It’s a strange thing that Studebaker has the reputation that it does. In the popular imagination, the name can invoke a sense of the uninspired and stodgy. Yet Studebaker was, in many ways, a very innovative company, managing to do a lot with limited resources. Exhibit A: this 1953 Studebaker Commander. Listed here on eBay, and located in Woodbury, New Jersey, the bid on this modified classic has climbed to $15,100 at the time of writing, with three days left to go.
It is impossible to mention the 1953 Studebakers without talking about the design work from Raymond Loewy’s studio. The new cars were a radical departure from the firm’s previous offerings while retaining just enough of the previous models’ lines to not be wholly unrecognizable. While other smaller automakers attempted to adopt European styling for the American market– the Nash-Healey, for example, was a contemporary– Studebaker’s offering arguably hit closest to the mark. The buying public responded: Studebaker sold over 150,000 vehicles in 1953, with the new Lowey designs making up the majority.
Sadly, the new cars had some teething issues. Fit an finish, particularly in the upholstery, wasn’t up to standards, and the new chassis was prone to flex, even with the modest 120 b.h.p. and 190 lb.ft. of torque from the Studebaker V8. This raises a concern with this example, which is equipped with a Chevy 350 that might just provide a little more oomph. Take a long look at where the driver’s side rocker meets the rear fender.
More welcome modifications include new front discs, updated ignition, and new dual exhaust. Power moves to the rear wheels through a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400, a well-regarded and durable transmission. The paint looks clean and the color choice suits the lines of the car, though the redone interior will require some further attention. All that in mind, if you like the look of these cars but always thought that a few more ponies might be in order, this is one that might just fit the bill!
The ’53, ’54, and ‘;55 Studebakers all were of this award winning design. Studebaker went back to its box design in ’56 because this design was “too European.” The design was retained for the rest of Studebakers life in the Hawks.
I’m guessing the lack of a B pillar could weaken a car with a good size engine. My ’53 B pillar coupe with a just over 300 hp Olds and 4 speed modified automatic transmission didn’t indicate any torque/frame problems and standing on the gas was really what the car was all about. This looks like a nice car.
just what my great aunt did w/one (hot rod). Born in the 20s or 30s she maintained her own Studie. Mom’s aunt was an independent sort who collected, dealt coins, stamps, antiques (income) fora hobby. Inspector in a rural airplane factory, western MD. But she loved her Studebakers. I think my fav was a commander w/a bullet nose anda 3 or 4 pane wrap-round rear windshield.
That would be a Starlight Coupe. I have a 1951 Champion Starlight Coupe
The dash is 58-61. There are little things that make me think this could be a 54. The VIN listed in not the actual VIN from the factory so I can not verify the year. I do not see a body number either.
Some photos show no VIN tag at all, then the additional photos in the listing show a random Studebaker VIN tag from a ’53 Champion pop riveted on. No body tag either. I wouldn’t touch this – even if I liked the mods (which I don’t).
Scratch that. I was wrong about any photos showing no VIN tag.
@AndyParrish Good write up, but do more research on the name of the car’s designer and studio: Raymond LOEWY (NOT Lowey)
Loewy get credit but Bob Bourke was the designer.
Bob Bourke worked for Loewy, so the design was a product of Raymond Loewy Studios
@Ischu you are right that Bourke worked for Loewy. Also it was Loewy that sold the design to Studebaker. He knew a good design. If they would have made the sedan the way Loewy wanted them they would have looked better and shared parts with the coupes.
Sorry– I think I’ve fixed it. No idea why I didn’t spot that msteak. ;-)
Of course, while these Loewy Coupes might be considered a high water mark, it wasn’t the beginning or the end of the studio’s association with Studebaker. They’d worked on the company’s logo before the war, and would continue to provide input right up until the Avanti in the 60’s.
Another clean and simple design that still looks good.
No one else notice the piss poor welds on the exhaust? Leads me to say, beware on the rest of the work done. Screams shade tree mechanic. caveat emptor
Frank, I too, notice any and all
exhaust systems of which the
owner/seller posts pics. I did
custom exhaust installs 35-45
years back. It’s important!
However; I like the vehicle.
turbo 350 not 400
Nice Stude. These look so nice with a “Gentlemans chop”. Take 2″ out of the front to drop the profile down and the design is perfection. There was not a better looking car built in 53-54 imho.
Hello,
Did you sell this car? My father also had a 1949 Commander convertible in a dark green with a canvas-colored top and brown leather seats (as I remember it)… He drove it until 1960, when he sold it for $25 ((
I am interested in your car if you still have it. I live in New York. I can be reached at 650-283-5834. Please let me know the status of your car.
Best regards,
Robert