Basic information and history

The Studebaker Commander model year 1955 belongs to a generation that bears clear traces of Raymond Loewy's design studio, with the low, sprightly lines introduced in 1953 and the heavily reworked front with a large chrome grille that arrived for the 1955 model year. That same year the Commander received a new 259-cubic-inch V8, equivalent to around 4.2 litres, which replaced the earlier 232-cubic-inch unit and gave the model a considerably more convincing performance profile. The two-door body style is today regarded as one of the more sought-after variants, not least thanks to its proportions and the period-typical American chrome work.

This 1955 Studebaker Commander 2dr has been imported to Sweden from Finland and is being sold by a private individual. The odometer reads 99,182 km, which cannot, however, be guaranteed by the seller. The car is not in original condition, as the engine, according to the seller, has probably been rebuilt and tuned in Finland. There is no loan on the vehicle and no deductible VAT.

Equipment and options

• V8 259 cubic inches
• Automatic transmission
• Fully reupholstered interior, carried out in Finland
• Original wheels included
• Original air cleaner included
• Chrome trim included
• New emblems included
• New lens glass included

The engine is the original 259-cubic-inch V8, but it is stated to have been rebuilt and tuned in Finland by Pekka Polvinen, and the output is claimed to be around 270 hp. The interior has been fully reupholstered, work that was carried out in Finland at a cost of over SEK 60,000 according to the seller. Wheels, tyres and brakes are new. In addition, original wheels, an original air cleaner, chrome trim, and a number of new emblems and lens glass are included.

Condition

The body is in good condition according to the seller, as are the windows. The paint, however, has some issues: the clear coat has lifted on the front fenders, which according to the seller are made of plastic, and there is also minor damage there. The rear fenders have rust spots.

The interior has been fully reupholstered and is described as being in excellent condition. The headliner is also assessed to be in excellent condition, while the dashboard is stated to be in good condition. All seat belts work.

Tyres and wheels are new and assessed to be in good condition.

The engine is described as being in good condition and is said to start and run flawlessly. The automatic transmission is stated to work very well and shifts flawlessly, and the rear axle is, according to the seller, free from unusual noises. The brakes are new and described as being in excellent condition. The dashboard is free of warning lights and all exterior lighting works. As for the electrics, the fuel gauge is not working. The car is drivable as it stands and has passed inspection.

Service history

The vehicle does not have a full service history and there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate its service history. The car last passed inspection on 3 October 2024 and is approved.

Summary

A two-door Studebaker Commander from 1955 with the period-typical Loewy-inspired shape and a 259-cubic-inch V8 that, according to the seller, has been rebuilt and tuned in Finland. The car has recently been reupholstered inside, has new wheels, tyres and brakes, and has passed inspection. The paint has shortcomings in the form of clear-coat lifting and rust spots, and the fuel gauge is not working, giving the next owner a few points to address, while original wheels, an original air cleaner and some new spare parts are included.