In this presidential election season, what better old car to pursue than a 1956 Studebaker President. One of the more unusual offerings in the mid 1950’s from South Bend, this President has a 289 V-8 and a three-speed manual. It’s located in Claymont, Delaware and is listed for sale here on eBay where the buy-it-now is $4,095 but lower offers are being entertained. It runs, but needs some more work to be drivable. Of course, like most finds, there’s some rust, but the floors look pretty decent in the pictures and I think it’s quite a distinctive looking automobile.
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- Spacious trunk with little rust
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- Imposing grille
I like the size of the trunk and how little rust is showing, although I wonder about the spare tire well. The front styling is pretty clean and the chrome doesn’t look too bad.
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- Seat might even clean up
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- I really like the dash
Both the front and rear seat look stained but not hopeless, especially for a driver. I really like the symmetry of the dash, and I know the steering wheel could be restored.
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- Wheel covers highlight spares
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- 289 V8 looks original
Look at all the parts – I love those wheel covers! With the original-appearing engine compartment, might this just be the Studebaker for you?
That looks like a great deal of automotive pleasure for those that like cars of this era. You certainly won’t run into many at car shows. Looks better than the description.
This is a President Classic. It has the longer 120″ wheelbase. It has the T85 transmission which is a heavy duty Borg Warner. It is the biggest and fanciest car Studebaker made in 56.
Vince, the BW T85 is a manual tranny. From 56 to the end Studebaker used the BW 8 series of 3 sp auto trannys. These were similar to, but not identical to Ford O Matics.
I can just imagine what a nice car this was in ’56. I try and think what a difficult choice it was back then, to decide what car to buy. I’ll never understand why Studebaker didn’t sell more cars. They had everything going for them. Styling, great mechanical’s. I’m sorry, that “Cyclops” speedometer, however, just creeps me out (too many Sci-Fi movies as a kid) If you’re looking for a unique, usable car from the 50’s, you can’t go wrong here.
Ed P
The T 85 became at T 10.
reverse was moved to the tailshaft to make room for the extra gear. The automatic used in these were wAter cooled.
Hello, this model was among the last cars which were assembled in India before the total ban came into force. Studebaker exported kits to Hindustan Motors and they assembled these in Kolkata. They were popular and several models were produced including pick-ups and trucks. Recently a very original President came out of storage, as did two pick-up trucks.
Cheers