Midcentury Modern: 1955 Studebaker President – Sold?

September 30, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

September 15, 2021 Update – The private seller just lowered their asking price by one thousand dollars from $17,500 to $16,500.

In our humble opinion, most other mid-1950s cars look downright dowdy when parked next to a Studebaker President two-door hardtop roofline such as this driver-quality 1955 Stateman example originally listed in August 2021 on Craigslist in Manchester, Vermont.  Offered at $17,500 currently, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their President priced between this guide’s #3 Good estimate of $15,100 and its #2 “Excellent” estimate of $22,300.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $16,900 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $27,675.

The Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool provides a nice summary of these top-of-the-line Studebakers:

Following Packard’s acquisition of Studebaker in 1954, the President line was added as a new top-of-the-line model for Studebaker, slightly closing the gap between the Studebaker line and the Packard’s mid-priced Clippers. This name had last been used in 1942 for the eight-cylinder Studebakers, which did not return to production after WWII. The President was an excellent addition to the economy Champion and mid-priced Commander lines, and helped Studebaker round out its product lineup.

Studebaker’s 1955 cars most prominently featured a large chrome grille. Under the hood, a 259-cid V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts provided the car with 185 hp. The new “Passmaster” V-8 was well named, and was available with overdrive transmission or Studebaker Automatic Drive.”

This 1955 Studebaker-produced video featured on the Mac’s Motor City Garage YouTube Channel promotes the brand as the “Safest Cars in America” for 1955 as judged by Car Life magazine at the time:

This driver-quality Studenaker features an older repaint that the seller shows some wear. With a fresh set of brakes and a reduced asking price, this President Statesman represents one of the better values in Midcentury Modern vintage car ownership.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Our Studebaker President is a great example of mid-fifties styling. Two-tone paint, lots of chrome, and sleek lines. A real head turner!

The repaint is correct to the original color and appears to have been refreshed 20+ years ago. There are minor flaws to the paint (see pic). The chrome is very good. The Interior and tires are good. The engine runs very strong. Our car runs fine and the brakes have just been redone.

The car has had very little use and needs to be driven. We have recently had her out for a 10+ mile run and will to continue to exercise her. True mileage unknown.

Studebaker’s 1955 cars most prominently featured a large chrome grille. Under the hood, a 259-cid V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts provided the car with 185 hp. The new “Passmaster” V-8 was well named, and was available with overdrive transmission or Studebaker Automatic Drive.

NADA Average Retail $23,100. A very solid #3/4 car. Sold on Vermont Bill of Sale. Phone calls only. Thanks.

Reduced to $17,500 for quick sale.“

Show or go: what would you do with this driver-quality Studebaker President?  Comment below and let us know!