30 Year Love Affair
If you’ve ever spotted a smart looking 1934 Studebaker cruising around North Canterbury, the chances are it belongs to this Rangiora couple. But it’s taken some time to restore it to its current glory.
Words: Grant Shanks Photography: Supplied
Rangiora couple, Gordon and Chris Patterson, pictured here with their absolutely stunning 1934 Studebaker Dictator, are justifiably proud of this magnificent machine.
Purchased as basically a hulk some 30-years ago, it was trailered back from Port Charmers behind their 1963 Studebaker Lark Cruiser.
It hasn’t been an easy journey, this labour of love, to bring what was a wreck or “Junk” as Chris called it, back to its original condition.
With help from Gordon’s brother, George, the mechanic, and A&V Auto Trimming in Bromley, plus the Studebaker Club, who recommended many of the skilled craftspeople who worked with Gordon on the Studebaker, has finally paid off. Gordon explains. “The restoration has been achieved as and when we could spare the time and funds over the years. It would have been great to have the car restored much sooner, but that’s how life is. We’re just absolutely rapt that it is now on the road.”
Gordon and Chris have been having, fun days, as the beautiful photograph by local photographer, Leon Van Robinson illustrates. “We enjoyed dressing up in the era of the car, for that shoot,” says Gordon. “ Chris has an idea of a Bonnie and Clyde outing sometime in the near future.”
While there have been suggestions that the Studebaker would make a terrific ‘occasion’ car for weddings and such events, the Patterson’s haven’t ruled that out. It was used on 4th May for their son’s wedding at Waikuku Beach. We’ll just see what happens in the future.
As Chris said, “For the moment we’re just absolutely excited and delighted to have the Studebaker up and running and looking great. It’s Not Junk now… hahaha!”
Readers, keep your eyes open for this absolutely stunning car around North Canterbury roads. It’ll put a big smile on your face, don’t forget to give them a wave.
P.S. Gordon and Chris want to thank all of those who stored their precious Studebaker in their garages over the years.