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Community Corner

Dream Cruise Snapshot: A Design Icon

Joe Papai of Bloomfield Township is proud to bring his 1953 Studebaker Commander Hardtop onto the streets of Birmingham for the Cruise event.

Name: Joe Papai

Residence: Bloomfield Township

Vehicle (make, model, year): 1953 Studebaker Commander Hardtop

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How long you've had it: 40 years

Car club: Avanti Cars & Special Studebaker Cars

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Why this car?: There are many reasons why Papai had his eyes on this car when he bought it and still gets a thrill out of the vehicle. He likes that it is a rare car, made by an independent car company. Additionally, he said it's an, "absolute design icon, one of the most beautiful cars ever designed, in any category. It covered territory not yet charted by any of its competitors."

Papai also noted that, "there is the David and Goliath aspect, that being Studebaker, a small company, several times during the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, shocked the industry with avant-guard designs."

What is special about the Dream Cruise or the Birmingham Cruise?: Papai said he likes being able to show off his ride during the Dream Cruise. 

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles leading up to the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 20. Click here for related stories and photo galleries.

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