Studebaker was one year away from extinction in 1965, but it was still pumping out reliable, cost-efficient cars.
This 1965 Studebaker Cruiser represents the basic philosophy behind the company because it was a humble four-door sedan that could run forever.
Ryan Diehl is the current caretaker of this next-to-last Studebaker.
Jerry Sutherland
Ryan explained how he came to own this car through his father-in-law–the latest in a series of several owners who once drove this ’65 Studey. The car was up for sale, and Ryan was the perfect choice because he respected the family link and his father-in-law wanted it to go the right guy.
His father-in-law was a huge fan of Studebakers, so he was prepared to bring this one back to mint condition—he started the project twenty years ago.
Ryan said the car needed plenty of work after all those owners, but his father-in-law was determined to bring the car back to life. Ryan admitted his father-in-law had a huge advantage because he was an autobody tech with the skills to repair the metal on the ’65 Studebaker.
His father-in-law had a huge team of Studebaker guys on his side, so parts sourcing and tech advice was not a problem during this project.
Ryan said the goal was to preserve everything to original status on the Studebaker so the stock (McKinnon plant) 283 Chevy was retained and rebuilt to factory specs. The paint job on the engine was recreated on what Ryan called the ‘truck version’ of the famous Chevy small block.
The interior was completely redone, and the radio even works again after the restoration. The glass was also replaced, and the trim was refurbished to give the Studebaker a just-off-the-showroom look.
The paint was originally Executive Blue, but now it’s a newer Dodge blue that makes it a much deeper shade. That was one of the few examples of going slightly off the playbook in a stock restoration.
Ryan does all the correct things with the Studebaker because he exercises the car on a regular basis, so the seals are intact. In fact, it’s the go-to vehicle for family outings because a four-door sedan was purpose-built for hauling kids and various other things.
The Studebaker does 70 miles per hour with ease, but the real point of this car is simple—enjoy life. As Ryan said, he, “doesn’t need to be the fastest”, but he does want to get there.
The Studebaker gets indoor storage for the winter, so it’s still wearing mint paint. The condition of the car draws people in—and they have many questions. Ryan said most people don’t know what it is and many of them think it’s European.
Ryan is happy to explain its history, and he’s learned more from Studebaker guys who offer insight into the car’s unique heritage. The car stands out at every car show because the world isn’t full of 1965 Studebaker Cruisers.
The story really distills down to this. There’s a perfect owner for every old car and Ryan was lucky enough to be that owner.
The family connection makes this story even better.
Jerry Sutherland
By: Jerry Sutherland
Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.
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