It is often said that timing is everything, which was undoubtedly the case with the Studebaker Dictator. When the company introduced the badge in 1927, the name had no negative connotations. By the time they pensioned it off in 1937, events in Europe had made owning a new car with that name somewhat uncomfortable. This 1934 Dictator rolled off the line before things became sticky, and it is a solid survivor that offers a new owner a couple of options. It would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic restoration, although enjoying it as-is would be a valid approach. The Dictator is listed here on Craigslist in San Francisco, California. This slice of motoring magnificence will cost someone $14,000 OBO, and I must thank Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting it.
There seems to be plenty of positive news with this Dictator. Its Velvet Black paint sports plenty of chips and marks, but most of it retains a pretty decent shine. It is unclear whether it received a repaint, but regardless of the truth, its condition is acceptable for a survivor-grade car. The complete lack of rust and significant panel flaws means it would be an ideal candidate for a cosmetic restoration, and tackling it in a home workshop is a strategy worth considering. The Budd spoked steel wheels would also benefit from a repaint, but the glass is flawless. If I were to single out an exterior highlight, that honor would fall to the trim. Some pieces offer a subtle contrast to the predominantly Black exterior, and the trim appears complete and free from damage. The seller believes the bumpers may have had a trip to the platers, and their condition and shine make that seem plausible. A picture is worth a thousand words, making this YouTube video worth a look. It provides a detailed walk-around, allowing potential buyers to perform their own assessment.
Powering the Dictator is a 205.3ci flathead six-cylinder engine. It churns out 88hp, which feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Although it wasn’t a high-performance model, the incredibly flexible engine made these a doddle to drive in heavy traffic, while they can cruise effortlessly on the open road all day at 55mph. The seller states the odometer shows 56,000 miles, but they have no way of confirming the accuracy of the reading. However, it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey vehicle with no apparent mechanical needs.
The Dictator’s interior condition is comparable with its exterior, meaning it would benefit from some TLC. The headliner wears the usual marks we expect in vehicles of this type, but there are no rips. The dash is tidy, but much of the upholstery is worn or holed. Interior trim kits for the Dictator aren’t thick on the ground, but alternatives are worth considering. The cheapest option would be to add slipcovers because these are relatively inexpensive and would hide the problem. I found a couple of companies that offer the correct cloth off the roll. If the new owner knows someone with good sewing skills, using the current upholstery to create new seatcovers and door trims could be possible without breaking the bank. Alternatively, the buyer could throw on some blankets and enjoy this interior untouched.
While part of me would love to see someone return this 1934 Studebaker Dictator to its former glory, there is another alternative to consider. Restoring the interior and leaving the exterior untouched would provide a striking contrast and is the path I would probably choose. That way, I would experience all the comfort this classic offered its original owner, but the exterior would loudly and proudly proclaim this as a genuine survivor. What path would you choose?
From back when cars had Manly,non Politically correct names!
“The term started to get its modern negative meaning with Cornelius Sulla’s ascension to the dictatorship following Sulla’s civil war, making himself the first Dictator in Rome in more than a century (during which the office was ostensibly abolished) as well as de facto eliminating the time limit and need of senatorial acclamation. He avoided a major constitutional crisis by resigning the office after about one year, dying a few years later. Julius Caesar followed Sulla’s example in 49 BC and in February 44 BC was proclaimed Dictator perpetuo, “Dictator in perpetuity”, officially doing away with any limitations on his power, which he kept until his assassination the following month.
Following Caesar’s assassination, his heir Augustus was offered the title of dictator, but he declined it. Later successors also declined the title of dictator, and usage of the title soon diminished among Roman rulers.
The term comes from Latin ‘dictator’, having same meaning as in English, originating in ‘dicto’: ‘I dictate’, which comes from ‘dicio’: ‘exert authority’, ‘make a decision’.”
1934 was still a bad time to call a car “Dictator” Have a great day, peasents!
When Studebaker chose the name it had nothing to do with goverment. They said it would DICTATE what cars of the future would be hence the name Dictator.
Interesting. During that same era they also produced the “President” and “Commander” I’m starting to DETECT a pattern.
Look likes car bonnies and Clyde drive
I think their car was a V8 Ford. Great car.
Fabulous car. It looks right at home with houses on the hills in San Francisco. Too bad it isn’t a B/W photo. To own such a well preserved car for that low of a price is surely tempting. And I’d get to visit my Birthplace to pick it up, something I haven’t done it 20 years. Decisions, decisions.
From what I’ve heard,you don’t want to go back.
You might be more than a little shocked in what you
see.
Yes Political Correctness (the blue plague) run amok.
Here is not the place, Richard.
I keep my mouth shut regarding my own political opinions here (apparently different from yours; but no matter), so please pay the same respect to the rest of us.
I love the looks of this car, and I would have never thought it was a Studebaker. I think it is interesting that from the front, it looks to be leaning back a bit, while the side view makes the car look as if it is leaning forward. The front doors are “suicide” but the back doors are not. This really seems to be a car that is distinctly different, yet the styling is pretty neat. I like it, but hey, what do I know since I’m a peasant (according to Ike, with his warped humor).
Grandma had a ’36 Studebaker President. Dad would bootleg booze into Oklahoma from Missouri, back in the late 40s’ he said he could take most hills at 100MPH in second gear. If the cops stopped him, he just handed them a bottle and they let him go.
Being it is a survivor, I would not be a good caretaker for it, cause I think of how cool it would be with a Big Block and a 4spd with an updated suspension.
Hmmmm…seriously tempted to take the train to SF and drive it home…or even get a AAA tow…hmmmm… Wonder if the seller’d take $10k for it? Hmmm…!!!
I’d put an old Desoto hemi in it with a 4 spd,mustang2 front end and a chrome jag rear. Wiuld be different but cool
A pox on you Dr. Frankenstein!
I rebuilt a 1930 strait 8 coupe with freewheeling 3 speed box. Would you like a few photos?
Let me know if it does not sell, I am a Studebaker fan. I drove my 25 Stude Duplex for the last 40 years. I put 80,000 miles on a car with wood wheels. I would love to have the 34 Stude. James
What a beautiful and unique car. Upgrade the suspension, brakes, electrical and drive train (something different than an sbc), leave it looking stock including the wheels. Midnight blue paint and new tan interior. Oh man, what a ride!
Okay, we get it; it’s “let’s fire up the genuine collectors and see who gets mad”, right?
For 89 years it has survived original and unmolested and original. Leave it the F alone you bloody butchers.