The Studebaker Commander was one of the last remaining models that the company sold when it decided to fold up shop in 1966. U.S.-based production had ceased two years earlier and was focused on Canada and using powerplants provided by General Motors. This 1965 Commander 2-door sedan has been a member of the seller’s family for 20 years, and he/she has an emotional attachment to it. But things change (like a lack of a garage), so it’s time for the classic to find a new home. Located in Seattle, Washington, this documented survivor is available here on craigslist for $15,000. Kudos to “Curvette” for this super tip.
There were three evolutions of the Commander in the Studebaker lineup. From 1927 to 1942, it was a mid-size automobile that survived the Great Depression and pre-war conditions. After WW2, the car received all-new styling cooked up by the famous Raymond Loewy and continued from 1947 to 1958 (after the merger with Packard went nowhere). Come 1964-66, the Commander was a reworked Lark compact that was produced solely in Hamilton, Ontario after Christmas 1963.
We’re told this Studebaker has been in the same family for two decades, and it has only collected 53,500 miles. The turquoise paint and black interior appear to be awesome, and the care given to the car is obvious. The lengthy description of the vehicle provided by the seller reads like a love letter; you can see that he/she really does not want to see the car go (so lowball offers shouldn’t be attempted). The seller seems confused by the engine: we’re told it’s a Chevy 194 cubic inch inline-6, but it sure does look like a V8 to me (283 CI perhaps?).
This car has spent most of the past 20 years in dry storage and may need nothing. More than $900 was spent recently on new parts, including a new battery, some brake work, a flushing of the fuel system, and more. It runs great, and the seller prefers that only buyers with a garage home for the car look into applying for it. This may be the nicest ’65 Studebaker Commander left.
Wiiiiilbur, and I Aunt Bee, I know getting old, but Studebaker didn’t have a lot of those accolades. However Studebaker did have some big name owners, DxxxVanDxxx, Conway Twitty, Judy Garland, Old Blue Eyes, Harpo Marx, Alice Cooper, Johnny Carson, Michael Landon, and Rod Sterling, most with Avantis. Author nailed it, it IS a 283, 1st year, I would have guessed the 289. They look very similar, especially with those valve covers. Again, $15 grand, jeez, I just don’t know. I doubt Wilbur ( Alan Post) era folks paid that. This car was about $2400 new, certainly nice enough, AUTOMATIC( YAY!), and for someone to buy and drive right now, I suppose makes it worth it. Wonderful find.