Claimed to be a class winner in the 1970s and later an award winner, this 1950 Studebaker Commander convertible has been in storage since the early 1980s. Sent to us by an anonymous Barn Finds reader, this Commander can be found here on eBay in Torrington, Connecticut. The reserve has not been met after 16 bids have pushed the price to $10,100.
After nearly 40 years of non-use, it’s not unreasonable to expect to see a car that’s in rather poor condition. With only 2,867 convertible variants of the Studebaker Commander rolling off the assembly line in 1950, finding one in any condition is uncommon. Thankfully, this one has been well preserved. The seller indicates this is a California car that has received one repaint but has never shown any rust. Studebaker offered at least 4 shades of green in 1950. We’re not told if the car was repainted the original color, but it looks era-appropriate and presentable.
The seller notes the Studebaker has had “interior work” done but offers no detail. Whether it’s new or old, it looks to be in pretty good shape. The photos aren’t the best and appear to have all been taken with the top up, so it’s hard to see detail. The simple tan and cream bench seats offer a nice contrast to the dark green exterior.
While there’s no indication if this is the original 245.6 cubic inch 6-cylinder, the seller does describe it as running and driving excellent. Like the interior, it’s also hard to see detail under the hood, but the seller is a bit more descriptive there. We are told, however, that the engine has been rebuilt, fuel system is new, the battery has been replaced, and a full “brake job” has been completed. It sounds like they’ve tried to make it roadworthy while maintaining as much originality as possible. Kudos to the seller for that.
It’s the right time of year to get into a convertible. With low production numbers and recent mechanical work, this could make an interesting and enjoyable summer cruiser. If you like American independent makes and low production number cars, especially those that have been well-preserved, check out this 1950 Studebaker Commander convertible.
My dad was a Studebaker man, I came home from the hospital in a 50 convertible, black, red leather interior and white top. It also had some rather substantial bumper guards on it, with over rider bars like an old (pre1968) VW, but higher. I am surprised to see the original two pane glass back window, the majority you see now are a full size plastic window. I still have the original window from my dad’s when he replaced the top around 1956 or so. If I didn’t have so many projects now I would be tempted.
how much for the 1950 rear top glass, Glenn 860-307-2899
I didn’t know these beauties came in a convertible flavor. You know it looks good top-down as well.I would keep it somewhat close to the original look as possible.But there will be some mods: 4W disc brakes…new suspension…SBC…climate…sound.
I wouldn’t change a thing about this car. I could even live with the color although I’m not a green car kind of guy. This would be a great car to drive on sunny weekends, and for those complaining about top speed, give it a rest. This Studebaker wasn’t made to win races. It was made for slow leisurely trips to see the countryside, and for making you look good while doing it.
WOW!
I want!
Would love to have this but the price will be too high for me and the work that still needs done. I had a 50 Commander Starlight coupe. They are great driving cars. They will easily keep up with today’s traffic.
I came from So.Bend-Mishawaka In., remember them well, a friend had a Champion CV. I had a 50 2 dr Commander. Had OD, was fast, would run over 100MPH. Of course, no power anything, worse thing about it was the tranverse front spring, rusted then the car would run down the road W/list. Had to rebuild it and put “roters” in between the springs. Wife learned to drive on it, she was pregnant and no easy task. Was a great car, would have kept it but for her.
If you had a transverse front spring it was not a 50. 50 was the first year for coil springs. The Commander had lever shocks and the Champion had tube shocks.