1927 Studebaker Erskine Sedan with Matching Trailer

Albert Russell Erskine joined the Studebaker Corporation as Vice-President in 1913 and took over the top job from Clement Studebaker just two years later. Erskine was a clever accountant and not only increased sales of Studebakers at a time when the American auto industry was contracting, but managed to push the brand upmarket to the point where there was room for a cheaper model. Studebaker developed a new, lower priced car in the mid-1920s, named in Erskine's honour and marketed as "The Little Aristocrat". The Erskine combined the high build quality of American car makers with European standards of performance and style. Launched at the Grand Palais in Paris in 1926, with a beautifully styled body by Ray Dietrich, the Erskine sold well in Europe but failed to catch on in America due to the high asking price. Built on a 108-inch wheelbase, the Erskine featured a Continental six-cylinder engine developing 40 horsepower and was a more than adequate performer. For 1927, four different body styles were catalogued including a Tourer, Sedan, Custom Coupe and Businessman's Coupe. Today, very few Erskines remain and those that do have a dedicated band of followers, with an international registry established and plenty of support from Studebaker clubs.