Dr. Bob Cade is best known for formulating Gatorade, but the acclaimed UF professor and kidney specialist, whose legacy is honored today by the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, took to activities that some might find surprising.
Dr. Cade researched treatments for autism and schizophrenia. He spoke German and wrote poetry. He played the violin. And he collected Studebakers—he owned more than 60 carriages and automobiles from the late 1800s to 1965, 15 of which he donated to the Cade Museum as educational resources.
The pride of his collection was the 1931 Studebaker President, which was recently showcased at the prestigious Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance. Other distinctive vehicles in the Cade Museum’s collection include an 1895 doctor’s buggy, a 1900 farm wagon, a 1911 EMF #30 Roadster, a 1925 Duplex Phaeton, a 1963 Gran Turismo (GT) Hawk and, of all things, a massive 1937 circus calliope truck.
Among the most unique pieces is the 1963 Lark, which “flew” in the face of established styling norms. This little car was the precursor to the “muscle car” and a saving grace for Studebaker during the 1950s recession.
Dr. Cade appreciated the way art and science met in the design and functionality of automobiles and he cherished discoveries and firsts. The fact that the Studebaker Company was the first manufacturer to successfully transition from wagon to automobile no doubt fascinated him. This unlikely shift in technology is precisely the type of evolution that excited him his entire life.
Today, the Studebakers can be seen on display at the Cade Museum during various special events throughout the year, such as the Inventivity Bash in May.
