If you’re a fan of unusual American wagons, this 1957 Studebaker Provincial might be worth a closer look. Recently listed here on craigslist, the car was bought about seven years ago in Riverside, California, as a “rescue.” Now it’s up for grabs once again, offered strictly as-is. The seller makes it clear: it’s not running, and the next owner will need to take over where things left off. Thanks for the tip Barney!
What makes this car special is its rarity. Studebaker wasn’t exactly a volume brand by the late 1950s, and the Provincial wagons were built in much smaller numbers than comparable Chevrolet or Ford offerings of the day. This one still carries its original black California plates (HWY275), along with a stack of old paperwork. The seller notes that it isn’t currently in the DMV system, but the small “pink” title and registrations show the plates do in fact belong to the car. Ownership will transfer via bill of sale, as two previous buyers never completed a title transfer, though the original signed title is included.
The photos show a straight and fairly complete wagon, with plenty of parts tucked inside. While the car has been sitting, it appears that most of what’s needed to bring it back together is present. The seller says it looks “pretty complete,” and it’s not often you find an old Studebaker wagon project with so much intact.
Of course, this is not a quick fix. The car isn’t running, and given how long it’s been off the road, the next owner should expect to go through every system, including fuel, brakes, wiring, suspension, and more, before thinking about driving it. That said, the body appears solid in the pictures, and the overall completeness makes it a much stronger candidate for restoration than a stripped shell or rust bucket.
As a project, this one has plenty of potential. You could return it to stock and enjoy one of Studebaker’s more stylish mid-century family haulers, or you could take it in a custom direction—these wagons look sharp with mild modifications and period-correct wheels. Either way, it’s bound to be a head-turner when finished, simply because you don’t see them at local car shows very often.
The seller says the price is firm, “take it or leave it”, but if you’ve been hunting for an uncommon wagon project with paperwork and plates, this may be your chance. Located in California, this Provincial has already been rescued once. Maybe you’ll be the one to bring it all the way back.
Would you restore this Studebaker back to factory stock, or give it a custom twist?
days gone by not worth restoring
There is almost no car “worth restoring”. They almost always cost more to restore than they are worth finished. That is not the point of restoring cars.
I agree. Old cars, especially like this one, are works of an art form that existed when they were created. The concept of “worth” is in the eyes (and mind) of the beholder.
It amazes me how some people ,who probably never restored a car,,can make a comment ,not worth restoring , or parts car,,this car is in good shape, not rusted out everything seems to be there,,actually its pretty neat,,of course it makes a difference on people,,some want to put gas in it and go others will put work into it,,yse it may not be a nomad but its rare,,and I have restored a few cars and trucks so I know what goes into doing one.
There is often negativity involved with canine hydration, I have noticed. Perhaps the bowl tipped over and spilled…
I think it’s not only well worth a restoration, it looks like an easy restoration project. I’ve never seen one before, and that uniqueness is a big draw for me. There is one poorly done patch on the driver’s floor, but that’s an easy fix. The chrome is all there and in great shape. Obviously reupholster the seat. The biggest chore will be to prep for paint. None of this will be expensive.
I couldn’t find the asking price
It’s $3,000.
A number of these were professionally converted into “budget” ambulances, for those who were not able to afford a Cadillac, Olds, etc based ones.
Funny I thought how much it looks like an ambulance at first. You definitely won’t see yourself coming and going in this.
If I were close I’d grab it in a heart beat. beautiful condition, just do something with that ugly ass front bumper, looks like it belongs on a 4×4.
I disagree regarding the bumper. Is it “ugly”? Perhaps. Is it integral to the original design? I think so. Personally, I love it! I showed it to several of my friends. 80% of them thought it was ugly. But the other 20% thought it was beautiful!
Studebaker Packard did a good job of updating the 1953 styling in 1956. The wagons, however, couldn’t seem to overcome this cumbersome rear end design. I don’t know if it would be worth restoring this particular example. It’s not the high-end version. When I look at a 1956 or 1957 Studebaker, I can certainly see how the design was badge engineered for Packard. They shared too much.
Why would you announce that you’re title jumping a car? It probably won’t matter here because this will most likely be a parts car.
just went thru huge hassle registering due to “title chit”. “Jumping’ is probably ’not allowed’ in MA (current highest income state). They dont want ’un-clear’ ownership records (theft, etc).
This one seems just right for some folk. For me the rear (not well shown) is an oddity. That chrome-ribbed extension piece (would B under tailgate/hidden by- when dropped) that ‘joins’ the fins @ bottom back – is interesting. It isa “rear window lift 1/2” so I’d want to get in there w/o a knee bang, w/o dropping the gate just to do so. Seem like it would imped access by 3 ft or so..
I like it (as I do ALL caddy wagons, it looks like a ’50s one).
Has elements of an upscale car trapped in an aged design. Worth restoring for the uniqueness alone.
What’s up with the back end? It looks like it has a mini-pickup bed after the rear door/hatch/window. I’ve never seen that. Why?
Coming from a Minnesota guy, this thing is about as clean as it gets! And a mostly complete vehicle for $3000? It would be in my garage if it was closer. I’d do the mechanicals and interior and leave the rest alone, maybe get a set of Magnums for Sundays!
I’de be all over it, if I didn’t have 20 others to go through.
3 grand is fairly reasonable.
It is not junk by any stretch of the imagination.
Cool looking wagon!
About 30 years ago, during the hot rodding “Dare to be different” days, I bought a 56 Studebaker President Pinehurst (whew) 2 door wagon. Everything was there, the body was straight and almost rust free, but the motor was locked up.
In true hot rodder tradition, it got a 350/700R4. 8 inch 3:55, Mustang II rack, and usual upgrades like AC, power windows, power seat. I think it looked pretty cool by the time I got it on the road, and other did too. It got lots of attention and won awards.
Kinda wish I still had it.
The “Wish I’da kept it.” Happens to a lot of people.
I hear it from a lot of the old guys; I had a….wish I’da….
In 87 I bought a 62 VW panel for $50, still have it.
Built it stock to my needs as a camper, already had the House Car designation on the title.
In 03 was offered 30k; turned it down, in 12 was offered 100K; turned it down.
In 20 a guy wanted it for his daughter, offered good money.
I had to ask; does she know how to work on it? He said no.
I answered; She got no business owning it.