This 1954 Studebaker Commander Regal Starlight Coupe is an attractive survivor that is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner. It isn’t perfect, but it would still turn heads wherever it goes. It has spent its life in drier climates, which means that it has remained rust-free. The buyer may choose to treat it to a cosmetic refresh, but this is by no means essential. If you want to let this wonderful classic into your life, you will find it located in Saint Helena, California, and listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has hit $11,433, but it is yet to reach the reserve.
While it presents well, it is worth noting that this Studebaker’s current color combination of salmon pink and white is not original. The car rolled off the line wearing Shoshone Red with a Sandusky Beige top, and there is evidence of the original color inside the trunk. The owner states that the color change occurred during the 1990s, and he describes the existing paint as a “good 10-footer.” That suggests that closer examination will reveal chips and flaws, although these are not visible in the supplied photos. The panels are straight, and a life spent in sunny California means that this classic has remained rust-free. The factory green-tinted glass is excellent, with no sign of any chips or cracks. The exterior trim is free from physical damage, and its overall condition and shine are very acceptable for a survivor-grade car. The car rolls on a new set of Coker wide whitewall tires, and these add the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
If this Studebaker has a highlight, that honor rests with the interior. The owner recently had the seats reupholstered in their original combination of vinyl and cloth, and they present perfectly. They are complemented by a spotless dash and carpet, while the remaining upholstered surfaces are in excellent condition. The headliner is immaculate, and there is no evidence of wear on the wheel. It is an interior that appears to need nothing. It remains as it was when it left the factory, with no evidence of aftermarket additions. The owner says that everything inside this classic works as it should, including the factory AM radio and gauges. It makes a positive first impression and looks like a pretty comfortable place to spend time as the miles roll under the tires.
Powering this Commander is a 232ci V8 that should be producing 85hp. Those horses find their way to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. That may not seem like much power, but it was sufficient to see this car hit 93mph when it was new. For potential buyers, there’s a lot to like about this classic. As well as new tires, the owner has fitted new shocks to all four corners. He says that the car runs and drives exceptionally well and will cruise happily at highway speeds all day. The engine bay presents well, making this claim no great surprise. The seller has the original Owner’s Manual and original keys, and both items are included in the sale. The keys are the biggest surprise because these can become lost or worn, meaning that classics like this often feature replacements.
The person who buys this 1954 Studebaker Commander Regal Starlight Coupe will face some choices. The main one will be whether to leave the vehicle untouched or treat it to a cosmetic refresh. There is no compelling reason why this would need to occur, so they may decide to leave it unchanged. If I were to buy this car and tackle the paint, I would make the extra effort to return it to its original color combination. I believe that this would make a stunning visual impact and that this classic deserves no less. If you were in the same situation, what path would you take?
That’s some pretty low horsepower Adam. I’m seeing ratings of 127 hp on the Studebaker websites.
That rating is for the 169 Champion six.
Sandusky Beige?? At least is wasn’t Jared Fogle red.
Not sure why the “halo” band of stainless over the rear roof and the side moldings from a 1955 Speedster were added. Clutters up an otherwise classic design.
Poppy, I agree. That said;
It was common for car dealers of all makes to perform updates to their late model cars on their used car lots, in the hopes of making them more salable. I’ve bought & sold Studebaker & Packard parts dealer inventories over the decades, and it was not unusual for the factory to send dealers parts like the Speedster stainless pieces for this reason.
I’ve bought quite a few Studebaker dealer inventories that included boxes and more boxes, of brand new small Studebaker hubcaps taken off NEW cars, where they updated or made the cars more attractive to the buying public, by putting full size wheel covers on clean new cars. They often updated the used cars on the lot in the same manner.
It’s a known adage that a well optioned used car sells faster than one with little or no options.
My personal favorite 50s car design, but I agree with Poppy about the “targa” band detracting from the look. I would eventually return it to original color, but would be more than happy to drive it a while first. I would eventually put a later Studebaker 289 v8 in it for a bit more power. Absolutely gorgeous.
The 289 V8 could be had 1953.
@Norm The 289 first appeared in 1956
When I was a kid in the fifties, a couple of my uncles both had Champions, one two door and the other a four door. Loved them both. Their difference from all other cars intrigued me as a kid.
I was 9, almost 10, when this car came out. Loved the styling even then. Made a great car for the salt flats. Keep them driving!
If you consider the year, this is some outstanding styling.
This is not the Starlight. This is the 2 door coupe. Starlight was the hardtop convertible version (pillarless). There was also a 2 door sedan (with a larger rear quarter window). Very nice car.
This is a Starlight. The Starliner is what you are thinking as the hardtop, pillarless, car. The Starlight is the pillared coupe.
Either way, this is a gorgeous car!
I stand corrected. Thanks, Justin and Winesmith.
Always Loved The Old Studebakers
Nice car but no way a survivor. A survivor is a ALL ORIGINAL car, meaning paint, upholstery, trim etc. We have a 70 Torino Cobra with the Super CobraJet Drag Pack 4spd, 14,000 miles, original owner in our town. Original paint, upholstery, belts, hoses, just has had oil/filter changes over the years, tires and batteries, he has the original battery and tires still. That is a survivor. I wish the writers would stop labeling every car that pops up as a survivor.
The Starliner was the hard top Not the Starlight. Starliners were more attractive but leaked like a sieve. Commanders were V8s and Champions were sixes. Studebaker got so much right with what is commonly called the Lowey design but the minuscule drum brakes and a motor with the C.I. of a flathead ford that weighed as much as a Caddy V8 of the same year was a teachable moment. They couldn’t pull the hat off your head but with the electric overdrive stick (with “hill holder) they could gain some respectable momentum. After the brilliant ’53-’54 they cocked up the design with
stick-ons every year until their demise.
My ’53 originally had the 232 in it. When I bought the car the engine, transmission and drive shaft were gone but everything else was there and no rust or body damage. After the Olds engine and tranny were installed did complete paint and interior and had the car I never should have sold. Marriage got in the way of too many cars but I really think they were the best looking cars of the era. I agree with anyone who says take the band off the top. Just doesn’t fit the design.