We see plenty of classic station Wagons crossing our desks at Barn Finds, but this is only the third Studebaker Provincial to grace our site. This is understandable because the company only produced 2,412 of these beauties in 1958. This one is a survivor with no immediate needs. It would sparkle if fully restored, but preserving it to carry its survivor badge proudly may prove irresistible to many. The seller recently purchased the vehicle, reviving it after time in storage. It is a turnkey proposition and will appeal to enthusiasts seeking a classic from a manufacturer that has long passed into automotive history.
Studebaker introduced the Commander badge to its model range in 1927, and apart from a couple of brief exceptions, it remained available until 1964. The Provincial was the Station Wagon variant of the mid-range Commander during the late 1950s, with our feature Wagon rolling off the line in 1958. The seller recently purchased it from the previous owner, who had been its custodian for sixty years. They placed it into warehouse storage years ago, although it is unclear how long it hibernated. The experience hasn’t caused too many dramas, with the condition of its White Gold and Parchment White paint consistent with any unrestored Studebaker of this vintage. It looks patchy and has a matte appearance, but it is acceptable if the winning bidder treads the preservation path. The panels are free from significant bumps and bruises, but the best news is that this dry-climate classic is rust-free. That is a genuine consideration because reproduction steel is hard to find due to the rarity of these Wagons. The hood is missing one badge, but the remaining trim looks acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. The tinted glass is excellent, and the original steel wheels wear new narrow whitewalls and the correct hubcaps.
The interior of this Studebaker could be its highlight because it looks impressive for its age. The seller admits the seats wear new covers, and I suspect the carpet is new. However, it appears everything else is as it left the factory. The door trims are spotless, and the headliner is free from rips and tears. The painted surfaces are flawless, and the dash is almost perfect. There is wheel wear, but that is the only item even remotely worth criticizing. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and it appears this Wagon retains its original Studebaker AM radio.
Powering this Provincial is Studebaker’s 259ci V8, which the first owner teamed with a three-speed Flight-O-Matic transmission. The V8 produces a healthy 180hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque, making the Provincial a surprisingly energetic performer. It won’t threaten a muscle car but should hold its own in city traffic or on the open road. The seller revived this beauty after years in storage. They flushed the fuel system, rebuilt the carburetor, and replaced the brakes. They suggest that they performed other tasks but don’t elaborate on what these were. They say it runs and drives around town without issues, although they don’t indicate whether they have ventured onto the open road. The Studebaker might require additional work before it is ready for cross-country adventures, but it appears the winning bidder will work from a sound base.
Whether it is the rarity or the lure of owning a rare classic, this 1958 Studebaker Provincial has attracted significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Simi Valley, California. Nineteen bids have pushed the price to $5,000 in this No Reserve auction. The listing has nearly a week left, and potential buyers might need to fight for this one. Values have climbed significantly during the past year, making $12,000 a realistic figure as the auction closes. However, even that price might be low, considering its originality. It could be a bargain if it sells for less, but is that thought enough for you to consider parking this Studebaker in your garage?
I remember a classmate of mine had one of these, only it was magenta with white on top. It was highly unusual even back then (mid 70s). One thing that strikes me about this wagon is the amount of overhang past the tailgate. I imagine that could make loading it a bit clumsy.
I found a pic with the tailgate down, and it does fold even with the load floor, so that’s good. On the other hand, it would be nearly impossible to load anything heavier than pillows or cotton candy with just the transom window open.
Those late ’50s pre-Lark Studebaker wagon names, Pelham, Provincial, Parkbench…
NO Parkbench !
There were ’56 Parkview (Commander 259 ) and Pinehurst (President 289), in ’57 2 Doors; Pelham (Champion Six 185) & Parkview (Commander 259) also 4 Doors: Provincial (Commander 259), and (President 289) Broadmoor.
I believe all New York area Parks.
The other two Provincials featured were 1957 models, of which there were 3995 built. So, you’ve featured thee out of 6407 1957-1958 Provincials. Still a surprisingly high number, given that nobody gave much thought to preserving cars like this.
It was a bad time for “orphans” indeed. The public was wary, with car companies failing, Studebaker was on shaky ground to begin with. Not sure why, they truly built an excellent car. For many reasons, Rambler, Studebakers biggest competitor, seemed to get through these times. I see remnants of the “Cyclopes” speedometer, meshed into the dash, as the stand alone “eye” was deemed too creepy, thanks to Hollywood. We in Wisconsin, saw very few of these, even though made only 164 miles away, Studebaker didn’t have a prayer in Ramblertown, and I suspect the same, no Ramblers in South Bend either. This car had a lot of Packard guts, and Studebakers war efforts, by all rights, should have created the best car made. Quite frankly, I think they did.
And another thing, why can’t we have oil filters like that today? A fantastic find, and as of this post, $5200 bucks. You tell me, perhaps the hobby has made a Uturn, of sorts, and obscure makes, like the Nash, or the Kaiser, can be had once again by us reg’lar folks. Now, where did I put my old impact wrench? Oh yeah, sold in the yard sale of ‘2017,,,
The 58-61 Rambler Americans that had the flathead six had an optional oil filter, and it was mounted like that out in the open for the world to see.
My dad’s Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 has the oil filter up top like that.
I read an article once where the author stated on a summer afternoon in1957 him and his friend sat on the front porch counting cars. They came to the conclusion that 7 out of 10 cars made in the USA were Studebakers. Of course they lived in South Bend, Indiana.
“the best news is that this dry-climate classic is rust-free. That is a genuine consideration because reproduction steel is hard to find due to the rarity of these Wagons…”
A safe statement with most orphan makes- but I opened the Studebaker Intenational parts catalog next to me, and found that there is a LOT of sheetmetal (and other parts) available for this wagon, including full rear quarters. The club started before the company shut down, and efforts were made to buy up NOS parts and warehouse them. Many vendors around the country now offer these parts for sale. Due to low demand for wagon parts, they are not particularly expensive.
I like the low trim package and overall balanced look regardless of it’s crazy tack on senseless design.
It seems folk held onto them and preserved them because they knew there would never be anything as crazy mass produced again. Kudos to the keepers.
Is that a chock under the left rear wheel? Warning! Warning!
When Studebaker did a whole new body in 1953, with the beautiful coupe, they also configured, to me at the time, at the age of 13, an ungainly 4 door sedan. They added on a wagon end and made an ungainly wagon. The couple morphed into the Hawk, gaining and losing fins along the way. The sedan eventually morphed into the Lark, and, to me, looked just fine. Along the way the wagon acquired the fins, but not the main body, of the wagon, so you got this wierd design.
When Studebaker did a whole new body in 1953, with the beautiful coupe, they also configured, to me at the time, at the age of 13, an ungainly 4 door sedan. They added on a wagon end and made an ungainly wagon. The couple morphed into the Hawk, gaining and losing fins along the way. The sedan eventually morphed into the Lark, and, to me, looked just fine. Along the way the wagon acquired the fins, but not the main body, of the wagon, so you got this wierd design.
Do you recall if the overhang was used in ads, like a step to stand on when lashing something to the roof?
The `57-`58 Studebaker wagons always appeared disproportionate to me. As if the greenhouse was designed too short for the lower body. If only the co. had the $ to design a proper roof segment, it may not have put off buyers so bad. Add to this the horrible recession that hit mid `57, which killed car sales for everyone. IMHO, the new `59 Lark wagons corrected the roof issues, and created a beautiful design, especially in 2 door form.
Loading my ’57 Parkview Wagon over the lower tailgate was never a problem the panel forward of the bumper was a handy Shelf for sitting items before loading.
The upper Tailgate can be locked open in Two positions to drive in the Rain with ventilation if needed.
I asked my Alexa (AI device) what PROVINCIAL means and it said limited in outlook or narrow minded. I like this Studebaker but it’s far away and expensive for me, alas I shell carry on without it in my garage.
Wow, from the ungainly add-on quad headlight pods to the fins stretched out behind the early 1950s wagon body to make the car look “longer” this thing just screams desperation. Of course the next year Studebaker chopped off the excess and kept the center section to create the Lark which sold quite well – for a while.
You have to give credit where credit is due though, no car company did more with less than Studebaker did, not even AMC.
The 1960 – 64 Champ pickup is a perfect example. All existing components.
The trouble is there is only so much you can do with less. You look at the 56=58 Studes and the surprising thing is not that they sold so few, but that they sold so many.
Proving once again beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
that tacked on wide eyed car face just screams “I just seen momma kissing Santa Claus” YUCK