Here’s one that has escaped my attention over the years: a 1955 Studebaker Speedster. I’ll admit it, I’m no Studie expert, and I usually have to research the brand before I can wax on about one of their models. That, and the fact that this is a one-year-only edition and one of only 2,200 assembled, further fuels my ignorance. Fallen flags, regardless of marque, are always an inviting study, and we have Mr. Zappenduster to thank for unearthing this listing. Claimed to be all original, this speedy Studebaker is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,500, OBO.
It was a tough time to be an independent auto manufacturer in 1955. Detroit’s Big Three were kickin’ hind-side and taking names, so independents sought refuge in size through mergers: Hudson and Nash formed American Motors in 1954, Kaiser and Willys shook hands in 1953, while Packard and Studebaker tied the knot in 1954. Studebaker had a long history of standing their ground and fighting the good fight, lasting as an auto manufacturer into 1966. What were they thinking in 1955 with the Speedster? It’s hard to know for sure; perhaps a standout model to get potential buyers into showrooms? The Speedster wasn’t a standalone model, as it was based on the two-door hardtop “President” series, but it did employ a lot of unique trim and a long list of standard equipment often found as options on many 1955 models.
The seller tells us that this particular Speedster is a “Very solid car with some minor rust. Hinge pillars are solid. This is a very restorable car. Stored in a garage for over 30 years.” Speedsters generally came in one of five tri-level finishes (roof, above the beltline, and below the beltline), comprising two or three hues. That being the case, I have my doubts about this car’s monotone appearance. The dark blue finish (not one of those tri-level colors) is obviously rough, and there is evidence of rust here and there, but the Speedster trim is all present and in sound shape. The images of this Speedster are an invitation- one to take a closer look at this car in person.
The interior is a bit unusual with its black upholstery and red carpet – something’s not original or right. The entire environment is in decent condition, and that diamond-stitched door panel is correct for this model, but the seats should be finished the same way and in leather. I’d like to get a closer look at the instrument panel, as well as other interior details, but close-ups are not provided.
The Speedster gets its speed from a 185 gross HP, 259 CI V8 engine, which drives the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The engine compartment appears to be stock and original, and the seller advises, “It was running 3 years ago.” While 185 HP isn’t a knockout punch in the performance department, it was still respectable for 1955.
I consider anything with a Studebaker nameplate to be an interesting study today, and a rarity like the Speedster is even that much more so. I imagine Studebaker knew this wouldn’t be a big seller, but they took the plunge anyway – doubtful a current auto manufacturer would consider taking the same risk. As previously mentioned, the seller suggests this is a very restorable car; I’d agree, how about you?
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