1955 Studebaker Commander Hardtop rare classic car 350 V8 automatic

Description

Production of this car was approximately 3,000 units, making the survivors rare. Case in point, when’s the last time you saw one? The current owner purchased this car early in 2016 after having looked for a decent Studebaker for 3 years. He found this car in Mesa, Arizona and purchased it from the owner’s widow as the previous owner had passed in 2015. Sadly, the owner was the only one that knew a lot about the car, however, with a multitude of photos to decipher, the current owner purchased it and had it shipped to Mansfield, Texas. Unfortunately he recently has decided to move to Santa Fe and needs to liquidate the Studebaker and two other vehicles since space is the issue at his new residence.

All indications are that the cars build is about 10 years old from a very solid car. The replacement speedometer is reflecting a mileage of 11,678 and seems correct. It’s obvious that the deceased owner spent a large amount of money mildly transforming the car into exactly what he wanted. A solid, attractive, dependable, and fun driver. The car likely spent most of its life in the southwest as it shows no signs of rust now or previous rust repairs. Originally a turquoise car, evidenced by the original paint still visible in the trunk, the car was painted an off white and sand two-tone color combination. It is a fantastic color scheme for this body. The glass and trim are in excellent, but not quite perfect condition, as are the bumpers.

As indicated by the seller’s family in Mesa, it appears to be a 350 SBC, 330HP variant, crate engine. The engine performs as it should and leaks no fluids. The transmission is a 700R4 and shifts and performs as it should with no fluid leaks. There is a separate transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator. The rear axle is said to be of a Chrysler product origin and is geared in the mid 3’s, as the engine is turning 2500 RPM at 70 MPH. The rear end is quiet but has a tiny pinion seal leak.

As a part of the build the old Studebaker front suspension was exchanged for that of a Volare. In doing so the car acquired a torsion bar suspension (variable ride height), power disk brakes and power steering. All shocks are new as well as rear springs, exhaust, fuel tank, and tires.

The interior contains stock seats with new (at the time of build) fabric upholstery, two tone tan in color. At that time the car also received new door panels, carpeting, headliner, and a dashpad, all of which are in very good condition. The dash was improved to contain a full array of instrumentation as well as a cold blowing air conditioner and a Sony AM/FM/CD stereo system. Also improve was the steering column as it is now a GM style with a tilt wheel, locking ignition and a nice aftermarket steering wheel. The heater is there but is not functioning properly.

The body was pretty much left stock except the grill insert as it now sports Buick teeth, as well as the decklid which was shaved and treated to a third brakelight. These are mandatory in some states.

All in all it is a very nice, very rare and unique, comfortable, dependable driver with unlimited performance potential.

Call or email for more information! (682)429-1010

TERMS OF SALE

Placing a Bid: By bidding on this vehicle you are entering into a legally binding contract to purchase this vehicle and you agree to abide by all terms of sale set forth herein.

Vehicle Representation: Although we describe all our vehicles to the best of our abilities, it is still possible that we may have unintentionally made an error or left some information out. Please keep in mind that used vehicles may have typical dings and scratches inherent for their year and mileage. Interior wear should also be considered depending on the vehicle’s year and mileage. Opinions and expectations can vary, so please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the condition of this vehicle. Used cars may not come with all of the original books, keys or accessories. Please review all photos carefully and if there is anything you are not sure about, ask questions prior to bidding. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in our listings. The mileage may be different than advertised due to test drives and demos.

Vehicle Inspection: We encourage potential bidders/buyers to inspect the vehicle. Inspections MUST be conducted prior to completion of this auction. This vehicle is available for inspection at any reasonable time. Inspections must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance. If you choose to have the inspection done by a licensed professional, you must do so at your own expense. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value based solely upon that judgment. Furthermore, it will be assumed that you have inspected this vehicle fully if you have placed the bid.

Financing: If you are planning to finance this vehicle through a lending institution, you must secure the loan prior to bidding. Secure all finances and be able to follow through with the payment before you bid. Please call us if you require assistance in obtaining financing.

Warranty: Unless stated otherwise, this vehicle is being sold “as is” and where is with all faults and possible defects. No representations or warranties are made by seller, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Nor are any representations or warranties relied upon by bidders in making bids.Please contact us for details.

Vehicle Transportation: Buyer is responsible for shipping and/or pickup of the vehicle. All shipping charges are the buyer’s responsibility. We will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage. Shipping companies have insurance policies that protect buyers against damage. We are happy to assist and advise in the process of securing transportation of the vehicle.

Payment Information: CALL FOR DETAILS. If you are the winning bidder, you must contact us within 24 hours of winning the auction to set up payment arrangements. We require a 10% deposit within twenty-four (24) hours of winning the auction. This deposit can be made by or wire transfer. If the deposit is not received within the required timeframe and alternative arrangements are not made, we reserve the right to make the vehicle available for sale to another buyer. The remaining balance is due within five days of making the deposit or buyer forfeits 50% of any deposit received. As final payment for the vehicle, we will accept a certified bank check, bank loan check, wire transfer, or cash. We will not release the vehicle and/or title until funds clear. If you pay cash, you can pickup the vehicle immediately. If you pay by wire transfer the vehicle will be available for pickup once funds are available in our account. If you pay by bank check, you will have to wait (approximately five (5) business days) until the funds clear. If payment is made using a check we will hold the vehicle and title until the funds clear (approximately 7 days).

Bidder’s Age: You must be 18 years of age or older to bid.

Storage Terms: Once a vehicle has been paid for in full, we will store it free of charge for five (5) calendar days and at ten ($10) dollars per day after that.

Miscellaneous: We reserve the right to obtain and verify the registered information of all users who bid on this auction. We reserve the right to cancel any and all bids at our discretion and end the auction early in the event the vehicle is sold prior to the end of the auction, we shall not be held liable for such cancellations.

Fee and Tax Information:Buyer responsible for paying taxes in their own state.