Vehicle Description
In the late 1920s the president of Studebaker, Albert Erskine,
dreamed of adding a new 8-cylinder flagship model to the range that
would not only elevate the marque's standing in the market, but be
nothing short of the finest automobile available on American roads.
While the six-cylinder President model had been available since
1926, Erskine believed a prestigious 8-cylinder car would drive
showroom traffic and give Studebaker a tool to use in the
lucrative, image-friendly world of motorsports. He charged his
engineering team with developing a new straight eight capable of
standing with the best in the industry. Curiously, his chief
engineer refused, insisting the current inline-six was more than
sufficient for a top-of-the-line model. Understandably annoyed at
the insubordination, Erskine promptly sacked his engineer and
promoted Barney Roos, who relished the opportunity to shine. Roos
designed a gem of an engine; a 313 cubic inch, 5-main bearing,
L-head straight eight with gear driven cam and an impressive 100
horsepower output. The engine debuted in 1928 for the newly
revamped President line. While smaller than the outgoing six, the
new eight was notably smoother with superior refinement. For 1929,
displacement increased to 337 cubic inches and power increased to
115 horsepower. Erskine strongly encouraged Studebaker's
involvement in motorsport, and with the new 8-cylinder President in
the hands of the deeply talented Ab Jenkins, a number of speed
records, endurance records and racing successes would follow; with
some records standing for as many as 35 years! Top results at the
Indianapolis 500 and Pikes Peak Hillclimb would further cement the
President's reputation for performance and reliability. 1931 marked
the arrival of the finest all the 8-cylinder Studebakers. Further
refinements to Roos' engine included an industry-leading nine
main-bearing crank, improved lubrication with a replaceable oil
filter, a crankshaft vibration damper and improved breathing. All
of these tweaks resulted in an impressive 122 horsepower. On-track
success continued, with a Studebaker-powered special taking a
surprise pole-position at the 1931 Indianapolis 500. 1931 also saw
the addition of the unmistakable "Ovaloid" headlamps which
distinguished the President on the road. In addition, the V-shaped
radiator shellheavily raked windscreen, and 130" wheelbase made the
Studebaker President a distinct and imposing car. These 8-cylinder
President models are among just a handful of Studebakers to achieve
Full Classic recognition by the Classic Car Club of America.
Ultimately, a poorly-timed takeover of Pierce-Arrow led to
Studebaker's bankruptcy, and a devastated Albert Erskine died by
suicide. Despite the ultimate failure, Erskine's efforts to elevate
Studebaker to the premium market produced some truly marvelous
automobiles that are among the most prized in the marque's long
history. This 1931 President 80-R Four-Seasons Roadster is a superb
example of this rare, significant, and desirable Classic Era
Studebaker. Wearing a very high-quality older restoration, this
handsome roadster benefits from excellent care in the years since
its refurbishment. Over the past few years, this car received a
cosmetic freshening that included a retrimmed interior, new Haartz
Stayfast top in black, restored and detailed engine bay, a new
radiator, and has been extremely well-preserved in excellent
condition. The paint scheme is quite lovely, with the dove gray
body accented with navy blue feature lines, fenders and wire
wheels. Paint quality is excellent thanks to attentive care through
the years. Body and panel fit are exemplary, and consistent with
the overall quality of the restoration. Chrome fittings and
accessories are all presented in very fine order including the
distinctive V-shaped bumpers and correct "Ovaloid" headlamps. An
extremely rare goddess mascot tops the radiator, and other
accessories include trumpet horns, radiator stone guard,
fender-mounted marker lamps, and pedestal mirrors on the dual
side-mount spare wheels. At the rear, the body features a golf-bag
door, rumble seat, luggage rack, and step pads for rear passengers.
Blue painted wire wheels with chrome accents and whitewall tires
round-out this uniquely styled Studebaker's sporty presentation.
The light gray leather trim is in outstanding condition, remaining
supple and attractive with only the slightest creasing in the seat
upholstery. Door panels, carpets, and soft trim are similarly in
excellent order. Instruments are beautifully restored and fitted to
a centrally-mounted chrome panel in the navy blue-painted dash,
which also displays original "Body Built by Studebaker" and "The
President" plaques. Beneath the hood lays Studebaker's engineering
masterpiece; the nine main bearing, 337 cubic-inch, inline-eight.
It is beautifully presented and extremely well-detailed, displaying
excellent painted and enameled surfaces, correct fittings and tidy
wiring and plumbing. The factory-correct oil filter housing is in
place and finished with a decal instructing users to replace every
12,000 miles. The engine runs beautifully, delivering its ample
power with signature smoothness and finesse, making this President
an outstanding driver's car. This President Four Seasons Roadster
is a beautiful example from Studebaker's high-water mark in the
pre-war era, and with a CCCA Premier award-winning restoration, it
is in beautiful condition and is ideally suited for CARavan touring
or display in shows and concours events. The President remains one
of the most important and desirable models in Studebaker history,
and with just 54 Four Seasons Roadsters known by the CCCA and
Studebaker Club, this gorgeous example stands as one of the finest
of the type. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6670-1931-studebaker-president-roadster/