Vehicle Description
When you think the words "different" and "cool", what comes to
mind? "Cool" is easy for many folks, because there aren't many
things cooler than traditional '50s Americana. "Different"? Well,
that's a little more difficult... Unless you pick up a classy and
elegant cruiser like this incredible Studebaker Commander. Upgraded
with a hot LT1 and a reliable 4L60E 4-speed, this cool coupe is a
unique, world-class weekender!
CHAMPAGNE & CASHMERE
A solid South Bend dandy that has no problem charming onlookers,
this pristine Studebaker is the beneficiary of a $130K ground-up
restoration that wrapped in 2012. The pros behind that professional
rebuild were none other than Slatersville, Rhode Island's Xtreme
Restorations. All-original sheetmetal is layered in rich Cashmere
Taupe 2-stage, which reflects a bright white roof. And that quality
pigment highlights distinctive, retro character that reminds us
just how cool vintage metal can be!
At the front of this sophisticated classic, a split,
Studebaker-branded grille hangs wide-set parking lamps between
clear headlights that feature polished visors, and a polished
bumper that features sculpted guards. At the sides of that grille,
a modernist profile centers ornate "V8" emblems between polished
door handles and subtle quarter toppers. At the top of that
profile, polished frames plant factory-tint glass between opposed
wipers and fast "Studebaker" scripts. And at the back of the car,
fashionable tail lamps stretch a second guarded bumper between
polished exhaust and a Studebaker-branded trunk.
LINGENFELTER & STREET AND PERFORMANCE
When it comes to the perfect blend of power, reliability and
fixability, nothing beats a stalwart GM small block. With that in
mind, it seems perfectly logical that this Commander sports 383
cubic inches of proven LT power. Lift the car's whittled hood and
you'll find a $13K Lingenfelter LT1 that, with the help of $8K of
Street and Performance bolt-ons, twists 450 horsepower into 430
lb./ft. of tarmac-twisting torque. At the top of that blueprinted
stroker, a bowtie-branded air box feeds a Lingenfelter-branded
throttle body. That throttle weaves wind into electronically
injected fuel, which combusts at the behest of loomed MSD plug
wires. Above those wires, CNC-ported LT4 cylinder heads wrap
polished covers and a polished breather around heavy-duty springs,
titanium retainers, one-piece stainless valves and stainless Comp
roller rockers. 10.8 to 1 compression is created by a
computer-balanced rotating assembly, which is finished with a
forged Lunati crank, billet Oliver connecting rods, forged JE
pistons and Speed Pro plasma moly rings. A smooth hydraulic roller
cam spins behind a polished serpentine drive, which twists an
aluminum water pump between a polished alternator and a polished AC
compressor. Exhaust is jettisoned through coated Hedman Hedders. A
large electric puller fan cools a beefy aluminum radiator. And
aesthetically, the compact mill seems right at home in the car's
clean, Satin Black engine bay.
RESTO & MOD
Naturally, that modernized powerplant precedes a modernized,
road-ready chassis. Everything starts with a sturdy, factory-spec
frame that traces solid, undercoated floors. At the center of those
bones, a 4L60E 4-speed makes excellent use of a 10-bolt Trans Am
axle. That road-ready pumpkin drives a fully rebuilt chassis, which
mixes a Trans Am rear-clip with a massaged Camaro front-half. Turns
come courtesy of lucid power steering. Solid stops are achieved
with the help of four AFCO discs. Aluminized exhaust funnels spent
gases through Flowtech Raptor mufflers. And all that proven
hardware rolls on custom steelies, which spin 215/70R15 BF Goodrich
Radial T/A whitewalls around NOS hub caps.
LEATHER & AIR CONDITIONING
The car's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of
boomtown, America, complete with tight leather, tasteful fabrics
and ornate telemetry. The red and taupe cockpit is centered on big
bench seats that feel soft enough to take a nap on. At the front of
the car, a chrome-trimmed dash centers vintage AM audio above
Vintage Air climate control. The driver turns a classy steering
wheel around a traditional shifter. And the passengers store
essentials in a fully carpeted trunk.
If you're looking for some classic Americana that's much more
exclusive than mass-market Chevys and run-of-the-mill Fords, this
elegant Studebaker is a fantastic choice. Distinctive, reliable and
lovingly restored, it's a lot of fun on the street OR at the show.
Call, click or visit https://www.RKMotors.com for more
information!
HIGHLIGHTS
Incredible Studebaker resto-mod that's the product of a
professional, $130K build
Awarded Best in Class at the 2012 ISCA World of Wheels in
Boston
Awarded Outstanding Custom at the 2012 ISCA World of Wheels in
Boston
383 cubic inch Lingenfelter LT4 Corvette V8 / 450 horsepower
4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
Modern Air conditioning
Power steering
AFCO 4-wheel disc brakes
Camaro front suspension / Trans Am rear suspension
Custom steel wheels / NOS hub caps
All-original sheetmetal / Cashmere Taupe paint
Leather interior
Build photos / Build receipts
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
