1953 Studebaker Starliner Hardtop Coupe

Coupe

V8

Automatic

8351584

Clear

Gasoline

1953 Studebaker Commander Starliner Hardtop Coupe. If you are a fan of 50's American car design, and have been looking for a Loewy coupe, you will recognize this as the most desirable version: 1953 model year (1st year of this style - model # 4HK5), Commander (V8 engine - with oil filter on this car), Starliner Hardtop Coupe (no B pillar). This car is fitted with the uprated DG-250-M transmission (1st gear start). Many (including me) think these '53 Starliner's are the ultimate form of this ground-breaking design - pure styling magic (principal designer at Raymond Loewy's studio was Robert (Bob) Bourke). This is a super solid, rust free example of these very desirable vehicles. I bought the car from an older gentleman who had begun restoration a number of years ago. The car was painted, rewired and converted to 12 volt electrics, new tires, brakes and exhaust were fitted. Then the car sat in California. The paint looks good in the photos, but there are various storage dents and scrapes (see photos for examples). Tires are like new. Exhaust is brand new, with slight surface rust only. Front and rear bumpers have been rechromed. I bought this coupe with the idea of putting an LS engine in, but found the condition of the car just too nice. The body is super straight and rust free, the motor has been rebuilt in the not-to-distant past and runs well with no smoke. The later DG-250-M (1955) transmission is an improvement on the original DG-150-M (it looks the same as the original, but starts in 1st, rather than 2nd). In my recommissioning of this vehicle I changed all the fluids, had the radiator flushed and pressure tested, fitted new radiator hoses, new water pump, new fuel pump diaphragm, had the fuel tank cleaned and lined, fitted new oil filter, new points and condenser, new alternator, new battery, new master cylinder, wheel cylinders and flex lines (brake shoes were already new). Rebuilt carburetor. Valve clearances checked and found to be spot on. New tubes fitted to tires and wheels balanced. Rear motor/trans mounts fitted. Auto trans valve body cleaned and new servo seals fitted. Chassis greased. Front and rear wheel bearings greased. Front and rear lights rewired. Seats reupholstered in black vinyl in original pattern. Car starts immediately and idles smoothly, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, indicators, fans, wipers and gauges all work. Radio condition is unknown (remember, it's 6 volt). Transmission works fine in 1st, 2nd, and reverse, but currently does not select (direct drive) top gear. This is a project car - it runs, drives, and stops, but needs work to complete. It is registered in California in my name till July 2013. Some chrome trim/badges were deliberately removed and some have been lost, however please see photos for what is not on the car, but is included (like 4 perfect hubcaps, dash trim, wipers, front and rear garnish molding, arm rests, the unique hinged stainless window seals, etc, etc). Includes Studebaker manuals (on CD). Please take a look at the pictures and contact me if you are unsure of anything. There is a spare tire/wheel, but I forgot to take a photo of it. It will be included in the sale. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a rock solid, running & driving Starliner coupe to either restore, rest-o-mod, or hot-rod. Car is sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All information is believed to be correct, but not guaranteed. You are encouraged to inspect this vehicle prior to purchase. Vehicle is located in Pasadena, CA Happy Studebakering and good luck bidding. On Aug-28-12 at 15:44:08 PDT, seller added the following information: Reserve is off - this car will sell. Bid to own! Good luck.