Published: June 12, 2015, 12:15 PM
Updated: February 20, 2016, 5:23 AM
Texas firm to reincarnate the Studebaker Starliner
The Veine Victorias is a modern interpretation of the1953-54 Studebaker Starliner coupe, which was one of the most beautiful American cars ever built.
▲
Modern touches for an American classic
The 1953-54 Studebaker Starliner coupe was arguably one of the most beautiful American cars ever produced. A product of the legendary Raymond Loewy design studios, under the direction of Bob Bourke, it's a timeless design that still looks good today.
Indeed, with a few modern touches such as form-fitting bumpers and aero-styled headlamps, it could pass for a contemporary car.
▲
GWA plans to build 20 cars
A Texas firm, GWA Auto Design & Tuning of San Antonio, must have thought so too, for it plans to build 20 cars based on the Starliner design with just such modern updates, including a more contemporary greenhouse-to-body proportion. It works!
▲
Veinte Victorias
The cars will be called 'Veinte Victorias', which means '20 wins – a tribute to the fact that Starliners, many highly modified, have won the challenging La Carrera Panamericana race for vintage cars 20 times.
▲
La Carrera Panamericana pace car
In fact, one of the 20 Veinte Victorias cars, the only one finished in black, will be reserved for use as the event’s pace car, assuming the organizers concur. The Panamerica is a high-speed road race that takes place over 2,900 km of closed Mexican roads for a period of seven days, at speeds of up to 230 km/h.
▲
Modern mechanicals
The Veinte Victorias cars will employ a steel tube-frame chassis, Brembo HPK brakes and race-car level suspension components. The 19-inch wheels – 8½ inches wide in front, 11 in the rear – are designed by GWA and fitted with Bridgestone tires,
▲
Corvette power
Power will come from a supercharged, 6.2-litre Chevrolet LS9 V-8 engine, producing about 620 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, driving through a six-speed manual Transmission. More than enough to make for an exciting ride!
▲
Collectors' vehicle
The Veinte Victorias is intended to be a fun car to drive as well as a collectors' vehicle for those who may have competed in La Carrera Panamericana. Or for those who simply appreciate the Starliner's enduring design.
▲
Thoroughly modern look
LED tail-lamps, a moulded rear bumper, and contoured rear valance with integrated quad-exhaust openings gives the 1950s design a thoroughly modern look.
▲
Veinte Victorias
Pricing and delivery dates for the Veinte Victorias have yet to be established. But if you just have to have one, more details can be found at GWA-Tuning.com.
▲
null