Saleofcar.com :Studebaker

Studebaker (1950)
for sale

Price: US $2,450.00

Description:

This is a 1950 bullet nose Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe. This car needs restoration and an engine, but otherwise it's mostly complete and everything is original. Even the paint is original. It has been in California all of its life and has no under carriage rust or damage. This car is straight and has never been in an accident. The full size Commander was produced in much lower quantity than Champion models, and the Starlight Coupe wrap around roof is even more rare and desirable. This is arguably the most classic bullet nose model made.
This car was built in Studebaker's Southern California plant and lived in the Los Angeles area. The car was driven locally by the original owner who always maintained and garaged it. It was serviced at Frost and French, the last Studebaker dealer in Los Angeles. In about 1973 the original owner's son obtained the car when it had 85, 000 miles and drove it occasionally before I bought it from him.
When I bought the car in 1975 it had about 86, 500 miles, and I drove it as a hobby car. The car remained garaged and driven regularly in the Los Angeles area for 2 or 3 years. Around 1977 I discovered the head gasket was failing so I stopped driving the car. I was still in college at the time and couldn't afford to pay for a mechanic to fix it, so I garaged the car and attempted to fix it myself with the help of friends. The mileage at this time was 99552.
I had a partner who had better connections for access to tools and knowledge for getting the engine repaired. The partner eventually talked me into removing the engine to have it rebuilt while the car remained garaged. Due to a lack of funds, the engine rebuild was delayed and I moved to Central California. In 1984 I had to move the car, so I had it transported to my location in Central California. It remained garaged until approximately 1995. Since then it has been mostly uncovered and exposed to the elements, hence the surface rust (previously there was none) and general deterioration of the interior, tires, etc.
My friend never completed rebuilding the engine which was eventually lost. I ended up with the complete car minus the engine. It had been over 30 years since the car was last licensed, so registration records lapsed and were no longer in the DMV database. I recently had the California Highway Patrol physically inspect this car and verify its VIN number and exact mileage, and I now have a clean title/pink slip.
This car originally had the large Studebaker in line six cylinder engine and has an original Borg Warner 2 speed automatic hill-holder transmission. To be clear, it no longer has an engine. The transmission is present and was working fine when the engine was removed, but now years later its condition is unknown. The tires are disintegrating due to age, but otherwise the car is in good rolling condition. Some of the glass has been broken by kids with bb guns (both of the flat roll-down windows in the doors, one flat wind wing, the tail lights and one of the front turn signals). Fortunately all of the rear curved or non-flat pieces are fine, and the broken glass is relatively replaceable. Spare/replacement tail light covers and the front turn signal cover are readily available.
I always dreamed of restoring this so I could drive around and blow a few minds again;-) This car has ALWAYS gotten attention. I have some photos of me with the car from the seventies when I used to drive it around the LA area. I'm sure the new owner will turn quite a few heads when this Starlight Coupe gets back on the road. This is a great opportunity to restore an incredible and special project car. Happy bidding!
It's the buyer's responsibility to have the car picked up at its location about an hour from Fresno, CA. If you don't have the ability to transport it, or if you're buying it from far away, I'm happy to assist in helping with arrangements for moving the car via another party, but this is ultimately the buyer's responsibility. I'm prepared to help the buyer locate a reliable and reputable transport service and I'd be willing to see that the car is properly prepared and loaded when it is picked up. I will even help with making arrangements to ship this overseas. I have no interest in profiting from moving the car and I just want to help the new owner receive it with the least expense. I'm conscientious and have excellent feedback, and want the buyer to be happy with this transaction.
The tires have been damaged and probably won't hold air although the car does roll and I believe it could be pulled onto a trailer/transporter. The car is being sold as is, but I will assist as much as possible if the buyer wants to have better tires on the car before taking it. I have limited time, tools and ability for doing this sort of work, but I'm confident I can find a local mechanic/motor head who would probably work/help inexpensively.
I must receive payment within 10 days of close of auction but do have a little bit of flexibility as far as pick up time is concerned and would be willing to extend pickup time a bit. However I must receive a deposit via paypal withing 48 hours and full payment within 10 days of close of auction, and before the car is actually picked up. Over the 16 years I've been on eBay I have perfect feedback, so bid with confidence. I will accommodate the buyer as much as possible and I want the buyer to be happy with their purchase. Please email me with your questions and concerns, or email your phone number if you would prefer to talk with me directly. Thanks, and happy bidding!

_{update: 2015-06-05}