.
The cars went on two drives in the area; the first outing was about 40 miles and included a trip to a wildlife refuge. The second drive of about 70 miles included a guided tour and lunch at a firehouse museum.
The cars endured the trips in good shape. A boulevard cruise in the car drew lots of attention. One of the highlights of visiting Palm Springs was taking pictures with the 26-foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe.
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