1955 Studebaker Commander

2 dr. Hardtop

259

Automatic

Clear

This is a genuine southern California '55 Studebaker Commander with the very desirable hardtop body. I looked for a solid '55 hardtop for 5 years before I found this car. This is a solid, true survivor: it's a California car and the previous owner told me it has been registered ever since it was new - and it's still currently licensed and registered. I bought the car and started working on it, but then found a '53 that had most of the things I wanted to do already done. I ain't gettin' any younger, so I bought the '53 -- and now this nice '55 has to go. Whoever buys it will NOT be disappointed: It's a Commander, with V8 engine and 3 spd automatic. It's extremely original and complete; has the factory 6 volt electrical system; stock dash, gauges, seats, brakes, rear end. However, it does need a full restoration: it starts, drives, and stops, but needs an interior, paint, window/door rubber, door latch -- and it has the regular old-car electrical problems: the signals don't work; the one taillight is dim, etc. Mileage listed in the eBay menu is what shows on the odometer, but it's probably 157, 695. The white and gray color on the car looks better in the photos than it does in real life: it's just primer: (I was enjoying the "Speedster" feel it gave the car while I was working on it). The body has small dings here and there (and the hood has been straightened - rather badly - I would replace it), and the surface prep on this primer wasn't perfect - it was just to keep me entertained while I was working on it. Assume you'll have to strip the whole car if you want to start a concours quality paint job. However, most importantly, the car has very little rust: the trunk is perfect (it still has all the factory tar paper and even the factory woven trunk mat which I removed for the photos); the rear floor had minor surface rust - which has been stripped and painted; the lower front fenders are just starting to rust. The front floor boards do have small perforations (so minor they could be fiberglassed if you don't weld). The roof is also perfectly straight and the body fits together very well; the trunk and doors line up much better than on my '53. The glass is good and the stainless is good except for the drivers' side rear lower piece (visible in the side photo). This car would be an easy restoration project; or you could build this into a Speedster clone; or you could use this stronger '55 as the basis for a 53/54 street rod build. Car is in Southern California near Torrance (Lawndale). The reserve is set at $3,000, which is less than it would cost to patch up a rusty car -- buy this one so you can start with a good foundation. If you're local, contact me if you'd like to see the car in person. I know it's late in the year to be buying a project, but this is a rare car in good condition. Get it now; collect parts over the winter; build it this spring. Don't pass this one up -- you'll kick yourself later.