The Studebaker Commander represents a piece of American automotive history from a company that originated in Indiana in 1852. Initially, the Studebaker family specialized in crafting buggies and carriages as coachbuilders.
Eventually transitioning into the automotive industry, Studebaker gained a reputation for being ahead of their time. The company later merged with Packard before ceasing operations in 1967.
The Commander name was first introduced in 1927 and became synonymous with Studebaker’s mainstream products.
Today, these vehicles are highly collectible, with dedicated clubs ensuring their preservation. Due to their discontinuation, Commanders have become increasingly rare and sought after.
This particular Commander is a 116.5-inch wheelbase Deluxe 2-door coupe, which is in good condition and appears to have undergone cosmetic restoration. It is finished in a striking two-tone Cream color, with the roof and rear deck painted White.
Compared to other cars of the 1950s, the Commander stands out for its unique design. It features smaller classic fins, a sloped and fully chromed nosepiece, and excellent brightwork, including full-length stainless trim.
The cleanly mounted glass is in great condition throughout. The original-style wheels are painted to match the car and are fitted with stock Studebaker hubcaps and American Classic wide whitewall radial tires (P195/75R15).
Under the hood lies the Studebaker 259ci Bearcat motor, which runs beautifully. It is equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust, and paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission.
The cooling system has been upgraded with a Wizard Cooling aluminum radiator and dual electric fans to ensure optimal performance. The car also features air conditioning and power steering, making it an excellent cruiser.
The interior is in fantastic condition, with Brown cloth and White vinyl upholstery. It includes a split bench seat with seat belts in the front and a full bench seat in the rear. The door panels, headliner, and carpet are all well-maintained and contribute to the vehicle’s clean aesthetic.
The dash retains much of its stock trim but has been updated with a digital stereo and an under-dash AC/heat unit.
Listing
This vehicle is identified by VIN 8848400 and Classic Car ID 102180940, with the stock number 24134. It falls under the category of American Classics and is a used car with a mileage of 50,365 miles.
The car features an 8-cylinder engine paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is finished in a vibrant Yellow color, while the interior is done in a warm Brown shade, offering a unique and classic aesthetic.
While most gauges and switches remain original, some have been modified to control the electric fans and fuel pump. An additional temperature gauge is discreetly mounted below the original gauge pod.
The trunk is fully carpeted in Black and includes a spare tire with a matching cover. This 1955 Studebaker Commander is a truly unique classic that would make a wonderful addition to any collection.
It offers smooth performance and a distinctive presence, guaranteed to stand out at car shows. Priced at a very reasonable $25,750, this vintage gem is ready for its next owner.