Located in Debary, Florida is this Studebaker President. Designed and built at the height of the Art Deco period, you can find this beauty here on eBay. It’s claimed to have only covered 51k miles and to have lived with the same family for the past 59 years. Better hurry though because the auction is ending soon..
This particular car has been owned by the same family since 1959. The father purchased it in 1959, and in 1960 it was given a fresh coat of paint. The finish that we see now is that very paint job. As can be seen from this shot, the car still holds a pretty decent shine. Some paint chipping and scratches can be seen in some of the other photos, but it is hard to determine the presence of any rust. The owner’s son has now put the car on the market. Unfortunately there are also no shots of the underside of the car and no mention of rust in the ad.
Sadly the photos in the ad aren’t the best or the clearest, but there is a lot that we can deduce from them. The Presidents built between 1934 and 1940 were from the second series of this model. The first series had been built as direct competition to Cadillac, Packard and Lincoln. After the company went into receivership in 1934 the revised model line-up realigned the President further down the prestige food chain. Regardless of this fact the car could be considered quite luxurious for its day. The interior trim appears to be complete and is probably all original. Sadly the front seat is quite tattered, and should probably be reupholstered.
The rear seat, trim and the roof-lining all appear to be in quite good condition. It’s possible that a deep clean would see them returned at least part way to their former glory. I have to admit that I am fascinated by how far back the rear seat is. From there, peering out through those quarter windows would make you feel like royalty. There is more leg-room back there than most of us can imagine, and access would be a breeze via the rear suicide doors.
From my perspective this is the part of the interior that really grabs me. I have a deep love for all things Art Deco. This dash is the stuff of dreams for me. The bonus is that it all appears to be in fantastic condition for a car that is 81 years old. Having said that, this shot also indicates that the window rubbers might be quite perished. If that is the case then it’s a pretty safe bet that any other rubber components like hoses and suspension bushes are in the same state.
There are two shots of the engine in the ad, and sadly this is the best of them. You can see that wonderful 312.5ci straight-eight. The owner states that it runs well, but that the clutch disc has stuck to the flywheel through lack of use. From that we can deduce that this car has been in storage for a very long time.
So, how do you put a value on a car like this? Apart from the 58 year old paint job, the owner claims that it is unusual to see an original and unmolested ’37 President for sale. I’ve done some research and the most recent one that I’ve located went to auction in 2014. There is no indication of condition, but it fetched $27,885. Depending on what the reserve is on this beautiful old classic, this may well be quite a good investment.
It’s really too bad that Studebaker couldn’t hang on. It made good cars and trucks back in the prewar years but just couldn’t hold on after the war. I guess it goes to show how competitive the automotive market was; even the good ones fell by the wayside. This is a nice car.
Not really what I would want but I sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway. I would prefer a pickup though. A great car to drive and enjoy while fixing it up.
What a beautiful design! The Dictator featured on BF a while back and this one reinforce the sheer artistry of the frontal visage on these old Studes. The proportions and details complete a totally harmonious package. Nice find.
Two minds upon this, one restore to better than just street drivable,or with a lol bit of underpinnings and modern electronics and stock Chev high output 8, and make a luxury cruiser.
Studebaker Owners Association members some of best marque specific groups out there; willingness to inform and seem to know where tons of parts are located.
If engine can be rebuilt parts are not exhorbitant, and will haul at 60-65 on freeway.
Only accessory I see missing are the glass and bronze vases on rear post,; while vases not original offering on this model, I fell for them when found in old gas, steam and electric Opera cars from
20-30s’ luxo cars.
Not a real money value even in many re or semi redone, unless you are a true Studie fan.
Right paint, redone chrome and wire wheels, and these are nice looking.
If the clutch is stuck to the flywheel, then how does the seller know that the engine runs well? Maybe he can start it up in neutral but just not able to put it in gear?
I just restored a 1937 De Forest Crosley Console Superheterodyne AM/SW Art Deco tube radio and I would never retrofit a Stude President with something newer on the drivetrain or electronics. This era of manufacturing was cool all on it’s own IMHO. Art Deco stuff is fantastic as it is and should never be altered in any way from original.
Bob
Back in 87-88 I knew a man in S. W. Miami, Florida that had one of these beautiful cars in his garage. He owned it for quite sometime before I saw it. I wonder if this could be the same car. What beautiful pieces of history these cars are, just to see one like this one is pure ecstasy for me. Someone please bring this beauty back to life as it was in the 1930’s.
“Just couldn’t hold on after the war.” If the war you’re referring to is WW II they held on 21 years after the war ended, I’d say that’s pretty good……
The claim is it already has an old repaint. So I say give it another repaint same colour in single stage gloss. Then do a carefull simpathetic refurbishment taking care to respect origininality as much as possible. I thing that even though these are not fast by today’s standards this would still be a thrill to drive.
This old shoe is not exactly the best thing to emerge from the Art Deco period. although the grill is pretty nice and very Deco. Anyone want to guess why it was repainted when it was only one year old?
It wasn’t. The listing says it was painted in 1960
I just hope that whomever buys this car keeps everything stock for future generations to enjoy the beauty of the art deco!
Most 1937 rubber available from Shrock Brothers in PA.
Got mine for my Dictator and Coupe Express. Good stuff!
I know this is off topic guys, but does anybody know what this car is? The ad says it is a 1957 Studebaker, but I can’t find a picture of another one like it to get the model name.
Any help would be appreciated.
I think that it’s a commander? Not real sure but I think it is!
Just after I posted this I found a website that said it is a 1958 Packard Hawk. The guy here advertised it as a 1957 Studebaker. I wonder what it says on his registration documents. It seems like a pretty rare car.
I will have to find out.
Here is the rear of the car.
Maybe the interior would help.
Yes, it is a Packard Hawk. See the link:
http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Packard/1958%20Packard/1958%20Packard%20Folder/index1.html
I think the tattered front seat is actually a tattered seat cover, and the original upholstery is intact beneath. It was common for new car owners to immediately install seat covers, thereby protecting and extending the life of the factory upholstery. The color and texture of the exposed upholstery on the front seat matches the side panel in rear seat.