1955 Studebaker

Coupe

-

Automatic

7807855

Gasoline

1955 Studebaker President Speedster Automatic, Power Steering, Power Brakes One of the rarest and most attractive Speedsters in existence Be sure and follow the more pictures link at the end of this write up. As some of you may know, I find nice Studebakers around the country, and find new homes for them on ebay. In this case, I'm helping a friend and Studebaker collector sell this jewel of his family's collection. I want to apologize in advance for the extraordinary length of this listing, but this is an extraordinary car. I often add a comment about a nice Studebaker along the lines of "It's a very nice presentable car", but this car is a turn key show car that has won its share of awards and ready to win more. This beauty should be a contender for a first place even at the Studebaker International meet level and that is no small task. i.e., First place cars must score at least 375 points out of 400 possible. It took me over 50 years in the hobby to have the resources to build my only first place Studebaker GT Hawk International winner a few years back, and it set me and the previous owner back north of 60K. I only emphasize this for those that think they could buy a Speedster needing work and build a car to this level for under the reserve price on this stunning example. I'd estimate you'd spend at least 50K to get a Speedster to this level, not including the cost of a solid Speedster and by doing a lot of your own labor. Take a close look at the several pages of additional pictures at the link at the bottom of this listing to get an idea of the level of the restoration performed on this example. The 1955 Speedster is considered among the most striking and desirable Studebakers of all time. Made during only one production year, a total of 2,215 Speedsters were built with 1,795 manufactured at the plant in South Bend, IN. The other 420 Speedsters were built at Studebaker’s Los Angeles/Vernon, California plant. The magnificent Speedster being offered here is one of the rare California manufactured cars and is distinguished by the gold President script that appears above the rear fender molding. The striking color combination of Coraltone and Pimlico Gray is a factory original “special order” color and is very rare as it appeared on only 82 of the Vernon plant cars and 219 Speedsters overall. The beautiful example here carries serial number 7807855 and body number 1580 with a final assembly date of Sept 30, 1955. By the way, note the rare chrome tail pipe extensions. The paint and chrome is beautiful, the interior is like new, and it drives as nicely as it looks. The most recent restoration work was performed in 1996 at the well respected Westmoreland Antique Car Restoration shop in Pennsylvania where many of the country's top show cars are restored. A detailed description of condition and restoration work follows: Mechanical: The engine compartment is highly detailed with factory correct colors, decals and components. (All the below performed less than 5000 miles ago.) 259 cu.in. V8 engine professionally rebuilt 2000 miles ago. Rebuilt 4 barrel carburetor. (This month) Rebuilt automatic transmission. Rebuilt power brakes and power steering. New dual exhaust. The rare “third” horn is not mounted but is included. Five new American Classic/Coker radial wide white tires. (300 miles on the tires) The wire wheel covers are in absolutely beautiful condition.The title states 33,140 miles when purchased, today the odometer reads 35,558 miles after 2000 miles of pleasure driving. We believe the actual mileage to be higher, but very little on the car has not been replaced or rebuilt recently. Paint and body: The car was built in California and spent most of its life there. In 1995 the car left California for its new home and fourth owner in Pennsylvania. It is completely rust free. The original paint still appears on the floor under the carpets. The repaint is beautiful, and as mentioned earlier, is a very rare color combination of Coraltone and Pimlico Gray. It is stunning but not flawless as there is a small discoloring on the right side of the trunk, a small raised portion of paint in the lower left front fender (paint related only), and a few very small spots elsewhere. The biggest flaw is the raised paint on the very bottom of one front fender. It's an area about the size of a quarter that is only visible when you bend over. Overall, the paint is beautiful in appearance and condition. The glass is tinted and is excellent all around. The trunk has a rare and beautiful original style reproduction woven trunk mat that is no longer available. As can be seen in the picture, the trunk is also show detailed. There is a stain on the mat not visible in the picture, under the tire. Interior: Complete new factory correct Phantom Autoworks leather interior which includes: New seat covers, front and rear. New door and quarter interior panels. New carpeting, visors, windlace, headliner and kick panels. The dash is beautiful aside from a small 3 inch crack to the left of center, on top. The tachometer sending unit is not mounted and needs rebuilding (two are included). (Usually a matter of cleaning and new brushes) New sill plates and new weather stripping installed. Chrome: All chrome is either New Old Stock or replated and is beautiful throughout. There are a few spots here and there so the chrome is not flawless but, it is in excellent condition overall. Summary: This Speedster is a show winner and always draws huge crowds at car shows because of its striking appearance, uniqueness, and condition. Additionally, they are highly sought after vehicles. As an example, please click on the auction link below and note that this Speedster is not as detailed under the hood, etc. as the Speedster being offered today. Even so, the reserve of the vehicle being offered here is much lower than the selling price of this $ 55,000 Speedster at the link. Auction History of the Speedster model: In 1954, Studebaker decided to build a special Sports car with room for five adults to compete with the Big Three. In the fall, Studebaker built 14 special show car President Hardtops with many special features. These original show cars, planned for exhibition only, generated so much interest they were put into limited production. The production cars included every original part/feature of the factory built show cars resulting in a stunning and rare limited production automobile built during one year only, 1955. Special features include: Diamond pleated leather upholstery Full instrumentation with engine-turned metal dash face/160 mph speedometer/8,000 rpm tachometer High performance V8. Power steering/Power brakes/Dual exhaust Wire wheel covers/Fog lights/bumperettes/Dual back up lights More and bigger pictures here (3 pages) Any questions ? E-Mail Ph 724-612-6404 Just some examples of my 100% positive feedback on car sales. Good car......as described in ad......'goldenhawk' helpful and easy to work with Nice R2 Hawk! It's great to start with a rust free car! Thank you :) WOW! THIS CAR IS E-V-E-R-Y-T-H--I-N-G to me. STUDEPENDOUS! Thanks!!! honest and responsive, car exactly as described, integrity on ebay, excellent!!! Just like what was listed very pleased great photos easy to deal with. AWESOME car!! Everything he said it was. HONEST car guy AAAAA+++++++ car was described accurately, got money's worth. AAA+++ Perfect transaction -- car exactly as advertised Honest and reliable car was as adv. very helpful in every way. would do business again car is as advertised-Very honest person to deal with-will use again-THANK YOU Car was exactly as described; fully satisfied; A+ Car accurately represented, outstanding service, a credit to the hobby and ebay. Car was as advertised and more. Just what I needed. Great communications. Pleasure to do business with. A beautiful car. Thanks. great to deal with, car was exactly as described in ad. square dealer!! Car as described :) Happy with purchase... recommend Seller !! Great transaction on a great car. A pleasant purchasing experience, A ++ Great Seller. Great little car. Thanks a bunch. A+++++ Great little car, excellent communication, very ethical seller, Thanks John! Perfect transaction -- car exactly as advertised Honest and reliable Nice '63 Avanti - as advertised - smooth transaction - THANKS !! U R a great asset to we ebay car nuts. Thanks John We're thrilled. YUP !!!! Nice car. Well worth the investment. car was as represented . A plus Car exactly as described. Great seller--highly recommended! Very helpful! car was as adv. very helpful in every way. would do business again