32-Years-Owned 1955 Studebaker President Speedster Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1955 Studebaker President Speedster was a stylish limited-edition model that marked Studebaker’s attempt to reassert itself in the competitive American automotive market. Introduced as a halo car, the Speedster was based on the top-tier President series and featured a dramatic design that stood out with its two-tone paint schemes and liberal use of chrome. 

The Speedster came fully loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, power steering, power brakes, and a unique 160 mph speedometer. Under the hood, it housed a 259ci V8 engine producing 185 horsepower, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.  

The car’s styling and upscale appointments were aimed at competing with the likes of the Ford Thunderbird and Chrysler 300. Though it didn’t revive Studebaker’s fortunes, the President Speedster remains a symbol of the company’s creativity and ambition during the mid-1950s.  

This 1955 Studebaker President Speedster is one of 2,215 units produced and is a non-running project. The car was acquired by the seller in 1993 from the reported first owner. The body wears a two-tone Coraltone and Pimlico Gray finish, and seating surfaces upholstered in Congo Ivory leather feature quilted stitching that extends to the contrasting door panels.   

This Studebaker project is now offered at no reserve with owner's manuals, some spare parts, and a clean Washington state title in the seller’s name.

Factory Equipment 

• 259ci “Passmaster” V8 

• Three-speed automatic transmission  

• Coraltone and Pimlico Gray paint 

• Quilted Congo Ivory top grain leather upholstery 

• Chrome-finished and bright trim 

• Tinted glass 

• Front bumperettes with integrated fog lights 

• Power-assisted steering and brakes  

• 15” steel wheels 

• Engine-turned dashboard trim 

• Studebaker-branded radio 

Servicing  

• 2021: Replacement carburetor installed 

Known Imperfections  

• Non-running project 

• Imperfections in the finish include bubbling paint 

• Chrome-finished trim shows pitting and rust 

• Rust visible on the wheels, underbody components, and engine bay  

• Upholstery and interior trim show wear  

Ownership History 

The seller acquired this 1955 Studebaker President Speedster in 1993 from the reported first owner, and states the engine last ran approximately ten years ago.

Included Items 

• Removed air cleaner and battery 

• Wheel covers 

• Owner’s manuals