Saleofcar.com :Studebaker

Studebaker President Speedster (1955)
for sale

Price: US $8,100.00

Description:

Auction is for a 1955 Studebaker President Speedster. It was produced one year only – 2, 215 units. Car was purchased about seven years ago from an elderly gentleman in the Studebaker Driver’s Club who lived in Los Angeles. The build sheet from the Studebaker archives, indicates that the car was originally shipped to Salinas, KS. The build sheet also indicates that this is a numbers-matching vehicle with the original engine. The previous owner stated that the car had a paint job several years before, repainting it original Pimlico Gray and Shasta White colors and the paint still shows very well.

After acquiring the car, I set out to making mechanical improvements because I firmly believe these cars should be driven and enjoyed. This began with a complete overhaul of the front-end suspension. I could have gotten by with it the way it was, but I like nice tight steering and handling. The car is equipped with original factory power steering.
I was not at all happy with the braking power of the car. I converted it to front power disc brakes and have been immensely satisfied with the braking power of this car now; it drives like an entirely different vehicle. A new master cylinder and brake booster was also installed. When the brakes were converted I had to go to different more modern rims to accommodate the disk brake conversion. New Diamondback radial wide wall tires were also fitted, which greatly improve the ride. The original Studebaker wire wheel hubcaps were retained.

I drove this car that way for about four years and then I took it on a long trip from Beaufort, South Carolina to New Orleans, Louisiana, at which time it developed engine problems. I looked at this opportunity to improve the car. I had the original numbers-matching engine rebuilt professional. At that same time the cylinder heads were converted to run unleaded fuel. All new stainless steel valves, valve seats and new valve guides were installed. The engine rebuild also included a new old stock (NOS) correct crankshaft for this engine.
I was also never impressed with the Borg-Warner (Detroit Gear) three-speed transmission that came in it, so to improve the performance and fuel efficiency I decided to convert the transmission to a GM 700r four-speed overdrive. The transmission was completely rebuilt including a new torque converter. This gives the car a much deeper first gear and of course overdrive on the top end, making highway cruising very pleasant and fuel-efficient.
At that same time I decided to go all the way with a 12-volt conversion – all new wiring, electronic ignition, completely rebuilt carburetor, one wire alternator, new battery and new exhaust. In other words, this car has been transformed into an excellent, dependable, modern-performing car, that can go anywhere without concern. A 12 volt back up electric fuel pump has also been installed.
In making these modifications, I did not want to change the essence of the car, nothing was “hacked” with these improvements to where the car could not be taken back to it’s original state, if anyone ever desired to do so, but, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to, with the way it handles now.
Cosmetically, the car shows very well – it is entirely rust free. The paint looks very good; there are a few chips here and there. The chrome shows very well; there are 2 spots on the front bumper, approximately one-inch long where the chrome has fractured. (I tried to point this out in one of the pictures.) The front fog light has a bend in it and a scrape; apparently someone hit a pole at some point. I have been looking for a left-sided fog light to replace it, it is hardly noticeable; only you will notice it because you’ll know it’s there. Comes with the original jack.
The interior is original; it shows signs of wear, particularly on the driver’s front seat, but there are no breaks or tears and no disruption of the seams. The front dash is original; all new gauges – which work. The radio and tach do not. Because of the change in transmission, we had to change the gears for the speedometer; it comes really close, maybe 2-3 mph off. We also had to change the indicator for the transmission shift; we put a GM plate, which comes pretty close, maybe ½ notch off. This is the closest my mechanic could get it and it performs well; there is no confusion. I had the front fender spear fin replated in gold about five years ago; obviously this was costly. The car has never tasted one drop of ethanol fuel, since the engine rebuild. I do not use ethanol fuel in any of my collectable vehicles.
This car is excellent driver quality, which shows very well. I am not in the auto speculation business, I do not “flip” cars, I am a private collector. However, there has been a sharp increase in the popularity and value of these cars in the last few years. I am moving on because I have other projects; I have taken this car as far as I want to in its improvements and I am offering it for someone to enjoy. You are invited to have the car personally or professional inspected. The car has a clear title included in the sale. There also are the build sheet and manuals that I have for it, along with service manuals.
The car is located in Beaufort, South Carolina. If you would like to arrange an inspection please contact me through ebay and I will provide you with my phone number and contact details. Winning bidder can fly in, I'll pick you up at the local airport and car can be driven home anywhere with confidence.
Your bid is a LEGAL BINDING CONTRACT if you don't plan on buying this car please do not bid.
Vehicle is sold as is, where is, no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied.

Seller reserves the right to cancel bids made by users with negative or 0 feedback.
Seller reserves the right to end auction early for an outside sale.
Buyer is responsible for securing necessary plates to transport.
Seller will assist with delivery of vehicle.
PAYMENT: PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND BEFORE BIDDING

$500 nonrefundable deposit required within 2 days of end of auction. Can pay through paypal or send casher's check or money order. No personal checks.
Total balance due within 10 days after end of auction or deposit will be forfeited and car relisted. Balance can not be paid through paypal. Bank transfer available.
If you wish to pay by bank check it must be received 10 business days prior to pick up or cash is required when car is picked up.
Buyer must arrange for pickup or delivery within 2 weeks of auction end.
Any questions or for more information please email me through ebay. Please, questions concerning reserve will not be answered in order to be fair to all bidders. Car is priced fair based on similar vehicles on ebay.


_{update: 2015-08-18}