What’s in a name, right? Automobile models come and go, as do their names; some are memorable and venerable, others not so much so. President? That’s a good one; so’s Commander – it’s unassuming. Crown? That denotes high ranking. How about Dictator? Oh, I don’t know about that. One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions for dictator is, “one ruling in an absolute (see absolute sense) and often oppressive way.” I’m not sure there’s a way to euphemistically improve on that. Regardless, that’s the model name Studebaker chose for their entry-level cars offered between the years 1927 and 1937. Research indicates that the name was taken in stride in the U.S., but not so much so in other parts of the world. And of course, times change. Things or words that we may have used 80 or 90 years ago have often fallen out of favor today – but I digress. Today’s discovery is a neat-looking 1936 Studebaker Dictator coupe that’s clearly a project. Let’s look it over and see what potential it may have. Calling Spring, Texas home, this stylish three-seater is available here on eBay for an opening bid of $7,790 – there is a reserve.
Studebaker offered two models for ’36, the President and the Dictator. Dictators were offered as two-door business coupes and five-seater sedans, along with a four-door cruising sedan and convertible. Total Dictator production was about 26K units, but I don’t have a breakdown by body style. Our three-seat subject coupe has fantastic lines. Its swept-back rear is typical for the era, but the bat-wing fold-out rear window is a new one on me – it’s a fabulous styling touch! The seller adds, “All steel absolute min surface rust…body has no dents or rust thru lower body and sills and doors are super clean. missing grille and bumpers. doors and hood close like they should and seams are perfect. This car has the cool swing out front windshield and batwing rear split window!…trunk and floors are great shape and tail pan with trunk lid very solid. No bondo in this car or patches ….Headlights and tail lamps are excellent with original lenses and reflectors. I imagine the missing bumpers and grille might be a challenge to source.
One other thing mentioned in the listing, and I didn’t see it at first, is, “…small cut in center of roof as well as the heat from the fire did not distort metal but did melt some of the factory lead body seam (easy repair).” OK, that explains this Dictator’s crispy exterior appearance and shattered side windows; pyrotechnics were involved. I initially thought it was just worn, weathered paint over underlying surface rust.
Behind the absent grille resides a non-running 90 HP, 217 CI, in-line, flathead six-cylinder engine. The motor and its environs look complete, but no details are provided regarding the prime mover’s status, i.e, is it stuck, incomplete, etc. A three-speed manual transmission, which the seller states “shifts fine,” handles the rear-wheel connection.
The interior is not well photographed, and I’m wondering if that’s due to the conflagration. The dash and instrument panel look OK, but the seat is not really included other than a minor glimpse of the far right side (check the listing), and it’s a sight. I’d want to know what was actually consumed before I made a forward movement to elect this dictator to restoration status.
Well, this one’s a bit of a let-down on account of that barely disclosed fire business – kinda sneaky too. Still, this is an unusual car and I’m sure quite rare today. And for that reason, if I were interested, I wouldn’t overthrow it from contention just yet, but there would have to be some more ‘splainin’ done and interior images provided. What do you think, worthy of further investigation?
I’d imagine that by about 1939, the name “Dictator” would have a very negative connotation…..
Thats why they dropped the name,,WW2
Nice lines on the 36′ dictator. Crank out rear window. Pretty Kool. Gonna need some rear view mirrors for this dictator. I like it.
Yeah, a quick check shows there were a couple of “good” dictators, Yugoslavia, W.Africa, several Asian ones that the people loved, however, unfortunately, history has shown, just the name itself is prone to scandal. Naming a car “Dictator” would never fly today, that’s for sure.
How this particular car escaped from becoming a gasser, is the remarkable part. In fact, there’s more images of these as drag cars, than original ones. It was hidden well, as these cars were used extensively in the 50s. Practically defined the term “gasser”. See the, what appears to be the radio? That’s just the dial, the main guts were the size of a carry on bag under the dash. That was a hefty option. I read, a Philco, cost almost $130 bucks! When the entire car cost $665 new, a hefty option indeed.
So, what will happen to this unbelievable find?( just the seniors in the back)
Gimme a r, r, gimee an e, e,,oh, the heck with it, restomod, and that’s okay.
I have always liked the “business coupe” body style, but there is little interest in pre-war cars, and as Howard said, it’ll be a restomod for sure. For what it needs and no title, the seller better take the $7790 and run.
I have an Interceptor ,a Commander ,Charger ,and Judge ……
I NEED a “Dictator “
My typical first thought like always is, nan this would make a cool Gasser!!! Just add a big block and lots of money.
There’s a caramel colored restored one, maybe a 37, to be found on line, and it is an absolutely gorgeous car. Art Deco styling at its peak, and a truly excellent restoration.
I really like the aerodynamic lines on this car and other business coupes of the era, but if it was practical for me at my age I would NOT retromod and try for original. Drive at relatively slow speed on back country roads. Get it driving safely at as low expense as possible. I even like the color on this unique car.
I’m with you, Dave. Don’t restomod this. Parts are available to restore it.
Supposedly chose this name because it “dictated” the market.
’36 and ’37 Dictator coupes and the ’37 Coupe Express pickup that was built on the Dictator chassis, are among the most desirable pre-war vehicles, especially Studebakers, maybe only surpassed by the 1937 Studebaker President coupe, of which only 50 were made.
Given the market for pre-war cars, this one needs so much work that a thoughtful restomod may make sense. I would insist on more pictures though because if the heat was enough to shatter the glass, it could have melted or warped metal panels that will be very hard to recreate or fix. Hope it gets saved. Absolutely head turning cars.
It’s pretty sharp, but kinda pricey.
If I bought this, I would have 2-Dictators at home, and we could not have that. Neat car, should be restored as best you can (missing parts). These old cars of the 30’s were abused, used for stock cars, and really filled up the wrecking yards. It is good to see some made it to this day. Good luck….
Body shape equal to a Zephyr to my eye. Pretty rust free as well. Worth the cost and effort to bring back to life in my opinion.
neat. good luck with parts.
“Two dictators at home”, pretty funny and “diplomatic”!
They call me…RICHARD Tater.
As for names, one company tried it and failed…The Predictor from…________
Usually I favor restoration to original design but this one might be better for a mild restomod. Original parts like the grill will be hard to find. The deciding factor might be whether the engine is revivable. No matter what this is a rare beast and deserves to be returned to an operational automobile. GLWTS