We’ve covered a range of 1956 Studebaker Presidents in the past, including this example earlier this year that was purchased and then resold by a Barn Finds reader that shows how handsome these cars can be. While this faded car may not look as nice as that one, it’s being sold here on eBay at no reserve, and as I write this bidding is all of $400. That’s right, only two zeros! The forlorn President is waiting for you in this parking lot in La Porte, Indiana.

Admittedly, the styling of these mid-50s Studebakers can seem a little overdone, especially when placed next to some of their more sleek contemporaries. But something tells me that you’d stand out more in a crowd with one of these, and I can’t help but wonder if whomever started to buff the paint back thought so too. I wonder why they stopped? Or perhaps the paint was “freshened up” at some point?

I also have a feeling this picture was taken a while ago. Why? Because the seller tells us the car is without a “motor” (engine) yet the front end isn’t nose-high. More about that later.  Update:  the engine as shown is included; the seller just wanted to make sure no one thought it was a complete engine.

Clearly the interior needs a lot of work. But look at it from an optimist’s point of view — having this reupholstered by a local shop, if you don’t mind it being not quite the same as it was originally, wouldn’t be a bad job at all. These seat coverings are together enough that they can be used as patterns.

Now, here’s the puzzle. Why include a picture of the engine if the engine isn’t included in the sale? I’m guessing what they mean is that the engine isn’t complete? I’ve asked the seller for clarification and will update this post if I get it. The seller responded that they just didn’t want someone to assume the engine was complete; you do get what’s in the picture.  I suppose you could twist my arm and install a late model, fuel-injected engine here–is that what you would do if there wasn’t an engine included?