Saleofcar.com :Studebaker

Studebaker Commander Starlight (1950)
for sale

Price: US $5,000.00

Description:

1950 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe
Commander Big 6 Engine, Overdrive, Heater, Radio
When you think of 1950 Studebaker you think of designers like Raymond Lowey, Virgil Exner and Bob Bourke whom all designed various Studebakers. Bob Bourke’s all new “bullet-nose” design was brought to the Commander in 1950. If you look at a P38 Aircraft and then look at a 1950 Studebaker, you can see how the P38 influenced the design of the 1950 Studebaker. If you look at the rear of the car you can see the resemblence to an airplace cockpit. These cars were often referenced as not knowing which way it is going as the rear design could almost be the front of the car. In 1950, an all-new independent coil front suspension replaced the prior transverse leaf spring front independent set-up used by Studebaker. .
The 1950 Studebaker Commander is powered by a six-cylinder L-head engine that produced just over 100 horsepower. It sat on a 120 inch wheelbase which provided ample interior space for the 5 passengers In 1950 Studebaker had two models, the Champion and the Commander. The Commander was the top of the line and had a longer sleaker stream lined front end which not only added a nicer look to the bullet nose but also provided a better ride for the passengers. The 1950 Commander Starlight is one of the most sought after post-war cars Studebaker made. There were 72, 560 1950 Commanders built as compared to 270, 604 1950 Champion models. The Commander Starlight weighs 3220 pounds while the Champion Starlight weighs 2715 pounds, This additional weight helped inprove the ride. Additionally the Commander had 100 horsepower in its engine and the champion only had 85 HP. There were only 7375 Regal DeLuxe Starlight Commanders in 1950 thus there are not a lot of them still around today. .
My friend bought this car new. He then traded it in on a 1955 Studebaker Coupe, Around 1960 he repurchased this from the fellow he sold it to with the intent of doing a restoration when he retired. Time slipped away and this car set in his dry garage until a couple years ago, This car had not been ran during this time but he did an excellent job of preparing this car for storage. My friend had accumulated 3 Commander Starlights. As I only want to keep one of the three, I decided that I would make this one drivable once again and then offer it for sale. .
You could almost refer to it as a barn find!. Let me show you a picture to end the suspence.
PICTURE 1 >
I bet I now have your interest!
After over a 50 year rest, this car is back to life. There is new original color paint, new interior, an engine rebuild, and renewal of other items as needed. .
Lets start with the engine. As the car has 102, 000 miles on it, the motor which was still free was tired. It was bored .030 with new pistons, rings, main bearings, cam bearings, rod bearings, valves, valve guides, cam timing gear, etc. The coolant distribution tube was actually still good which indicates that this car was prepared well for long term storage. The distribution tube helps cool the rear of the engine and these are often bad, They are very hard to find. This one is brass. I replaced the fuel pump, water pump, spark plugs and wires, hoses, tune up type items, and rebuilt the carburetor. The exhaust system was also replaced.
The braking system was renewed as the wheel cylinders, master cylinder, hoses etc all needed some attention. It was upgraded to silicone or DOT 5 brake fluid so that the braking system would not clot due to inactivity. The shoes were also replaced and the brake drums were turned.
The clutch disc and pressure place along with throw out bearing were also replaced. The u-joints were also replaced at this time. The steering is tight! Many other small parts such as motor mounts, bushings etc which tend to deteriorate with age were also replaced. All four fenders have been removed and new rubbers and fender welt were installed. When the rear fenders were removed the inner fenders were cancer free and were painted so they would last many more years. The inner fenders are often rusted out. The rear fenders had some rust behind the gravel guards which was removed. I am fortunate to have a lot of NOS Studebaker parts and replaced items as needed and did not document every item replaced.
Lets look at some pictures of the outside . .. ...
PICTURE 2
PICTURE 3
_{update: 2015-05-25}