Some cars are remembered for their speed, others for their luxury. But the 1929 Studebaker President 8 housed at the Payana Car Museum in Mysuru is remembered for the passenger it once carried: Mahatma Gandhi.
In the world of the vintage cars, few vehicles carry a weight of history quite like this one. It is not just a machine; it is a silent witness to India’s freedom struggle.
Studebaker President 8 – Pondicherry to Bengaluru
The story of how this car reached the collection of Shri Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is as fascinating as the car itself. Years ago, the Studebaker was brought from Pondicherry to Bengaluru for a Gandhi Jayanthi celebration at Gandhi Park.
When the event ended, the organizers were hesitant to pay the high costs of transporting the massive vehicle back to Pondicherry. Left with an uncertain future, the car was eventually made available for purchase. Recognizing its immense historical value, it was acquired for just Rs. 5,000—a small sum for a vehicle that would become a priceless treasure of Indian heritage.
The Letter that Changed Everything
What truly sets this Studebaker President 8 apart isn’t just its chrome or its engine, but a piece of paper. Along with the car came an original, handwritten letter by Mahatma Gandhi himself.
Addressed to the driver, Bob John, the letter expressed Gandhi’s sincere gratitude for the care shown during his travels in Pondicherry. To this day, Dr. Heggade possesses this original letter—a sacred link between the “Father of the Nation” and this mechanical marvel.
The “Finest Automobile on the Road”
Beyond its history, the Studebaker President was a masterpiece of American engineering. Albert Russel Erskine, the president of Studebaker, spared no expense to ensure this was the finest car of its era.
While I was photographing this beast with my iPhone 13, I couldn’t help but admire its presence. This was a car that set land speed records that stood for 35 years! It was tested in the harsh Sinai desert and on high-speed tracks, proving that it had the “Presidential” durability to match its name.
Studebaker President 8 Technical Snapshot:
- Engine: 8-Cylinder Inline, L-Head 5522 CC (A massive powerhouse)
- Horsepower: 100 hp @ 4000 rpm
- Brakes: Amplified Action Servo Assisted Mechanical Drums
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
- Top Speed: 80 mph (129 kph)
Why it Matters Today
Standing before the Studebaker President 8 at Payana, you realize that vintage car collecting isn’t just about restoration—it’s about preservation. Every curve of this 1929 classic reminds us of the long journeys taken during the Salt Satyagraha era and the humble man who sat in its velvet seats.
If you visit the Payana Car Museum at Mysuru, take a moment extra with this one. It’s not just a car; it’s a chapter of our history.
Photography by Saravana Kumar
Captured at Payana Car Museum, Mysuru | Shot on iPhone 13