Studebaker Museum hosts 'Original Hybrid' exhibit

Bold European design fused with raw American power to create a class of “original hybrids” cars which have tantalized collectors, enthusiasts, and casual observers since they rolled off the assembly lines. From the 1950s through the 1970s, this recipe led to some of the world’s iconic automotive marvels. Powered By America: The Original Hybrid will showcase the finest examples of these rare “hybrids,” such as the exotic Is Grifo, the Sunbeam Tiger, and Donald Healey’s own Nash-Healey, serial no. 001. This celebration of Euro-American “hybrids“ is on display and will run through June 4, 2017.

In the mid-19th century, American engines were coveted for their brute force, durability and low cost. This created the perfect opportunity for European designers to focus on bold new body styling and design; this synergy led to the world’s most legendary automobiles. Come to learn how these unlikely collaborations came about: The CEO of the Nash Motor Company (known for their sedate family cars) met Donald Healey, famed British rally driver and auto designer, aboard the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth in 1951. From this chance meeting was born the forefather of the hybrid genre, the Nash Healey. Powered By America will tell the stories of these transatlantic automotive marriages and their impact on motoring and motorsports history.

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 S. Chapin Street in downtown South Bend. It is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday noon–5pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $6.50 for seniors over 60, and $5 for youth ages 6-18. For more information call the Museum at (574) 235-9714 or toll free at (888) 391-5600 or visit our website at www.studebakermuseum.org. For an additional cost, visitors can tour the exhibits and Oliver Mansion at The History Museum, which adjoins the Studebaker National Museum.