When it comes to project candidates, some vehicles require more skills to achieve a decent result than others. This 1955 Studebaker President could be ideal for a novice, as life in a dry climate has allowed it to avoid the rust issues that often plague classics of this vintage. It appears complete, with no missing major components. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Studebaker listed here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The seller set their auction to open at $5,500, but has received no bids. However, with No Reserve to cloud the situation, someone could become the President’s new owner with a single mouse click.

Studebaker performed a badge revival in 1955. It had discontinued the President in 1942, but reintroduced it thirteen years later as the marque’s premium offering. This first-year example looks tired, with the sun having baked its Velvet Black paint. However, the seller indicates that it has spent its entire life in California and Nevada and remains rust-free. Therefore, any restoration will not require extensive cutting and welding. The panels have a few bumps and bruises, none severe enough to warrant steel replacement. It appears that every piece of trim is present, and anything that won’t respond to a polish cloth is a prime candidate for a trip to the platers. The tinted glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the wheels retain their original hubcaps.

California and Nevada may be excellent locations for steel preservation, but the sun in those states can wreak havoc on interior trim. This President is no exception, although it isn’t as bad as some classics from the region previously featured at Barn Finds. The seatcovers are toast, the remaining upholstered surfaces exhibit deterioration, and the wheel is cracked. However, the dash and pad look surprisingly good, and there appear to be no missing items. The factory radio is intact, as is the clock.

Powering this Studebaker is a 259ci V8, with factory-rated power and torque of 175hp and 250 ft-lb. Although buyers could equip their new purchase with a manual transmission, this car features the optional three-speed automatic unit. Performance wouldn’t have been spectacular, but cruising on the open road at 70mph wouldn’t have caused this car much stress. The motor’s appearance indicates it hasn’t been in use for many years. The seller states that the V8 doesn’t turn, but it is unclear whether a dose of Mystery Oil might alleviate the issue. However, it would be prudent to include the cost of mechanical refurbishment in the restoration budget.

The 1955 Studebaker President will probably never make the list of America’s ten most desirable classics, nor is it likely to become a mega-bucks long-term investment. However, it emerged at a time when Studebaker teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. The situation was beyond salvation, with the company limping along gamely until the mid-1960s. Therefore, if you wish to preserve a vehicle from a marque that was unable to compete with the “Big Three,” and has since disappeared into the dusty pages of history, returning this President to its factory form could be a viable option.