1955 Studebaker President For Sale in St Louis, MO, 2146374662 Tweet

Established in 1852 with roots in wagon manufacture Studebaker ranked among the worlds longest-running automakers through 1966. The companys post-WW II years were particularly vibrant with the company beating the Big Three with the First by Far with a Postwar Car with its redesigned 1947 models styled by future legend Virgil Exner for Raymond Loewy Studios. Sleek and modernistic the new Studebakers struck a chord with buyers and spurred sales to new heights. Studebakers bold new cars drove it to a solid eighth-place sales ranking for 1949 before settling into a steady ninth as the other automakers production levels began catching up with buyer demand and new designs were introduced.Continuing among Americas remaining independent automobile manufacturers Studebaker introduced its own automatic transmission for 1950 developed in conjunction with Borg-Warner. For 1951 Studebaker beat its mid-priced competitors to market with its modern new V-8 engine a sturdy and efficient overhead-valve design that would remain in production for more than a decade. One of Studebakers most attractively styled postwar model lines arrived for 1953 through 1955 styled by Robert Bourke again for Raymond Loewy Associates. Despite its many strengths and fiercely loyal customer base Studebaker merged with Packard in 1955 in the hope that the combined entity would compete against the overwhelming might of the Big Three.Against this backdrop Studebaker developed a new Grand Touring-themed halo model dubbed the Speedster based on the top-echelon President State series with production encouraged by a batch of twenty cars that drew rave reviews on the show circuit. Studebakers move into the growing Personal Luxury market was logical given the emergence of younger and more affluent buyers seeking sportier automobiles plus the presence of the Corvette C-300 and Thunderbird from archrival marques Chevrolet Chrysler and Ford.A special one-year-only model for 1955 the President Speedster was a sleek two-door hardtop coupe on the long 120.5-inch wheelbase chassis. Sophisticated design cues included a dashing C-pillar treatment reminiscent of contemporary designs from Italian design houses including Ghia and Pinin Farina. Ample power came via the 185-horsepower 259 cubic-inch Studebaker V-8 engine with four-barrel carburetion and dual exhaust outlets exclusive to the President. Speedster features and amenities were numerous including Shoemaker-stitched diamond-pleated upholstery in top-grain leather plus front and rear carpeting a map pocket and eight-tube pushbutton AM radio a striking machine-turned instrument panel and full instrumentation including a Stewart-Warner 160 mph speedometer and 8000 rpm tachometer. Other highlights of the fully equipped President Speedster included turn-signal indicators an electric clock tinted glass a cigarette lighter oil filter and oil-bath air cleaner dual backup lamps triple horns two-speed electric wipers tubeless whitewall tires wire-basket wheel covers bumperettes and fog lamps. With base pricing at $3253 the President Speedster was Studebakers most expensive model when new and production was limited to 2215 examples for 1955 only divided between 1795 from South Bend Indiana and 420 from Studebakers Los Angeles assembly plant.This outstanding 1955 President Speedster has been with one devoted custodian for the past 27 years a lifelong Studebaker enthusiast his father was the Studebaker dealer near Bisbee Arizona from post-World War II through the end of production. In January 1955 a new President Speedster in this very color combination sat at his fathers dealership and he vowed to have one someday.That time finally came in 1996 when he acquired this car from Mr. Harold Goepferich of Dallas Center Iowa who was believed to be the second owner. Mr. Goepferich restored the Studebaker in the factory-correct tri-tone color scheme of Conestoga White roof Pimlico Grey Metallic upper surfaces and Coral body sides a particularly fetching combination. The most recent owner had full-body paint protection film (PPF) applied to ensure the paint stays as beautiful as ever. In addition to the standard Speedster features listed above this example adds factory-equipped options including twin side mirrors power brakes and power steering.The Congo Ivory interior presents in excellent condition with restored seats in the correct diamond stitching motif complementing preserved original grey door and interior panels. The original radio remains in place and the fittings and controls all appear to be excellent originals. The spacious and comfortable interior gave the Speedster an advantage over the competition allowing room for five while appealing to the sporting driver with its purposeful race-inspired gauges and engine-turned alloy fascia. The trunk is properly detailed with original tartan mats and spare wheel cover. Appropriately the Speedster is powered by the highly detailed numbers-matchingPassmaster259 cubic-inch V8 engine backed up by an automatic transmission. The engine compartment is tidy and well detailed with the optional oil bath air cleaner and correct decals. The engine runs strong and the car is simply a pleasure to drive.Proudly offered in exceptional condition this exceedingly rare and beautiful 1955 Studebaker President Speedster is a compelling find for collectors and enthusiasts of postwar automotive design icons. Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7680-1955-studebaker-president-speedster/