I’ve always appreciated when a carmaker appreciates their own product. A few modern automakers still seem to get it: Jeep hides “Easter Eggs,” little reminders all over their various models about Jeep’s rich history. You can hardly look at a new Mustang without seeing a pony somewhere. Even my Challenger has an outline of a Challenger at the base of the windshield. In 1955, Studebaker “got it,” and they released the President Speedster, a car that showed that Studebaker, for all its faults, still loved cars. It was a one-year-only model and only 2,215 were sold at a base price of $3,253, $797 more than the basic President two-door hardtop. Barn Finder T.J. found this one on Marketplace in Duluth, Georgia. The seller says that it’s “all original,” although it’s in such nice condition that I wonder if that descriptor means that it was restored to original. Considering its rarity and condition, the asking price of $28,000 seems eminently fair.
What did that extra $797 get a Speedster buyer in 1955? Its powerplant was the best Studebaker could offer, the 185-horsepower “Passmaster” 259-cubic-inch V8, which came with a Carter WCFB and dual exhausts. The buyer could choose from either a standard automatic or three-speed with overdrive; this car has the automatic, which came with a 3.54:1 axle ratio. Power steering and power brakes were also standard on the Speedster, but the buyer could special order their cars without them (this one has both).
If the extra performance equipment wasn’t enough, the Speedster got “custom-stitched and color-styled” leather seats and an engine-turned instrument panel with “race car” gauges: an 8000-rpm tachometer and a 160-mph speedometer. The seller says that the upholstery is original; whether that’s true or not, it looks amazing. It also has the original “woven weave trunk mat.” Based on the picture of the trunk, this car has been entered in a show or two. No surprise.
The list of standard equipment on the Speedster also included but was not limited to the following:
- an electric clock
- tinted glass
- chrome-plated ashtrays and garnish moldings
- whitewall tires
- wire wheel discs
- dual back-up lights
- triple horns
- two-speed electric windshield wipers
- fog light “bumperettes”
- chrome plated tailpipe extensions
- special hood ornament and “Speedster” trim
Perhaps the most obvious of the special features offered on the Speedster, however, was its paint. Two- and three-tone color schemes were offered, the most famous being this snapshot of 1955: Hialeah Green and Sun Valley Yellow. Three tones in various combinations of gray, coral, white, and black were also available, but “lemon lime” was the showstopper. The seller says that this is Speedster number 769 of the 2,215 that were built. It’s only been posted for a day, but given its dazzling condition and reasonable price considering such, I think it will find a home soon. It’s nice to see a company take pride in its work, and although we know the details behind Studebaker’s eventual demise, beautiful cars like the Speedster show that there were still car people at the drawing boards.
What a fantastic color combo! This car would be a star attraction at any show. For once can we just refrain from the “it looks like a catfish” remarks?
It is impossible for most people to not to go to “catfish”.
No body change from 53, but they overloaded the front especially in 55. Other than that, classic streamlined design. I prefer the original, but this would certainly attract attention. Not making the remark, but can we “think” what it appears like?
I pleaded (pled??) with my father in 55 to buy a Speedster. Instead he bought an Oldsmobile, the ultimate catfish mouth design. I hated that car!
Agree re the Olds. I’ve always thought their mid-fifties grilles overwrought and sinister-looking.
I would love to have a ’55 Holiday 88, I think they are beautiful!
Nah, I don’t see a catfish here. The Packard Hawk, yes. Lots of chrome up front, though.
As always, Aaron, great write up and all the more so for a little known Studebaker model. As $797 is about $9400 today, that option was about 25% of the cost and for the money that was a lot of glitz or the time.
For someone that is a Studebaker fan this appears to be a very reasonable price for an uncommon model.
Thank you!
I think you are right, the “meaning” word original has morphed from referring to something that was unrestored to whatever the seller wants it to mean. When that word is used in an ad it’s up to potential buyers to have the seller clearly define what it means in the context of the ad, if not the potential buyer will interpret the meaning of the word often incorrectly based on their preconceived notions.
There is a reason many sellers use loosely defined words in their ads.
Steve R
Love these except for the front ends. What were they thinking when Studebaker put that front bumper on. Detracts from the whole slickness of the body. Just plain ugly in my opinion. However this is a very nice Studebaker and should sale with no problem at the price.
Back when cars had distinction. Now we have heated steering wheels and phone integration in gray CUVs. *tsk
Your comment should say “butt-ugly gray CUVs”.
I assume you are referring to the vehicle itself. Some of the gray colors are quite handsome. It’s just too much of a good thing. That Shadow gray elCamino from a few days ago is a perfect example. In 1970 they couldn’t sell that color. Today you can’t buy blue, gold, green or red.
Something happened in the American auto industry from 1955-57. Cars suddenly became incredibly beautiful. Whatever happened seemed to happen simulaneously in the design and production departments of all the auto makers. Those two years were magical years. Then the magic started to fade away as the cars began to just get bigger, on the road to the present day video game escapees. Yes, *tsk.
I never heard that “catfish” description of the 1955 Studebaker; but now that you guys have SAID it, I “can’t get it out of my noodle” (as Perry Como sang to Betty Hutton in “A Bushel And A Peck”). Whenever I see a ’55 Stude’ now, I’ll think, “catfish”! I agree that the 1953 was stylish, but the 1955 was excessive. That said, is this juat about thie finest example of the low production 1955 Studebaker President Speedster that you ever are likely to see 70 years later?
I’ve long heard the catfish remark to describe the Daimler SP 250, but I’ve never heard it describe any Studebaker.
What Jimbosidecar said!
I had the same thought, especially since I have an SP250 in one of my storage units!
I hadn’t thought of that unusual similarity, especially with the differences otherwise, but what is an SP250 doing in your storage unit, though I’m sure it would fit nicely in a rather small unit? Catfish can live a long time out of water, but that’s not fair!
And the Packard Hawk
As Studebakers go, these, even though small and definitely not a land yacht, were always my favorite. Especially in this color combo.
I think I have seen this car somewhere, perhaps at a show or cruisein. I recently moved to the Savannah, Ga area but before I moved lived in the same area where it is. I love these Speedsters, including the grill, and never thought of referring to it as catfish like. I’m a chrome junkie so the more chrome the better in my opinion. I was a little surprised when I found out that a Speedster was not any faster than other Studebakers that had the same engine, but the name seems to add a bit of pizazz over a President. I hope whoever buys this car will appreciate it and keep it up well.
Well damn:
I LIKE the front-end looks!
Wow.. I’ve never been a big fan of Studebakers in general but this thing is way cool and I think it definitely fits the moniker of “President Speedster” well. It looks regal and tough just sitting there.. and the sloping side view makes it look fast. I bet it would be fun to drive.
Front end is a bit much but to my eye these cars look years ahead of other cars of that era. Love it.