Automotive history is littered with manufacturers that collapsed for various reasons. For smaller American companies, the constant and unrelenting pressure from “The Big Three” sent many to the wall. One of the more notable was Studebaker. That was a shame because the company produced some genuinely interesting and practical vehicles. One was the 1956 President, featuring a V8 that wasn’t short of power and torque. This example requires restoration, but it is a complete classic that could become a satisfying first or hands-on project for the right person. If you believe you fit that description, the seller has listed this running and driving Studebaker exclusively here at Barn Finds Auctions.
Studebaker introduced the Fourth (and final) Generation of its President badge in 1955 as its premium offering. This car rolled off the line in South Bend, Indiana, the following year. It wears Midnight Black with a contrasting Doeskin top, although I’m unsure whether the Black is original. There is evidence it may have featured the lighter shade from top to bottom, which would have looked attractive. Buyers often ordered their new toy with a contrasting shade between the side dress trims, which accentuates the car’s sweeping lines. It requires a repaint as part of the restoration process, but the new owner will commence the build with a car showing strong bones. The exterior exhibits some small areas of penetrating rust and Bondo, but I can’t spot anything demanding panel replacement. The vehicle is structurally sound, although it will require new floors. These sections are available, with several companies producing them to order. Some trim pieces would benefit from a trip to the platers, while a few items are missing. The President features tinted glass, and its condition looks excellent.
This President’s interior needs some love, but as with the exterior, it is essentially complete. The painted surfaces wear the same Doeskin paint we find on the roof, and I believe it might present well with a careful polish. The upholstery is tired, and because trim kits for these classics aren’t thick on the ground, purchasing appropriate material and handing it to a qualified upholsterer might be the best strategy. Alternatively, Studebaker Owner’s Clubs are scattered across the country, and their members seem willing to help fellow “Stude” owners with their projects. Joining one could be wise because it offers more eyes to locate some of the more obscure parts. Items like the wheel require replacement, but desirable components like the factory pushbutton AM radio and clock are intact.
Although the 1956 President wasn’t considered a high-performance model, its 289ci V8 didn’t lack power or torque. It produced 225hp and 292 ft/lbs of torque. This fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed Flight-O-Matic transmission, with power steering cementing the car’s luxury credentials. While most owners would have been unconcerned about outright performance, a ¼-mile ET of 18.3 seconds and a top speed of 105mph were hardly shabby. For a potential buyer considering how this car would fit into the modern world, those plying the road today have no trouble cruising at freeway speeds. The seller indicates this classic’s V8 runs, and the car recently received new tires and a new battery. It requires back brake work, but the simplicity of the braking system in these cars means the buyer could perform most of the work themselves.
I have a genuine affection for defunct automotive brands because most tell a tale of an individual or company willing to fight for its slice of one of the most competitive markets in American history. Studebaker was no exception and had sheer determination been a key criterion, the company would have gone from strength to strength. Unfortunately, it couldn’t access the enormous development budgets available to Ford, General Motors, or Chrysler. It developed many of its models on a shoestring budget, and that shoestring became increasingly frayed with each passing year. When the inevitable crash occurred, nobody was shocked. That is why I believe cars like this 1956 President deserve preservation or restoration. Economic circumstances mean we will probably never see manufacturers like Studebaker again, and they earned their right to be remembered for their place in automotive history.
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Mileage: 61,115 Shown, TMU
- Engine: V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: 7186708
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- chapktk bid $700.00 2023-02-22 10:31:42
- Clarence W Raby 3 bid $500.00 2023-02-18 18:24:41
- TonyR bid $400.00 2023-02-17 17:04:51
- BillyBoggs bid $300.00 2023-02-17 07:38:40
- Pro Design bid $200.00 2023-02-15 09:59:47
Neat car but I don’t think you’ll get your $ back out of this one as it looks to need a lot of work.Plus it’s a more door .I happen to like 4 door cars myself though.If it went real cheap it would be a good car for someone getti ng into the hobby imo.
It’s not about getting the money back it’s about keeping stude on the road.. to bad it will most likely get a Chevy block thrown in.. this is a piece of automotive engineering at it’s peak, a millennial like me will never see this much quality placed into a product ever again…
I think this one deserves to be restored. There can’t be many of these left. Might not be a money maker but definately cool
I made the mistake of restoring a four door 23rd Series Packard and never got my money out of it. Just the realities of the market, wish I would remember it the next time I see a prospective project! This is an interesting car, pretty rare.
I find the design disconcerting.
There’s an element of Russian Lada and Moskvich. Maybe it’s the height of the fins and the height of the greenhouse. Whatever it is, seems out of whack. When you compare it to the ’56 Chevrolet, well………you can the problem
.Nonetheless as an orphan, you’re sure to have the only one on your block
I have a soft spot for Studebakers, as I own four. They are cheap and always pushed the envelope on design, with the occasional home run. But yes, restoring a four door in this condition is not a money making proposition. A good candidate for the rat rod route with a new engine. They are pretty striking, despite the somewhat clunky parts of some of their design.
This is a President Classic. It rides on the 120 inch wheelbase and has a vent window in the rear door. The regular President has a 116 in wheelbase and no vent window in the rea door.
Much like the Landcruiser of previous years providing a bit more interior space in the rear.
Vincent knows WAY too much detail!
The value of a President Classic is higher.
The rust seems to be in the tough spots to repair and without the paint stripped,who knows how far it goes? I think one would really have to like this car to bother,and parts are scarce meaning high dollar or having them made. I wouldn’t invest in it .You can probably buy an older restoration that was a better car to begin with for a lot less than you will have into it and turn the key after you cut the check.
Nice looking car. This looks like a good candidate for restoration, assuming parts are available.
I’m a early Baby Boomer. Wouldn’t be caught dead in a four door. 4 doors were dads cars. Never saw any four door anything in Hot Rod, Rod and Custom and other early hot rod car magazines.
“Wouldn’t be caught dead in a four door. 4 doors were dads cars.” Sad but true … in the ’50s.
What about the Greacin by George Barris
Not of George Barris’ cars were winners. Eyes of the beholder.
I’m in the same age group and love 2 doors too. But I think it’s funny that we ALL have 4 doors as daily drivers now. Even pickups!
Wouldn’t be caught dead in a 4dr? Watcha drivin today?
I would have some fun doing a partial restoration and driving her as an exercise. Unfortunately, it’s currently not an investment vehicle. But, can draw lookers at events!
I doubt very much if this thing will ever be restored ,its not a popular car, its a four door , and as some have said, it has a very chunky design. The front and rear views of the car look good for a 1956 car, but the sides ? Forget it. I know Studebaker had money issues , but I think if they were able to get the roof down and the door posts thinner, they could have had a big seller.
I’m thinking the low bids are going for the running V8 that will end up in another Stude
I would keep the power train intact. It’s a v8 and said to run. I don’t think it warrants the expense to switch it out
If it were a ’58 with the quad headlamps, I’d consider tossing a couple bids at it, just to have something different.
Studebaker made a tough engine, high nickel block, solid lifters and gears for the cam. Mine has about 10.5/1 compression and will chirp the tires shifting the automatic into 2nd gear…
How much would it cost to ship it out of state that is 700 miles away. And how to go about it. Who would do it
This is the top-line President Classic. The Studebaker V8 is a tough engine and could easily be retained. The transmission is the same Borg-Warner unit used by Ford Motor Company and American Motors, so parts and rebuild service can be found.
Yes, the design and proportions are a bit awkward, because of planning mistakes Studebaker made in 1952 and 1953, when they didn’t base the 4-door design directly off that of the stunning hardtops. Photos of clay models show what knockouts the 4-doors could, and should, have been. But management rejected them as too low, too radical. A huge mistake, as the 4-doors didn’t sell and the company was basically doomed from there on.
Lots of rust repair and investigation to do here — and I know, having grown up doing rust repair on my parents’ Lark, which was a shortened version of this very car. I can see where the problems are, and know there could be more.
Labor of love, never for profit, or just refurbish the mechanicals and keep driving.
I love that idea, just make it safe to drive and give ‘em something to talk about (thank you Shania).
Here is what the ’53 4-door should have been. Loewy pleas for it were rejected.
https://tinyurl.com/yc6udkbp
Here is what emerged for production. No one wanted it.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconv/4341951953/
Everyone flocked to the showrooms to buy the sleek Loewy/Burke hardtops, which Studebaker couldn’t deliver in numbers ordered. Studebaker assumed the 4-doors would be the big sellers. They weren’t. Total, fatal disaster.
Despite that, the long-wheelbase 4-doors like this one actually look good if they’re in nice shape. You could restore this and have a really beautiful if odd car.
Looks like the car given to the first Russian cosmonaut.
My first Studebaker that I bought 20 years ago was a true barn find. It was a Scotsman business coupe. It supposedly was their answer to the Beetle. It advertised 29mpg! Flathead six, three speed w/ overdrive. The Glasgow grey was oxidized and waxed into a beautiful dark grey. One sun visor, radio delete plate, no carpet, fixed backseat windows. Big trunk. Chrome S on the hood, Chrome Studebaker on only one side, body color hubcaps. Front and rear bumpers chromed, but grill was painted silver. Perfect interior. Solid gloss black dash-no padding, no seat belts. No power steering or power brakes. Great daily driver. Made the mistake of selling it on ebay with no reserve. I made some money by driving it to the buyer!