1920 advertisement for the Studebaker Big Six touring carThe Studebaker Big Six was an automobile produced by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana between 1918 and 1926, being designated the Model EG (1918-21), the EK (1922-24) and the EP (1925-26). In 1927, it was renamed the President (ES) pending introduction of a smaller and smoother straight-eight engine for new top-of-the-range models after January 1928.
Early models
All Studebaker models for 1918 represented an important milestone for the automaker because they represented a clean break from the legacy of E-M-F automobiles that Studebaker had been producing since the collapse of a less than successful marketing agreement.
Between 1918 and 1920, the Big Six was offered only as a four-door touring car, the most popular body style for automobiles at the time. But, as the price of enclosed cars came down and consumers discovered the benefits of closed and semi-closed passenger compartments, a wider variety of body styles was made available beginning with the 1921 model year. By 1926, the Big Six could be bought in a variety of specialty body styles including a dual-cowl Phaeton and a Berline (sedan).
1918 to 1919 Big Sixes were powered by Studebaker's 354 in³ (5.8-litre) Straight-6 engine that produced 60 bhp (45 kW) at 2000 rpm. By 1926, the engine was delivering 75 bhp (56 kW) at 2400 rpm. The car's wheelbase was varied between 1918 120 in (3,048mm) and 1926 when the car was available in either short 120 in (3,048 mm) or long 127in (3,226 mm) wheelbases.
1920s production
In the 1920s, twelve of the fourteen Arizona counties furnished Studebakers to their Sheriffs, because of their reputation for power, reliability, and ability to withstand hard use and bad roads. In 1925, the company published a pamphlet about the Arizona Sheriffs' Studebakers, and named their Big Six Sport Phaeton model The Sheriff. One of the Arizona Sheriff's Big Six cars has been restored, and is on display at the Arizona Historical Society museum in Tucson.
At the 1924 New York Auto Show, Studebaker featured a 1918 Big Six that had a verified odometer reading of over 500,000 miles (800,000 km), as a testament to the longevity and durability of Studebaker vehicles.
Big Six President
In 1927, the model gained the transitional model name Big Six President as Studebaker began the process of converting all of its model names away from engine-type-based, and towards the more evocative Dictator (Standard Six) and Commander (Special Six). In the case of the Big Six President, 1928 would mark the introduction of Studebaker's famed 313-in³ Straight-8 which developed 100 bhp (75 kW) at 2600 rpm. The larger straight-six engine was utilised in the GB Commander before being replaced with a 248-in³ engine in 1929, marking the end of the line for the famous Big Six.
These sixes were the last descendants of rugged cars designed for poor roads in the early 20th century--loaded with torque and massively strong in construction. They were not suited to the higher cruising speeds which were made possible by better roads in later years.
Standard Big Six Sedan specifications (1926 data)
Color - Studebaker blue with black upper structure
Seating Capacity – Seven
Wheelbase - 127 inches (3,226 mm)
Wheels - Wood
Tires - 34” x 7.30” balloon
Service Brakes - contracting on rear
Emergency Brakes - contract on drum on rear of transmission
Engine - Six cylinder, vertical, cast en block, 3-7/8 x 5 inches (130 mm); head removable; valves in side; H.P. 36.04 N.A.C.C. rating
Lubrication - Force feed
Crankshaft - Four bearing
Radiator – Tubular
Cooling – Water Pump
Ignition – Storage Battery
Starting System – Two Unit
Voltage – Six to eight
Wiring System – Single
Gasoline System – Vacuum
Clutch – Dry plate, single disc
Transmission – Selective sliding
Gear Changes – 3 forward, 1 reverse
Drive – Spiral bevel
Rear Springs – Semi-elliptic
Rear Axle – Semi-floating
Steering Gear – Worm and wheel
Standard equipment
New car price included the following items:
motometer
automatic windshield cleaner
shock absorbers
inspection lamp and cord
bumpers front and rear
spare tire
rear view mirror
headlight dimmer
thief-proof lock
clock
smoking case
vanity case
dome light and corner lights
Optional equipment
The following was available in new models at an extra cost:
Hydraulic four-wheel brakes with disc wheels
Spare wheel
Source: Slauson, H. W.; Howard Greene (1926). "“Leading American Motor Cars”". Everyman’s Guide to Motor Efficiency. New York: Leslie-Judge Company.
