Backyard to the Brickyard: Studebaker at Indy, exhibit starts Thursday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Studebaker National Museum announced it will unveil its new exhibition, Backyard to the Brickyard: Studebaker at Indy, on Thursday morning.

Racing fans and history buffs are invited to learn about the Studebaker factory-backed Indianapolis 500 team from 1932 and 1933.

There will be a special showing in the AM General Atrium with the museum’s newest acquisitions, the 1933 #34 Studebaker Special, alongside the 1932 #18 car courtesy of the Cleary family, and the #22 car courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Museum officials say this is a rare and special opportunity to see three of the four remaining Studebaker-built Indy cars together for the first time in over a decade.

The exhibit is only on display through September 2.

Museum officials say after successful showings by private entries with Studebaker-powered cars in the early 30s, the Studebaker Corporation entered the fray with a team in 1932.

All five cars finished the race, with #22, driven by Cliff Bergere, finishing a team best, 3rd. 

The Studebaker team returned for 1933 with four of the cars featuring new streamlined bodies.  

The #34 car driven by Tony Gulotta finished a team best, 7th, and the lowest finish was 12th.

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin St. in South Bend.

Monday through Saturday, it's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors over 60, and $7 for youth ages 6 to 18. 

For more information you can visit the museum website.