Vehicle Description
1955 Studebaker Commander Hardtop
Production of this car was approximately 3,000 units, making the
survivors rare. Case in point, when's the last time you saw one?
The current owner purchased this car early in 2016 after having
looked for a decent Studebaker for 3 years. He found this car in
Mesa, Arizona and purchased it from the owner's widow as the
previous owner had passed in 2015. Sadly, the owner was the only
one that knew a lot about the car, however, with a multitude of
photos to decipher, the current owner purchased it and had it
shipped to Mansfield, Texas. Unfortunately he recently has decided
to move to Santa Fe and needs to liquidate the Studebaker and two
other vehicles since space is the issue at his new residence.
All indications are that the cars build is about 10 years old from
a very solid car. The replacement speedometer is reflecting a
mileage of 11,678 and seems correct. It's obvious that the deceased
owner spent a large amount of money mildly transforming the car
into exactly what he wanted. A solid, attractive, dependable, and
fun driver. The car likely spent most of its life in the southwest
as it shows no signs of rust now or previous rust repairs.
Originally a turquoise car, evidenced by the original paint still
visible in the trunk, the car was painted an off white and sand
two-tone color combination. It is a fantastic color scheme for this
body. The glass and trim are in excellent, but not quite perfect
condition, as are the bumpers.
As indicated by the seller's family in Mesa, it appears to be a 350
SBC, 330HP variant, crate engine. The engine performs as it should
and leaks no fluids. The transmission is a 700R4 and shifts and
performs as it should with no fluid leaks. There is a separate
transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator. The rear axle
is said to be of a Chrysler product origin and is geared in the mid
3's, as the engine is turning 2500 RPM at 70 MPH. The rear end is
quiet but has a tiny pinion seal leak.
As a part of the build the old Studebaker front suspension was
exchanged for that of a Volare. In doing so the car acquired a
torsion bar suspension (variable ride height), power disk brakes
and power steering. All shocks are new as well as rear springs,
exhaust, fuel tank, and tires.
The interior contains stock seats with new (at the time of build)
fabric upholstery, two tone tan in color. At that time the car also
received new door panels, carpeting, headliner, and a dashpad, all
of which are in very good condition. The dash was improved to
contain a full array of instrumentation as well as a cold blowing
air conditioner and a Sony AM/FM/CD stereo system. Also improve was
the steering column as it is now a GM style with a tilt wheel,
locking ignition and a nice aftermarket steering wheel. The heater
is there but is not functioning properly.
The body was pretty much left stock except the grill insert as it
now sports Buick teeth, as well as the decklid which was shaved and
treated to a third brakelight. These are mandatory in some
states.
All in all it is a very nice, very rare and unique, comfortable,
dependable driver with unlimited performance potential.
Very cool custom for $24,500.00!
NOW REDUCED DOWN TO $23,750.00!