- Seller: Paul A (Contact)
- Location: Raton, New Mexico
- Mileage: 73,681 Shown
- Chassis #: 836-7002
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 232 cui V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual W/Overdrive
Studebaker was never afraid to take chances, and the 1954 Conestoga remains one of the most distinctive wagons of its era — a sleek, two-door design at a time when most family haulers came with four. This Barn Finds Auction listing offers a rare chance to acquire one of these unique survivors: a 1954 Studebaker Conestoga 2-Door Station Wagon, located in Raton, New Mexico.
According to the listing, this car is largely complete and has spent its life in New Mexico’s dry climate, which has helped keep rust to a minimum. The seller describes the car as a project, but one that retains its original components, including the factory 232 cubic-inch V8 and 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The drivetrain appears complete right down to the air cleaner, though the seller notes the engine does not currently turn over and has not been tested. Still, for a restorer looking for an unmolested example, that level of originality can be a major advantage.
The car reportedly shows 73,681 miles, and the body remains solid with no accident damage. The floors are described as virtually rust-free, aside from flash and surface rust, and the windshield and other glass are intact — a welcome detail, as replacement glass for mid-’50s Studebaker wagons can be difficult to source. The seller does note that a few pieces are missing, including the taillights and liftgate hinges, but otherwise the vehicle presents as a well-preserved foundation for a restoration.
While it’s being sold without a title, Studebaker enthusiasts know just how scarce these wagons have become. Production numbers for the Conestoga were modest even when new, and survivors in mostly original condition are few and far between today. Its combination of lightweight construction, a V8 engine, and overdrive transmission makes it a particularly interesting candidate for a period-correct rebuild — or even a custom project that preserves its 1950s personality.
As it sits, this 1954 Conestoga offers the next owner a blank slate: a mostly rust-free, complete wagon ready for revival. Whether restored to original spec or modified for cruising, it’s the kind of project that doesn’t come along often — especially in this kind of shape.
Would you restore this Studebaker to stock form, or build it into something truly one-of-a-kind?
Bid On This Auction
SN60 bid $1,100.00 2025-11-18 17:54:26
IOWABOY bid $1,000.00 2025-11-18 15:10:17- SN60 bid $900.00 2025-11-18 11:38:26
- IOWABOY bid $800.00 2025-11-17 19:19:41
- SN60 bid $600.00 2025-11-17 17:45:13
- IOWABOY bid $400.00 2025-11-17 14:34:22
- SN60 bid $300.00 2025-11-12 13:51:42
Very cool. Many parts are still available new for these cars. I hope it’s saved. This one looks to have been painted single tone Vienna Blue. I’ve seen restored ones with Vienna Blue lower and Nocturne Blue upper and they are stunning.
There is gonna be some work involved in this one, it looks a little crusty underneath. May have been sitting for 30 or 40 years. But if you want one ya better go get it, there ain’t a lot to pick from. These were one of the best looking wagons that came out of the 50’s, you couldn’t mistake it for anything else. I think later on Studebaker did offer a 4dr version, but lots of parents back then wanted 2drs, so the kids didn’t open the backdoors and fall out. Remember no seatbelts back then. Later on in the 50’s they used this same basic car with finned rear quarters and big grills and bumpers, I think just to change the style (not improve). Then in ’59 it got trimmed down to the Lark.
I was about to comment on my distaste for 2 door wagons, but your explanation was the first good one and I never considered that.
As to the 232 V8, I believe that it’s the same basic engine as the later 259 and 289. In that case, I’d consider boring it out 0.090. If the engine is seized, it’s going to need a rebuild anyway and a likely rebore. Might as well go big.
Didn’t know that 50’s Studes had space saver spares, learn something every day.
This one is rare, very rough, and will eat up a lot of money before looking like a complete car again.
Personally, I’d love to see it restored to stock condition. It has great options with the 232 V8 and a stick and overdrive too.
I’m wondering if the Conestoga name is a nod to Studebakers past from when they built horse drawn carriages? I looked up images of restored ones and they are indeed unique and beautiful.
I just looked up the Conestoga Wagons to double check my aging memory.
Fun facts: The drivers often smoked long thin cheap cigars, that is where the term “Stogie” orginated. The drivers didn’t ride in the wagon, but on one of the horses,( the last one on the left) or on a “lazy board” just behind the left front wheel. That way they could see oncoming traffic, and reach the brake lever. This is the reason that we drive on the right with the steering wheel on the left.
Did you notice the intake manifold? That is the earliest example I have ever seen of, “tunnel ram”.
I saw that too, along with the strange looking carburetor.
Nice having the fuel pump up on top, at least for easy servicing.
So very cool! If not so buried in projects I would attempt to snag this vehicle. First time seeing one of these. I was just commenting to myself when looinking at a Commander the other day saying that this would be cool as 2 door wagon. And there it is.
Sorry not worth putting 80k in this old thing maybe 40 years ago
Who asked you ?
Lately I’ve been watching clips of old style gassers. I almost always favor restoration to stock especially with a rare as hen’s teeth car like this. But I can just visualize this Stude with a straight axle, big blower and wheelie bars out back. I think that approach would be a lot of fun for some builder with the necessary skills and vision to produce a vehicle that will certainly draw a crowd everywhere. I’m sure that many BFers will take me to task waging fingers and shouting anathema.
I think it was more of ” we dont have a lot of cash, what can we build with this bunch of parts ” more than they “weren’t afraid to take chances” . The 53 Stude was a sleek design for sure, but it stuck Studebaker with a car that didnt transform well into sedans and wagons , and then these odd cars kept getting more pieces stuck on yearly in the hopeless task of looking new and modern with a platform that wasn’t able to be changed all the way to the end. While this style probably sold well enough for them in ’54 , when ’55 rolled around and the other companies were debuting their all new vehicles, this car probably looked and sold like yesterdays news
I have to agree that the Bourke/Loewy coupe (either HT or post) did not, as you say, transform well into either the 2door or 4door sedans. The wagon was a little better IMO, and compared to the very rectangular stuff that GM, Ford, and Chrysler were putting out in 53/54, nicer looking. You’re right that the gussying up with chrome and then the Hawk grill and awful fins (I know, I know, some of you like them) were compromising a nice design. Mercedes Benz had a nice sedan design from 1964 until 1985 or so and didn’t mess with it much at all. Not so with American car companies.
That is probably the last one left in the state.
The East Coasters have been harvesting here for the last 30 years.
Used to be every other house had an old classic in the yard.
By the time I retired from the Army, they were gone.
I have never seen one of those in person, and from the looks of the X on the rear quarter; this was slated to be crushed.
Raton is not a big town and was economically devastated by the O’Bama years.
Most of the parts interchange with the Studie sports car of the time.
This car is worth while, even just for the rarity of it.
If I didn’t have 14 projects? I’de be all over it. It’s close enough, for the shipping to not be cost prohibitive.
1954 – a year after they celebrated the first 100 years of transportation….the brothers had started ih thec1800’s with the Conestoga covered wagons that went coast to coast along with their buckboards and with the wheelbarrows close behind.
What other manufactor could boast that ?
The engine revs so hard and high. It spun the generator drive pulley right off! (lol) This b would be a great project. I’m so frustrated that I can’t even think about a other project. I sat down last night to do a .I minor pencil out of my current projects. I’m pretty sure that I’m scheduled out for the rest of my life.