John Werner's 1953 Studebaker

1953 Studebaker restyled by Jack Lentz for John Werner of Belford, New Jersey. John's car started out as a wrecked coupe, he hauled it over to Jack Lentz. Jack was a well known body man in the Belford area and was responsible for the bodywork and paint while John handled the mechanics himself. Jack cut the top of and reinforced the underside of the frame with 1" x 2" channel iron, running the length of the chassis. While he was at it, he chopped the windshield 3 inches sealed the windows. The rear end was modified by installing a set of 1958 Studebaker counterpart on the rear quarter panels. The front was mildly restyled by filling the grille with DeSoto grille mesh. The parking and directional lights were relocated to the grille as well. Once all the bodywork was done, Jack covered the body in 15 coats of white lacquer. John converted the engine to a 3/4 race engine. Superior Auto Body of South Amboy, New Jersey reupholstered the interior in red rolled and pleated leatherette. White "V" design separated the black panels on the seat backs from the red leatherette. John's Studebaker roadster was a trophy sweeping ride once it was completed, by 1961 the car had won about 15 show trophies.

Magazine Features

Rodding and Re-styling January 1961