International Drive Your Studebaker Day
September 12
About International Drive Your Studebaker Day
International Drive Your Studebaker Day takes place on Saturday, 12 September 2026, the second Saturday of September. It is an annual celebration that encourages owners of Studebaker cars, trucks, and carriages to take their vehicles out of the garage and onto the open road. Organised by the Studebaker Drivers Club, the day honours one of America’s longest-running independent vehicle manufacturers.
How to Celebrate International Drive Your Studebaker Day
The whole point of the day is simple: get your Studebaker out and drive it. Here are plenty of ways to take part, whether or not you own one of these classic vehicles.
- Take your Studebaker for a drive – The founding spirit of the day is to free these cars from storage and enjoy them on the road. Plan a scenic route and let the engine stretch its legs.
- Join a local cruise or meet-up – Studebaker Drivers Club chapters and other classic car groups often organise group drives, breakfast runs, and informal gatherings on the day.
- Visit the Studebaker National Museum – Located in South Bend, Indiana, the museum holds an extensive collection of Studebaker vehicles and tells the full story of the marque from wagons to cars.
- Photograph your car and share it – Post pictures of your Studebaker, or any vintage car you spot, on social media to spread the word and connect with enthusiasts worldwide.
- Attend a car show – Many regional shows and concours events schedule displays around mid-September, giving owners a chance to exhibit their pride and joy.
- Learn to maintain a classic – Spend the day cleaning, polishing, or carrying out gentle maintenance so your vehicle is roadworthy and ready to be admired.
- Watch a documentary on American motoring – If you do not own a classic, you can still mark the day by exploring the history of the US automotive industry from the comfort of home.
- Give someone a ride – Offer a passenger seat to a friend, family member, or neighbour who has never experienced a vintage car. Sharing the experience is what keeps the hobby alive.
What is International Drive Your Studebaker Day?
International Drive Your Studebaker Day is a celebration of the cars built by the Studebaker company, an American manufacturer that operated from 1852 until 1967. The day is an official event of the Studebaker Drivers Club, a worldwide organisation of owners and enthusiasts. It is open to anyone with an affection for classic American motoring, and it encourages people across the globe to drive, display, and discuss these distinctive vehicles. The day is light-hearted and community-focused, built around shared enthusiasm rather than formal ceremony.
When is International Drive Your Studebaker Day?
In 2026, International Drive Your Studebaker Day falls on Saturday, 12 September. The date is not fixed to a particular number: it is always observed on the second Saturday of September, so it shifts slightly from year to year. Because the date changes annually, it is worth checking the calendar each summer if you plan to organise or attend an event.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 12 September |
| 2027 | Saturday, 11 September |
| 2028 | Saturday, 9 September |
| 2029 | Saturday, 8 September |
| 2030 | Saturday, 14 September |
The History of International Drive Your Studebaker Day
The story of the day begins with the company itself. The Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company was founded in 1852 in South Bend, Indiana, originally producing wagons, buggies, carriages, and horse harnesses. It became one of the largest wagon makers in the world before turning to motor vehicles. Studebaker built its first electric vehicles in 1902 and its first petrol-powered cars in 1904. The firm went on to produce sturdy, well-regarded automobiles for decades, surviving as an independent manufacturer until production ended in 1967.
International Drive Your Studebaker Day was founded in 2009 by Bob Shaw, a Studebaker enthusiast who wanted to give owners a fixed annual occasion to bring their cars out and enjoy them together. The idea was straightforward: rather than leaving these historic vehicles parked in garages, set aside one day each year to drive them, show them off, and celebrate the shared passion of the community.
The Studebaker Drivers Club adopted the occasion as an official event, and it has since grown into a worldwide observance. Today, owners from the United States and well beyond take part, which is why the day carries the word “international” in its name. It remains a grassroots celebration, sustained by local chapters and individual enthusiasts rather than by any large corporate sponsor.
Fun Facts About International Drive Your Studebaker Day
- The Studebaker company existed for 115 years, from 1852 to 1967, making it one of the longest-lived American vehicle manufacturers.
- Studebaker began as a wagon maker and was a major supplier of wagons during the 19th century before ever building a car.
- The company produced electric vehicles as early as 1902, long before electric cars became fashionable again.
- The day was founded in 2009 by Bob Shaw and is observed on the second Saturday of September.
- The Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, preserves the company’s heritage and displays a large collection of its vehicles and carriages.
Why International Drive Your Studebaker Day Matters
Beyond the fun of seeing classic cars on the road, the day helps preserve a slice of automotive and industrial history. Studebaker was a significant American manufacturer, and keeping its vehicles running and visible passes that heritage on to new generations. The day also strengthens a global community of owners and admirers, giving them a reason to gather, share knowledge, and keep these machines in working order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Drive Your Studebaker Day?
It is an annual celebration that encourages Studebaker owners to drive and display their vehicles. It is an official event of the Studebaker Drivers Club and is marked by enthusiasts around the world.
When is International Drive Your Studebaker Day in 2026?
It falls on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The day is always held on the second Saturday of September, so the exact date changes each year.
Who founded International Drive Your Studebaker Day?
The day was created in 2009 by Studebaker enthusiast Bob Shaw and was later adopted as an official event by the Studebaker Drivers Club.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best Studebaker photos on social media with #DriveYourStudebakerDay and #DriveYourStudebakerDay2026. Tag fellow enthusiasts and challenge them to get their classics out on the road. If you love vintage motoring, you might also enjoy International Volkswagen Bus Day, another celebration of much-loved classic vehicles.
Related Awareness Days
- Collector Car Appreciation Day – A day dedicated to celebrating and preserving collector cars of every make and era.
- National Day of Motoring – A UK celebration of cars and the joy of driving.
- National Golf Cart Day – A light-hearted day honouring another beloved set of wheels.
Links
- Visit the Studebaker Drivers Club International Drive Your Studebaker Day page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Featured image: Photo by Bradley Dunn on Unsplash.
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