Studebaker was a name associated with transportation long before the advent of the automobile. The company was among the first US manufacturers of automobiles shortly after the turn of the 1900’s continuing through the middle 1960’s before the company ceased to make vehicles. The company actually began decades earlier as a manufacturer of wagons and buggies, so their history as a transportation company is cemented in history.
Fred Fish, the son-in-law of one of the founding Studebaker brothers, began pushing the idea of automobile manufacturing in the late 1800’s. Production of an electric automobile began in 1902 and gas engine vehicles followed in 1904. Those were manufactured as joint ventures with other companies, and in 1911 Studebaker Corporation was incorporated under New Jersey laws with Fish as president giving them total control of the products produced. Studebaker quickly gained a reputation for quality, durability and reliability.
Fish was replaced in 1915 by Albert Russell Erskine as president. Through the remainder of that decade and through most of the next, Studebaker flourished as the automobile continued to evolve. The company was at the forefront of the industry in terms of innovation and design. The stock market collapse of 1929 and subsequent Great Depression, coupled with some rash financial decisions made by Erskine, caused the company to suffer serious financial difficulties.
In early 1933 the company owed banks around six million dollars and while the company’s total assets exceeded that amount, Studebaker was forced to enter receivership in March of that year. Erskine was forced out of the company and more frugal managers appointed to replace him. In July 1933, Erskine committed suicide. By the end of 1933, the company was solidly operating “in the black”, had recruited over 200 new dealers and exited receivership.
In terms of production, just over 12,500 Studebakers in total came off the South Bend, IN assembly line in 1933. By contrast, 1932 production had totaled 25,168 units and in 1934 that number more than doubled to just under 60,000 vehicles.
This 1933 Studebaker Model 56 convertible roadster is one of 6,861 vehicles built of that model. The Model 56 was built in a variety of body styles, in both two door and four door configurations but no records exist to determine how many of each style was produced. This car features a rumbleseat, allowing seating for four people.
Finished in two-tone brown with a brown leather interior and tan convertible top, this car has been a part of the current owner’s portfolio since October 1998. It was restored at some point prior to the current ownership. The restoration has aged well, with a very few minor paint issues present. The chrome is in excellent condition and shines brightly. One of the car’s most distinguishing features is the front grill, which extends downward to a curving point in art deco style. The vehicle odometer indicates 174 miles which we assume to indicate since the completed restoration many years prior.
Power comes from a 230 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine that appears to be correct for the vehicle. The transmission is a three-speed manual with floor-mounted shifter. Wide whitewall tires wrap steel spoke wheels finished in a vibrant yellow. The car features mechanical brakes and has been driven sparingly under the present ownership.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1933 Studebaker Model 56 at a price of $39,900 USD. Pre-purchase inspection is welcomed and encouraged. We will gladly arrange transportation of this vehicle at owner’s expense or will work with any shipper of the buyer’s choice. For additional information or to make an offer on this car call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000. To view a sampling of other vehicles we have for sale, visit www.evergreemdigitalshowroom.com.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
