The Karat Kart: Wayne Wright’s Clean 1953 Studebaker Custom

Golden Precision - In the world of post-war American car culture, standing out did not always mean cutting a roofline apart or covering every inch in chrome. During the 1950s, many custom builders chased dramatic transformations, but a few enthusiasts understood that restraint could be just as powerful. That mindset shaped the identity of the “Karat Kart,” a 1953 Studebaker Starlight Coupe owned by Wayne Wright, a member of the San Bernardino Krankers in California. Rather than reinventing the car completely, Wright recognized that the Studebaker already carried futuristic lines far ahead of its time, so his goal became refining the design instead of overpowering it. 

Wayne Wright's 1953 Studebaker of San Bernardino, California. Known as the "Karat Kart," Wayne's Studebaker was a clean custom featuring a Champagne Mist paint job, a unique wire-mesh grill made from US Navy submarine air cleaner mesh, and a gold and white Tuck and Roll interior. The Studebaker engine was built up to 3/4 race. Once completed, The Karat Kart was featured in the "Car Corner" section of the "Teen Scene" in The San Bernardino County Sun Saturday, January 23, 1960. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Wayne Wright began with a stock two-door Starlight Coupe and followed a simple philosophy: cleanliness above all else. He removed visual clutter by nosing and decking the body, allowing the car’s sweeping curves and distinctive rear glass design to take center stage. The exterior received a rich Champagne Mist finish filled with metallic depth, giving the coupe a soft glow that perfectly matched the elegant personality of the build. Full-length lake pipes stretched along the lower sides, adding a subtle hot rod attitude without disrupting the car’s smooth silhouette. Even the smallest details reflected Wright’s creativity. The grille was replaced with mesh taken from the air cleaner system of a US Navy submarine, an unusual choice that gave the front end a distinctive texture unlike the common aftermarket mesh styles of the period. Chrome kitchen cabinet knobs were cleverly adapted as trim accents, proving that custom culture often thrived on imagination more than expensive parts. 

 

The Karat Kart continued its gold-themed identity inside the cabin. Gold and white tuck-and-roll upholstery covered the seats, creating a bright and stylish contrast that felt upscale without becoming flashy. White served as the dominant tone while gold highlighted the trim sections, tying the interior to the Champagne Mist paint outside. To balance the lighter colors, the dashboard, metal trim, and window surrounds were painted black, giving the cockpit a sharper visual edge. Details underneath the car showed the same playful originality. Wright used modified Thermos bottle rod plugs in place of standard cheater caps, another example of how custom builders of the era constantly experimented with unexpected materials and everyday objects to personalize their cars.

Gary Elmore's 1953 Studebaker of Castro Valley, California. Gary, who was a member of the Swanx of Oakland car club, restyled the Studebaker himself, with the help of a couple of good friends. The build, known as Exotica, was completed around 1959-1960. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Under the hood, the Studebaker engine received serious attention. Wright built the powerplant to a 3/4 race specification using components sourced from several different manufacturers, a common practice among hot rodders searching for better performance. The engine featured a four-barrel carburetor from a 1956 Buick Century, Lincoln valves, Jahn racing pistons, and a Claysmith 3/4 camshaft. Porting, relieving, and polishing work further improved the engine’s breathing and output. Despite the performance upgrades, the engine bay remained remarkably tidy. Chrome accents were spread throughout the compartment, while the engine block itself was painted gold to maintain the car’s signature theme. The presentation reflected the same discipline seen across the entire project: performance and style working together without unnecessary excess.

 

Today, the Karat Kart still feels surprisingly modern because its appeal comes from balance rather than shock value. Wayne Wright understood that the 1953 Studebaker already possessed bold styling, and instead of burying that identity beneath extreme modifications, he enhanced what was naturally there. That decision gives the car a timeless quality that many heavily customized vehicles eventually lose. The Karat Kart stands as a reminder that great design often comes from confidence, careful choices, and the willingness to leave certain things untouched. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMRAMA | JALOPY JOURNAL | KUSTOMRAMA IN FACEBOOK | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI ]

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