European Studebaker Meeting 2022 - In a small circle
09/14/2022
No, 3858 cars like at the last Citroën 2CV World Meeting in Samobor, Croatia, did not come together. After all, it was just a European meeting organized by the Studebaker Car Club Switzerland in Rheinfelden from 31 August to 4 September 2022. Exactly nine Studebakers came to the English Garden at Schloss Laufen for the extended weekend. Which, according to the club president, is few even by Studebaker standards. However, this is what made the meeting so impressive.
Don't you think so? Then try talking to every owner of 3858 cars. Even if each conversation lasts just one minute, it will take you two and a half days - not including the walk from duck to duck. In Rheinfelden, the first evening was already enough for much more extensive conversation: lively shop talk, funny anecdotes and touching stories - at least one about every car present.
On top of that, another problem of monster meetings the size of a Mediterranean island was eliminated. You've usually forgotten the first cars before you've even reached the last ones. I still have the complete list of participants from Rheinfelden in my head. How would you like it? Sorted by year of construction or engine power? Or would you prefer alphabetical order? Here you go: Commander Starlight, Commander Starliner, Daytona Wagonaire, Golden Hawk, another Golden Hawk, Gran Turismo Hawk, Lark Hardtop, President State Coupe, Silver Hawk Champion.
Incidentally, despite the small number of vehicles, the conditions for a European meeting were met: Six cars had traveled from Switzerland, two from Germany. The owner of the 1952 Commander Starlight had even chauffeured his red coupé from the Netherlands to the Rhine in a two-day trip. This proves that the Studebaker scene in Europe is a small but extremely close-knit community. Perhaps the Swedes will be back next year. Rumor has it that the number of participants could even reach three figures.
