This remarkably well preserved 1927 Erskine Sedan Model 50W was the product of the famed Studebaker automobile company. It has been stored in a very interesting way and although not used since 1956, it is still in amazing condition. Find it here on eBay in Portland, Oregon with bidding $2,827 with the reserve not yet met.

Studebaker was once one of the foremost makers of quality cars in the US, beginning near the turn of the 20th Century. To diversify production, Albert Erskine, Studebaker’s President, had his engineers design a variety of cars including the Erskine, which debuted in 1927. This particular car was purchased new in 1927 and used until 1932, then garage-stored on blocks until 1956 when the original owner’s son used it for the summer. The car still retains its 1956 license plate.

Up until 1956 the car had accumulated only 28k miles. It was then driven out to the family farm and stored by hanging it from the rafters of the barn to guard against moisture, vandalism, and hopefully rodent damage. Seems like a strange way to store a vehicle, but it appears to have worked because it is in remarkable condition.

The car still retains its original paint and interior, and even the original tool kit and jack are still in place. A few mice were able to shimmy down the ropes and cause a little damage to the rear seat, but nothing that can’t be fixed. The wooden wheels are said to run true and the tires still hold air, although it would be prudent to replace them with reproduction tires if you plan on driving anywhere.

The numerous photos in the listing and on the seller’s site show a car that has minimal rust around the door edges and which needs upholstery and trim work, but which is otherwise very nice. The floors under the original mats are virtually rust free. The bumpers, lights, hardware and dash are intact and mostly in good condition. The seller suggests that this Erskine may be the nicest original 1927 Erskine still in existence.

This car may be unique, and its present condition makes it difficult to think of tearing into it as a 100-point restoration project. We would fix the cracked carburetor, fit new reproduction tires, and consider doing some limited paintwork to preserve it as it is to show the world what the once-great Studebaker company could produce when it decided to move downmarket and compete with firms making less expensive cars. If nothing else, just remember to hang your car from the rafters next time it goes into storage.