In recent years, there has been renewed interest in how things were 100-or-so years ago. With that, we have seen an uptick in people re-discovering automobiles from the “Roaring 20s” and this 1923 Studebaker is a good example of such. Listed here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio, this older restoration looks to be a nice driver-quality machine, with a surprise under the hood. Read on to learn more!
The Studebaker brand has roots all the way back to what is now part of Germany, during the American Colonial days, when some of the Studebaker family emigrated to the Colonies in the early/mid 1700s. It started as a wagon factory around 1740 with steel-forging and wood-seasoning departments, however it was not until about 1902 that they began producing automobiles. Fast-forward to the ’40s and ’50s when the 5 Studebaker brothers’ company was producing some of the most uniquely-styled cars and trucks on the market. The last Studebaker rolled off the line in 1966, and through some mergers and sales of the name, the Studebaker company is now in private hands. Future plans are allegedly uncertain.
We turn our attention now to the example here up for sale. We’re told by that the seller that this was garage-kept and is being sold as part of an estate, that it was repainted about 50 years ago, and that at some point, a Chevy ‘stovebolt’ inline-six with associated standard transmission was swapped in – no word on the location or status of the original components. The seller doesn’t say, nor are we sure, if it is a Special Six or Light Six model, so if you can shed some light on that, please do let us know in the comments section.
At first look, we see a red body with tan fenders and luggage compartment, a white soft top and black interior, all seeming to be in very good condition. The seller says that there are some issues with the paint and top
The wood-spoke wheels look okay, although definitely in need of refinishing.
The engine compartment looks almost as though, if someone didn’t know any better, they would believe that it was meant to be just like that. A bit tight by the firewall, but if it works…
I’ll admit I don’t know a lot about early cars, let alone Studebaker, so I did have to do quite a bit of research to understand this car and present it to you properly. In the end, though, I can see it being a nice warm-weather or parade cruiser, or a really solid foundation for an old-school hot-rod build, if that’s more your cup of tea.
That’s what I think, what do YOU think about it? Let me know in the comments!
So I was thinking….
You know how some folks these days say… “Put an LS in it”????
So, it got me thinking…..
Was the saying back in ’53….
” Put a Stovebolt in it”????
I must say, I’m not sure about the rear gearing, but it must have kept up with traffic quite well back when that swap was done. I wouldn’t think you would want to go much over 40, heck 30 I’d be nervous. But its pretty neat, and whoever did the swap looks like a nice neat job. I’m sure with how tight it is under the hood they got a lot of use out of their stick rule or tape measure. The car looks great. And ready to hit the road.
Agree on the quality of the engine swap but would suggest getting that plastic fuel filter out of there before a nice old car goes up in flames. Plastic and exhaust manifolds do not mesh well.
Only 2 pics of the engine and none of the under carrige so all this is a guess, late 50s 235, 4sp out of a pickup, the fiberglass fan would sugguest a late 60s swap. Beautiful car but wood spoke wheels and brakes on the rear axle only you’d definetly want to keep the speed down.
As a 17 year old, my first car was a 28 year old, one owner, 1930 Studebaker Dictator 6 four door sedan with 23,000 original miles. When I bought the car (price was $100.00), the wood spoke artillery wheels with split rims had warped with age causing the car to wobble like a wounded crab. With repaired rims, the car would cruise comfortably at 45 mph. With a baby buggy suspension and mechanical brakes, I didn’t feel comfortable going any faster. I later learned that in 1932, Studebaker fielded a five car factory team in the Indianapolis 500. All five cars finished the race with one placing a team best 3rd place. Those drivers had guts!
My mom had to show me how to change a 5.50 x 19 tire on a split rim (her 1st car, a new ’29 Chevy had split rims). With a non-syncro gearbox, I quickly learned to double clutch. Applying the 4 wheel drum brakes required wedging oneself between the brake pedal and the seatback. Can’t imagine stopping with only rear drums.
After repeated timing chain problems, I found an interested buyer (a collector), sold the Stude and moved on to ’49 Dodge.
Hopefully, the seller will find a buyer who appreciates 1920’s vintage vehicles.
Current bid must be a shill.
I think these old machines should be left as they were originally made as much as possible, so if it were me I’d do some cleaning up in the engine compartment and refinish the wheels and drive it.. slowly.
Not liking the color combo with the white top. Needs darker colors. The added trunk looks like fiberglass.