What a sleek and outstanding car! This was Studebakers pride and
joy. It was a 1 year only production with only 2,215 made in total.
It is a top of the line car that came with a long list of unique
features, inside and out. Studebaker said it best: "The low-swung,
road-hugging new Studebaker Speedster - an exciting sports car in
styling and performance."
EXTERIOR: Wow, what a slick looking car! Upfront the slanted grill,
low slung long hood, then the slanted windshield and C-piller leads
back to the sloped trunk line and mini tailfins. It looks
aerodynamic today, imagine how impressive it was in 1955! Then add
to it the striking 3 tone color combination, it's awesome. It is
fully decorated it chrome and trim too. Upfront the chrome grill
and bumper are cool but the bumperettes with the fog lamps really
caught my eye, a feature unique to the speedster. Another unique
feature is the hood length ornament with matched fender spears. The
stainless band running down the side and around the roof along with
gold President Speedster emblems decorate it further. In back it
has unique fishtail exhaust tips. I also think the reverse lamps
mounted on the trunk and a twist knob trunk release are cool. To
round out the unique features on the exterior are the wire hubcaps,
in this case they are mounted to pink wheels and radial white
walls.
INTERIOR: It's full of special features unique to the speedster
including the diamond stitched upholstery on the seats and door
panels; both have been redone. In front of me is the unique cockpit
with its original machine turned instrument panel with a full set
of gauges including a 160 mph speedometer and a tachometer. It
still has its original radio and clock; both are currently working.
A map pocket and chrome ashtrays are part of the included package
and it also includes a pop up rear armrest.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: It is packed with goodies under this hood. At
the center of it all is the Passmaster 259 V8 motor with the four
barrel carb. It is all stock: air cleaner, valve covers and
optional oil filter (that's right, oil filters were an option back
then). This car also features power steering and power brakes and
an electric wiper motor. All the components appear to be clean and
proper. It looks like it would have back in 1955.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It's all clean metal painted pink with
reproduction mat and tire cover. A jack and spare are included.
UNDERSIDE: Under this car appears to be very solid. The frame and
chassis components are not pitted, the floors appear to be solid
original. It has been maintained as needed and inspected by our
shop. The shocks look recent. The master cylinder looks recent, and
the e-brake is hooked up. It does have a new dual exhaust system
with original type mufflers and the fishtail exhaust tips. Looking
up at the motor it is very clean. It has Studebakers very own
"Automatic Drive" transmission.
SERVICE: Our shop inspected this car and apparently did not find
anything wrong, so they went ahead and repaired the clock and radio
which is not something we typically do.
Overall the car shows really well but it is not perfect, it doesn't
need to be because it has so much wow factor! Do you want to blend
in with your classic car or stand out? I promise this will stand
out in a good way, people will love it!
For nearly 30 years, I, Jay Grams, have personally written the
highlights for almost every car in our collection. What I provide
is my professional opinion based on my experience with these
vehicles. However, opinions can vary, and I strongly recommend a
personal inspection to form your own view. Our sales team is always
available to answer any questions you may have. One great option is
to request a personalized walk-around video, where we can showcase
the car and share our team's insights. **Our cars are displayed
within a museum setting. If you are interested in a specific
vehicle, please schedule an appointment with a salesperson to view
it. Without an appointment, there is an admission fee to enter the
showroom. If you decide to purchase a car, your admission will be
refunded, and you'll receive a one-year museum membership.
815 385 3644 9-5 central
[email protected] Answered ASAP
Power steering
Power brakes
4 barrel carb
Dual exhaust
Map pocket
Full instrumentation
Reverse lights
Triple horns
Electric wipers
Wire wheel covers
Fog lamps
