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.
music by bensound - [ Ссылка ]
