Studillac

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
1954 Champion Starliner Hard-top
Hard-top for five passengers

Studillac is a name given to a customized

Hydra-Matic transmission. Other extras included leather, wire wheels (bolt-on or Borrani knock-off
), electric tachometer, etc.

With top speed of 125–130 mph and 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds, it was a very good value compared to the

disk brakes, and very fine fit and finish.[1]

Fictional CIA agent Felix Leiter, friend of James Bond, owned a black Studillac in the Ian Fleming novels Diamonds Are Forever[2][circular reference] and Goldfinger. Fleming himself had driven a Studillac when in the US.

References

  1. ^ Multiple vintage magazine articles collated by Bruce Allen, "Studillac", Fleming's Bond, May 5, 2014.
  2. ^ "List of James Bond vehicles".
  • Kowalke, Ron (1997). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946–1975 4th Edition, Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications.

Further reading

  • Wilbur Shaw (July 1953). "Studebaker with a Cadillac Engine".
    The Popular Science Monthly
    . New York: Popular Science Publishing Co. pp. 76–80, 210, 212.