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?
back about 1956 a fellow up the street from our house had either a 55 or 56, very similar, but a two tone green, sharp Studebaker coupe. It was a super sharp, super fun, super fast looking Studie. He also had a sharp looking ski boat, it too looked sharp, super fun and super fast. I never really knew the fellow, would see him in his driveway once in awhile but my brother somehow ended up having conversations with him every now and then. I noticed the Studie and the boat seemed to have disappeared one day and asked my brother if he noticed that. He said yes and then proceeded to tell me that a few weeks earlier on a nice summer morning the fellow was pulling his boat to go water skiing. He also liked to see how fast he could cross the St. John’s Bridge (crosses the Willamette River in Portland) in his Studie, but typically when he wasn’t pulling his boat. Now if you know how the St. John’s Bridge’s west end faces a significant vertical natural stone cliff/wall you might guess how this ended. The cliff/wall is still there.
Love Studebakers during this time frame. The Speedster was a nice car except for that front bumper, what were they thinking? This looks to be a car that could be up and running in no time. Plus for me is the stick on the floor and a reasonable price. To bad I have no room at the inn.
Yep…but I still chased a few in my neighbor hood….most were the popular light green with the lighter green….the chrome across the top was Speedster only as well as the dash – with full gauges including Tach – which was rare in a two seater….looks good with factory power brakes and steering….correct on the leather but the paint and seat covers changed due to time. The three speed overdrive is kinda rare as most were fitted with the automatic. Priced right and the front end was just and upgrade of the previous years…..most have the huge fog lights on that front bumper…..finally was able to get Mr. Goodes 55 Commander after he passed….
I think the front end came from the Packard influence. I’ve compared it to the 53-54 and the shapes are obvious. I like it.
A nice car like this, and I can never understand why the sellers never vacuums their cars. And the ambiguous statement of, “it ran 3 years ago” . Well, what about now?
A great looking one year only car at an affordable price, the stuff that dreams are made of!
The floor shifter is after-market.
I never heard of this model before. And I like it! Very sharp car!
If you think this one is sharp, check the internet for what they looked like new. They don’t look too much like this one.
Many years ago I went to look at a Speedster for sale in Chula Vista, CA. It had the original yellow and green paint which didnt please me but i LOVED that dashboard!
Lovely looking car. 1955 is my favourite year for Studebaker until the 1959-61 Lark.
I would clay bar then polish that paint. Beautiful car.GLWTS.
$ 3,253.00 new
Why is the price so low?
because it looks like it needs a total resto.
Based on the visual details across these six photos of the 1955 Studebaker President Coupe, the following key items are non-OEM / aftermarket modifications or modern replacements:
Exterior
Cone/Bullet Wheel Covers (Hubcaps): The smooth chrome wheel covers with raised center cones (Photos 1000020067, 1000020068, 1000020069) are aftermarket “Lancer/Hollywood” style custom hubcaps. Factory 1955 Studebakers came with stamped OEM Studebaker full wheel covers or spoked wire wheel covers (on the Speedster).
Aftermarket Side Mirror: The round chrome door mirror (Photos 1000020067, 1000020070) is a universal aftermarket accessory unit rather than the factory-optioned Studebaker mirror.
Interior
Floor-Mounted Shifter: In Photo 1000020070, an aftermarket floor shifter with a accordion boot has been installed on the transmission tunnel. All 1954–1955 Studebakers (whether equipped with 3-speed manual, overdrive, or Flightomatic automatic) came factory-equipped with column-mounted shift levers.
Non-OEM Seat Upholstery: The dark ribbed vinyl upholstery on the front bench seat (Photo 1000020070) is an aftermarket recover. Original 1955 President/Speedster models used specific mid-century pattern cloth/leatherette or diamond-quilted top-grain leather.
Auxiliary Gauges & Under-Dash Switches: An aftermarket round gauge has been added to the left side of the dash instrument cluster, along with non-factory toggle switches and wiring harness leads hanging beneath the lower dash lip (Photo 1000020070).
Engine Compartment
12-Volt Battery & Modern Terminals: Photo 1000020071 shows a modern 12-volt plastic battery with modern top-post cable ends. Factory 1954–1955 Studebakers were built with a 6-volt positive-ground electrical system and a long-style 6V tar-top battery (Studebaker transitioned to 12-volt systems in 1956).
Modern Plumbing & Hardware: The engine bay incorporates modern stainless-steel worm-gear hose clamps, non-factory rubber fuel lines with an inline filter, and modern primary wiring/tape wrap additions (Photo 1000020071).
Dang is this guy back again ?
Just bought one! Green/yellow- gorgeous!
Doubt this is an original color.
depending what colors yellow and green your’s is, could be original color. That combination was somewhat popular on 55-56 Studebaker coupes. Looked good.
Too much chrome for me. Studies had beautiful shapes and didn’t need adornment.
JMO-
I bet Raymond Loewey had a fit when he saw the 55 for the first time. He hated chrome.
Interesting car but lots of questionable things. Originally was three on the tree I’m sure, interior is a mismatch of whatever they could find and with closer look the body seems rougher than they let on to. Probably worth the money but I would pass on it
Tony
In that era, Studebaker styling was way ahead of the competition. Having lived in rural America for most of my life and being a packrat of sorts, pickups have been my thing. But a Stude with that body style is on my bucket list… just not ready yet to buy one. This one IMHO, is priced low.
This is a nice car for the price, a plus with the v-8 but with a stick will bring less appeal rare and desirable as a speedster two door, won’t find many at this bargain price many others are selling for much more..
Nice combination of Starliner ‘hardtop’ and the engine-turned full-instrument dashboard. And no need to unbolt the tailfins.