40k-Mile One-Family-Owned 1956 Studebaker President Classic

Description

Raleigh Classic Car Auctions have built a pristine reputation over 26 years of live auctions, as the go-to for the best-of-the-best offerings for car collectors and enthusiasts. Regionally trusted and nationally recognized, Raleigh Classic Car Auctions continues to find low-mile, original examples with documentation annually. The October Special is an offering of 28 premium quality, low-mile and desirable, domestic lots from three private estates. All vehicles are available for in-person inspection at The Raleigh Classic Showroom in Zebulon, NC; 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday: 10/28/25 - 11/12/25 or by appointment.

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The 1956 Studebaker President Classic represented the pinnacle of Studebaker’s lineup, combining distinctive design, advanced engineering, and premium appointments. Introduced with the slogan “Craftsmanship with Flair,” the President Classic exemplified the independent automaker’s ambition to produce refined, technically sophisticated automobiles during an era of growing competition from Detroit’s major manufacturers.

Restyled under designer Duncan McRae, the 1956 President featured squared-off body lines, hooded headlamps, subtle tailfins, and tasteful chrome detailing. Two-tone paint treatments accentuated the model’s proportions, while the innovative “Cyclops Eye” speedometer—a rotating drum viewed through a magnifying lens—defined the instrument panel. Built in limited numbers, just 8,507 President Classic sedans were produced for the 1956 model year, making surviving examples rare today.

According to the seller, “this 1956 Studebaker President Classic is a one-family-owned example showing 40,478 miles on the odometer. Purchased new from Hecker Motor Sales in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 15, 1956, by Miss Marion Miller, it has remained in her family since new.” The car is finished in its factory-correct Midnight Black exterior over a President-grade black-and-white interior, featuring dark patterned cloth inserts with white vinyl bolsters and piping—a combination documented in Studebaker’s 1956 Trim Album.

Power comes from Studebaker’s original Sweepstakes 289ci V8 engine paired with a Flight-O-Matic automatic transmission. Factory equipment includes power steering, power brakes, and a push-button AM radio. According to the seller, approximately 90 percent of the exterior paint remains original, along with the interior materials, headliner, carpeting, and door panels. The car retains its original chrome trim, badging, and factory brightwork.

According to the seller, the sale includes “original sales paperwork, dealer materials, and ownership documentation dating back to 1956, providing a complete record of provenance. This example represents the flagship of Studebaker’s 1950s design language—a luxury sedan that blended performance and craftsmanship in the final years of the company’s independent production.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection

• 40,478 miles indicated

  • Based on the seller's thorough assessment, known history, and accompanying documentation, the odometer reading of this Studebaker is believed to be correct

• One-family-owned example purchased new in Altoona, Pennsylvania (December 1956), according to seller

• Finished in factory Midnight Black (Code 11/47) exterior

• President-grade black patterned cloth and white vinyl interior (1956 Trim Album combination)

• Powered by original 289ci Sweepstakes V8 rated at 210 horsepower

• Flight-O-Matic automatic transmission

• Factory power steering and power brakes

• Approximately 90% original exterior paint, according to seller

• Original interior, headliner, carpeting, and trim retained, according to seller

• Produced during final years of Studebaker’s independent design era

• Cowl tag shows code “Y6” indicating this Studebaker President is the “Classic Sedan, 4-door, with long wheel base”

Features

• Independent front suspension with coil springs

• Hydraulic drum brakes

• Power-assisted steering and braking system

• Studebaker “Cyclops Eye” rotating speedometer

• AM push-button radio

• Fender-mounted mirrors and factory Studebaker badging

• Front and rear bench seats in cloth and vinyl combination

• Factory headliner and loop-pile carpeting

• Full instrumentation with bright aluminum dash trim

• Steel wheels with polished hubcaps and whitewall tires

Known Imperfections

• As with any vintage vehicle, some imperfections may be present. Interested parties are encouraged to review the photo gallery and contact the seller with any questions

Included Items

• Original sales invoice from Hecker Motor Sales (Altoona, PA)

• Dealer ephemera and service materials

• Ownership documentation and maintenance records

• Spare wheel and jack assembly

Ownership History

This 1956 Studebaker President Classic is offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection with a clean Pennsylvania title. According to the seller “this Studebaker President Classic has been in the care of the same private dealer collection owner for the past 19 years.