The name of this car is about as long as its 117″ wheelbase, but then, the 1930s gave rise to plenty of wordy model descriptions. Offering a car in a half dozen body styles and another half dozen trim levels, on four different platforms, must have kept salesmen flipping through their launch books all day long. Studebaker gave its sales staff a workout, relaunching four new models at lower prices in 1932: the President, the Commander, the Dictator, and the Studebaker Six, differentiated by wheelbase and engine. This Dictator Regal convertible sedan, listed here on eBay, was inherited by the seller from her father, who owned the car for thirty years. The seller is asking $23,500 or best offer; the new owner can retrieve it from York, South Carolina.
Despite sliding toward bankruptcy, Studebaker was still innovating in the 1930s. Its new models featured automatic starting from Startix, safety glass all around, a slightly raked windshield for better aerodynamics, and rubber engine mounts and deeply padded seats for “full cushioned ride”. All these components were adopted by other makers in short order, but Studebaker was the first to offer them grouped in a luxury car. The engine here is a 221 cu. in. straight eight, good for 85 hp. The seller notes that the cylinder head has had a heliarc repair; additionally, the Stromberg updraft carb is not installed, and the fuel tank has been removed. None of this bodes well for the engine. The transmission is a three-speed manual with freewheeling in all forward gears. The underside is clean enough, but the metal gaiters that Studebaker supplied as standard equipment with its luxury cars are missing.
Both the paint and the interior were updated at some point. The paint color remains stock, but the upholstery is custom, and under it is the original fabric. The Dictator was available in “Regal” trim, which delivered a luggage rack, dual horns, chrome trim, special radiator mascot, and twin side-mounted spares. The wire wheels would have been chrome as well, but these are the victims of an attempt at paint.
The body is in great condition, and whoever was the original owner of this car paid extra for those bumpers. Unfortunately, despite the Dictator’s berth at the low end of Studebaker’s eight-cylinder price stack, it didn’t sell well. The advent of Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany gave “dictator” a strong negative connotation. Just a year after this car was produced, Studebaker filed for bankruptcy. WWII boosted the company’s finances, but as we all know, it finally flamed out in the 1960s. While this car is an elegant representative of Studebaker’s prowess, it is very needy, and parts are very scarce. Good luck to the seller, but I suspect a steep discount will be required to send this one to a new garage.
Even in its current state, this is an impressive car. And in 1932 it was a very important purchase for someone, at a rather turbulent time financially. It would be great to see this 94 year old Studebaker be on the road again. But, that asking price is really steep. And as Michelle pointed out, parts may he a challenge as well. The body and paint look pretty good, and maybe just addressing the mechanical needs and interior and top and drive it as it looks. Personally, realistically, I think this would have to sell at a very steep discount.