One of the largest dealers in Minnesota was Central Motors, 225 University Avenue in St. Paul, MN. It was advertised as covering an entire block, and it did—plus another block for used cars. They were in business from 1947 until the mid-fifties. Old folks remember waiting in long lines to see the 1953 models, which featured the sleek, modern styling that Studebaker had become known for. The building was a Ford dealer for many years after Studebaker went under, reflecting the shift in the American auto industry. University Avenue was once a hub for car dealerships, with Studebaker, Ford, and other manufacturers all having a presence along the busy corridor. Last time I looked, the old place—across the street from the McDonald’s on University—was empty, a quiet reminder of St. Paul’s rich automotive history.
