Vehicle Description
1949 Studebaker Commander Regal Deluxe Series 16A Convertible
The first series post war Commander is from 1947 through 1949. This
series was manufactured in the post war seller's market, so after
the initial introduction very few modifications were made year to
year, as just about anything that had four wheels would sell. For
1949 however, chrome molding was added to the grille and the front
fender ornaments became standard where in prior years it was an
extra cost. There were a number of other exterior, interior and
mechanical changes as well. Thanks to rrvcsdc.org
For consignment, one of 1,702 Studebaker Commander Regal Deluxe
convertibles produced in 1949. Half were produced in South Bend,
Indiana while the other half in Los Angeles. This is a South Bend
car and was the top of the line. It's a stunning automobile, regal,
indeed. Our consignor tells us about some new items added such as
the battery, brakes and tires. Unless you're at a Studebaker meet,
you're unlikely to encounter another at car shows or anywhere else
for that matter.
Exterior
Velvet Black paint covers the extent of this large car, and the
grille does show the extra shine with molding between the slots and
the large rectangular piece in the center. The wraparound bumper
with large bumper guards sits further outboard than in previous
years and stainless steel rocker panel moldings and gravel guards
were specific to the Regal Deluxe. Fender ornaments with lights
leading the way are beautifully streamlined and designed. The hood
ornament resembles a bomb while the Studebaker crest sits boldly on
the nose. Everything is in wonderful condition. The front fenders
also feature a vent behind decorative slats and the rear fender
includes skirts over the rear wheels. The ivory canvas top has a
bit of discoloration, a few loose threads, and a small hole or two,
but is in good condition with its glass window in place. The rear
taillights have distinctive four segments that helped differentiate
it from the Studebaker Champion. We note a scratch near one of the
skirts as the only defect worthy of documentation.
Interior
Oxblood, our favorite interior color, colors the vinyl that is
stretched over the door panel in a simple, smooth design. The large
split bench seat is gleaming and smooth as well and the rear bench
which is narrower due to the soft top hardware, is in beautiful
condition. The ivory colored Deluxe Regal steering wheel is
stunning, three spokes with a horn ring floating inside the larger
circle. Three large gauges with black faces and ivory art deco
style lettering reside in a machined metal backing, (Trans Am
owners take note!), below which we find knobs and buttons for
various functions and simply labeled. The center area with a metal
slatted speaker face is on top of an AM radio with a wonderful and
robust metal face. The black painted dash contrasts with the red
low pile carpet piece that covers the floor. The large trunk is
clean and partially covered with a gray mat and home to a spare
tire mounted upright.
Drivetrain
The car is equipped with a 226ci L-head inline 6 cylinder engine
rated at 94 horsepower and mated to a Borg Warner T86E 3-speed
manual transmission with overdrive which our consignor states
works! Power is transferred to the rear wheels where 4.55 gears
make the spin work. Drum brakes are found at each corner. The
engine bay appears very original, and the block is painted the
original olive green. The glass jar of white lubricant for the
working automatic lubricator is a fascinating throwback and rare to
find intact.
Undercarriage
For a car that's 75 years old, it's remarkably clean and dry
underneath. We are not sure of true mileage, but it's potentially
very low, and the underside is evidence of that. We see normal
surface rust on untreated metals, but no invasive rust is noted.
The single exhaust enters a long stock style muffler and then heads
back to exit beyond the rear bumper and a decorative exhaust
deflector is on the very end. A transverse leaf spring is used up
front while leaf springs in north south configuration are out
back.
Drive-Ability
Word in the mall is that this car runs smooth, and the rumors were
true. The engine is quiet and smooth and the ride itself is soft
and luxurious, all these years later. This model would have been
about $2,300 in 1949, a bit more than the other models in the line
and was a statement that showed "you've arrived". Well, we arrive
back at the garage with smiles because this car and all its
functional pieces, is still a mark of success.
Maybe you're browsing the mall or the mall's website for a vintage
Cadillac, Ford, or Chrysler. And lucky you, you've stumbled on this
Studebaker and although you've never seen one, it strikes you, as
it did us, as something special. There's a large Studebaker fanbase
out there and supportive clubs, and only about 11,000 Regal Deluxe
convertibles were produced and very few remain, especially the best
of the lot, the '49's. So, dig in and check this one out. It's a
fine example.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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