LOT 94

Offered from the Philip Reed Collection 1923 Studebaker Model EL Series 22 Special Six Touring Engine no. EL44626

Sold for US$29,120 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 94

Offered from the Philip Reed Collection
1923 Studebaker Model EL Series 22 Special Six Touring

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Offered from the Philip Reed Collection
1923 Studebaker Model EL Series 22 Special Six Touring
Engine no. EL44626

288ci L-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
50hp at 2,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
External Contracting Rear Brakes

*Just two owners from new
*Ideal for car tours
*Desirable 'Big-6' Engine
*Sleek double black color scheme

THE STUDEBAKER EL

The Studebaker Wagon Company boasted they were the largest wagon manufacturer in the world. Having made quite a fortune supplying Northern forces during the Civil War, Studebaker first got involved with the new Horseless carriage around the turn of the century supplying bodies to several electric car manufacturers.

The mid-sized Studebaker Six was introduced in 1919 as the Light Six and later became the Special Six. The Special Six cars featured low-slung bodies with smoothly rounded hoods and cowls. The sleek design was further enhanced in 1921 with the addition of the teardrop side lamps built into the windshield frame. This particular Special takes it up a notch with sleek and seldom seen disc wheels. The car has a nice varnished wooden dash housing the essential instruments and switches, and its steering wheel is a quality all wood type. An EL series car, it is powered by the 288ci inline six that was good for 50hp.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Studebaker carries with it the remarkable distinction of having had just two owners in its nearly century long existence. The consigner had known the original owner since his youth and had spent time as a child riding in the car. In 1959, he was given the opportunity to purchase the car and soon after paid $100 for it. Seeing that the vehicle was located in Michigan and the purchaser had relocated to California, the Studebaker was freight railed all the way across the country for the truly hefty fee of $468. When the vehicle was purchased in 1959, it only showed 12,000 miles; whereas the mileage today shows 27,000, it appears to be correct.

Well worth the cost, the car appears today with an inviting level of patina and wear throughout. The body and top show very little signs of abuse and the paint shows with considerable glossiness. The interior upholstery and trim details have all been lightly worn to the point of showing age without any serious damage and makes for a very approachable and usable environment. The interior seating has been redone due to age, with the side curtains, and steering wheel remaining original. In 1980, this vehicle was driven from California to Michigan and back with no major issues.

This is a wonderful opportunity to become the third owner of spectacular vintage motorcar and should not be passed on.

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