1955 Studebaker President Speedster

The highly original 1955 Studebaker President State Speedster is one of 2,215 two-door hardtop coupes produced for the year and shows a reported 59,000 miles. Power comes from a 259ci V8 with 185 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to an automatic transmission. Equipment includes choice of Studebaker Automatic Drive or overdrive transmissions, power steering, power brakes, power front seat adjustment, a six or optional eight-tube push-button radio, tailpipe extensions, and fog-light within the bumperettes. Considered Studebaker's halo model for the 1955 season and the top-of-the-line for the years revived President series, this show quality coupe is located in Torrance, California, and is offered with a clear title in the seller's name.

Designed as a marketing strategy revival of the President during that time, the Studebaker Speedster hardtop coupe was an automobile produced by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana during the 1955 model year. The Studebaker Corporation heavily restyled its models to incorporate a larger front bumper and a massive chrome grille more in keeping with American cars of the era. Finished in Velvet Black with chrome accent striping along the sides and rear quarter panel, the exterior features a hood-length ornament, stainless roof band, tinted glass, Speedster nameplates and checkered emblems, dual backup lamps, and tailpipe extensions. The seller reports the bodywork to be free of any notable rust.

Steel wheels with simulated wire wheel covers and hubcaps are wrapped in wide tubeless whitewall tires.

The interior is trimmed with Ivory Shoemaker-stitched quilted leather front bucket and rear bench seating with an armrest and matching door panels with a map pocket. The carpets and all the seats have been restored and equipment includes a new headliner, dual sun visors, rearview mirror, a machine-turned instrument panel, padded vinyl dashboard top, 'Starline' 6 tube or optional 8 tube radio, heater, two-speed electric wipers, cigarette lighter, chrome-plated ashtrays, and electric clock. According to the seller, the trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are solid and rust-free.

Instrumentation is framed by a deluxe steering wheel and consists of a Stewart-Warner 160 mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, a voltmeter, and gauges for the fuel level, temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 59k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

Power is sent to the rear wheels by a 4-barrel carbureted 259ci V8 through a column-shifted automatic transmission which was factory rated at 185hp. The engine is dressed in black with blue and gold valve cover and the seller reports that the car is extremely strong and powerful and runs without known issues. A smog test was done in 2021. 

The condition of the underside can be viewed above, and additional photos of the car have been made available in the gallery.