1953 Studebaker Commander

Description

1953 STUDEBAKER STARLINER/COMMANDER

History

The Starlight coupe was a unique 2-door body style offered by Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana from 1947 to 1952 in its Champion and Commander model series.

The car's unique profile provided the Studebaker marque with an easily recognized body shape copied as soon as possible by the other US manufacturers in their 1949 models.

Why This Car Is Special

The most striking feature on the 1953 Studebaker Starliner/Commander we have in stock at Skyway Classics was the extremely long hood-like cover over the luggage compartment of the sedan which was exaggerated on the Starlight. It also has huge wrap-around rear window. Previously cars had tended to shroud back-seat passengers.

Mechanical

While the original car came with only a 231 cubic inch engine with 129 horse, this one benefits from an engine and transmission swap. It now has a much modified 289 cubic inch small block Studebaker solid lifter cam engine with red painted valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, performance carb, polished air cleaner, modified electronics, spark plug wires, distributor, cast iron exhaust manifold, 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, 12 volt electric conversion, and more.

Spent gasses are sent to the rear via a true dual exhaust system and turbo type mufflers. The updated suspension rides and handles much better than the original setup on 5-spoke American polished mag wheels and brand new Hanook radial performance tires.

Interior

The custom cloth interior, door panels, liner, and carpet are great looking in tan as well as the factory looking tan and chrome dash that is home to the gauges, radio, and tan steering wheel. The trunk also has tan carpet in it.

Exterior

The 1953 is painted with a slick two-tone paint scheme is in red and white. The body lines are great as is the chrome and trim on the body.

Unlike other pillared two-door sedans that use two side windows separated from the rear window by roof supports, the Stude we have has a roof rounded at the rear with a wraparound window system that provided a panoramic effect, similar to a railroad observation car.

The curved window was achieved with four fixed panels of glass. The roof was supported by two wide pillars immediately behind the doors and in front of the wraparound back window.

Conclusion

The 1953 Studebaker Starliner/Commander we have at Skyway Classics is a great example of a great looking Stude that has been upgraded and modified in to a classic cruiser. It will draw attention where ever you go or wherever you take it to shows or cruises.

So give us a call at 941-254-6608.

You can find this car on our website: https://www.skywayclassics.com/vehicles

We also finance! Check out our financiers: https://www.skywayclassics.com/financ...

Or you can check out our historical write ups of other vehicles on our Skyway Classics Blog: https://www.skywayclassics.com/blog