Skip to main content

LOT 81

1955 Studebaker President Speedster Chassis no. 7168717

Sold for US$50,400 inc. premium
Lot 81

1955 Studebaker President Speedster

1955 Studebaker President Speedster
Chassis no. 7168717


259ci OHV "Passmaster" V8 Engine
Single Carter Downdraft Carburetor
185bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Borg-Warner DG250 Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Studebaker's flamboyant high-performance flagship
*One of just 2,215 President Speedsters produced
*A one-year only model


THE CAR OFFERED

Studebaker's post-WW II years were particularly vibrant, with the company being "First by Far with a Postwar Car" in 1949. The President Speedster arrived in 1955 – a gorgeous Grand Touring "halo" model based on the beautiful Loewy-Bourke coupe signaling Studebaker's move into the growing "Personal Luxury" market, along with the Corvette, Chrysler 300, and Thunderbird. Speedster amenities were numerous, including "Shoemaker-stitched," diamond-pleated upholstery in top-grain leather, plus front and rear carpeting, eight-tube pushbutton AM radio, and engine-turned instrument panel housing a full complement of Stewart-Warner dials. With base pricing at $3,253, the President Speedster was Studebaker's most expensive model, and production was limited to 2,215 examples for 1955 only.

This outstanding 1955 President Speedster has been with one devoted custodian for the past 27 years, whose advancing age and regrettable loss of convenient storage force its sale. 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 father's 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 himself, except the paintwork, beautifully executed in its rare original tri-tone color scheme of Conestoga White roof, Pimlico Grey Metallic upper surfaces, and Coral body sides – a particularly fetching combination. The current owner had full-body paint protection film (PPF) applied to ensure the paint stays as beautiful as ever.

The rear seat leather and headliner are superb originals, while the current owner recent fitted correct diamond-stitched leather front seat upholstery. Studebaker's 259 Passmaster V8 is a gem of an engine, and is reportedly on-song, ensuring the car is a joy to drive, cruising effortlessly at above-legal speeds. Obviously cherished by its passionate caretaker for nearly three decades, this marvelous Studebaker is a rare and stylish alternative to its more commonplace competitors.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 23 January 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
  • 24 January 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
  • 25 January 2024, 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Bid now on these items

1976 Rolls Royce Corniche
France
Coming soon

1976 Rolls Royce Corniche

€50,000 - €70,000
1935 Jaguar SS 2.5 Saloon
France
Coming soon

1935 Jaguar SS 2.5 Saloon

€40,000 - €60,000
1987 Saab 900 Turbo Cabriolet
Denmark

1987 Saab 900 Turbo Cabriolet

DKK275,000 - DKK350,000
1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer
United KingdomOffered without reserve

1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer

£40,000 - £60,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1902 Progress 9hp Two-Seat Open Tourer
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1902 Progress 9hp Two-Seat Open Tourer

£35,000 - £45,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1905 Rover 8hp Two/Four Seat Open Tourer
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1905 Rover 8hp Two/Four Seat Open Tourer

£25,000 - £35,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1903 Baker Electric Two-Seat Runabout
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1903 Baker Electric Two-Seat Runabout

£35,000 - £45,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1903 Swift 6hp Three-Seater
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1903 Swift 6hp Three-Seater

£35,000 - £45,000