Ferry Porsche had a plan in the 1950s to export a new model of cars from his brand to the US. He wanted to market a Porsche for the general public: the 542.

Ferry Porsche wanted to work with Studebaker, but the director eventually blew off the deal. Porsche and Studebaker just could not agree on the design of the vehicle. When the design was finally finished, it could not be produced due to Studebaker's financial problems. Years later, the possibility of bringing the model to the market was explored, but the design had become dated. There were also significant costs associated with the reconfiguration of the factories required to produce the car. In addition, potential buyers from the US found the 542 too big and too heavy and there was more interest from them in a lighter car. In addition, Americans were also more enthusiastic about cars designed in America.

The 542 by Porsche and Studebaker never made it to market and the Studebaker company went out of business in 1967.