The Scotsman was an automobile series of the Studebaker Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana that was produced for model years 1957 and 1958. Both model years used the 1957 Studebaker 2 and 4 door Champion Sedan, and for 1958 offered a two door wagon. Models for both years changed little if any, which allowed the company to keep prices as inexpensive as possible.

The Scotsman was essentially a stripped Studebaker Champion, which allowed Studebaker to offer a vehicle that could compete with the Chevrolet 150 and Chevrolet Del Ray, the Ford Custom, and the Plymouth Plaza, all of which were price leader models with minimal frills.

To reduce the price of the Scotsman (a name based upon the stereotype that implies Scottish frugality) the cars were built with minimum options. Hub caps and grilles for the cars were painted; buyers paid extra for a heater for the passenger compartment. Interiors were fitted with painted cardboard panels – the only upholstery available was grey vinyl. In place of carpeting, Scotsman models were equipped with rubberized floor coverings. The only chrome to grace the car was carried by the front and rear bumper and on some minor interior parts; painted bumpers, however, could be special ordered to reduce the cost of the car even further. Because they were considered a safety item, windshield wipers were standard. The only apparent frill was Studebaker's heavily promoted "Cyclops Eye" speedometer.

The car reminded many of the "black out" cars of the shortened 1942 model year that removed all chrome trim for cars due to war materials rationing. Nevertheless, Studebaker sold over 30,000 units in two years.

Scotsman production was suspended following the 1958 model year as Studebaker readied itself with its new Studebaker Lark series of automobiles.

Resources

The Standard Catalogue of American Cars 1946-1975, John Gunnell, Editor. Kraus Publications, 1987. ISBN 0-87341-096-3

Studebaker Cars James H. Moloney. Crestline Books, 1994. ISBN 0-87938-884-6

Studebaker, The Postwar Years Richard Langworth. Motorbooks International, 1979. ISBN 0-87938-058-6