This Studebaker Commander got away, but there are more like it here.

Modified 1953 Studebaker Commander Coupe

Bid to $26,000 on 8/30/23

Modified 1953 Studebaker Commander Coupe

This 1953 Studebaker Commander coupe was acquired by the seller’s late father in 1995 and subsequently modified with work that involved reinforcing the frame, fabricating a tubular front end, replacing the floors, refinishing the car in green over cream and tan leather upholstery, and installing a 350ci V8 mated to a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear axle with 3.70:1 gearing. Additional equipment includes an Edelbrock carburetor, Mustang II independent front suspension, front coilovers, American Racing 15″ wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, dual exhaust, frenched headlights and taillights, remote door openers, a mesh grille, power windows, a Lokar gear selector, AutoMeter gauges, Vintage Air climate control, and a stereo. This modified Commander is now offered by the seller on behalf of their family trust with records from current ownership, wiring diagrams, spare parts, a car cover, and a clean California title in the name of the family trust.

The floor panels were replaced, the headlights and taillights were frenched, and the body was refinished in metallic green using two-stage paint under current ownership. Exterior features include 1939 Ford–style headlamps, chrome bumpers, a wraparound back window, a mesh grille insert, dual side mirrors, and dual exhaust outlets. The door handles have been shaved, and the doors open using poppers actuated by a remote key fob. Windshield wipers are not fitted, although a kit to install that equipment will accompany the vehicle.

American Racing 15″ five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 225/65 front tires and 255/70 rear rubber; three tires are Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s, and one is a Cooper Cobra Radial G/T. Equipment includes Mustang II independent front suspension components, adjustable front coilovers, Air Ride suspension, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with a Chevrolet booster and proportioning valve.

The front bucket seats and rear bench are upholstered in cream and tan leather, which stretches to the door panels and the center console. The dashboard is painted to match the body, and interior equipment includes power windows, Vintage Air climate control, cupholders, Studebaker-branded rubber floor mats, a one-piece headliner, a Lokar gear selector, lap belts for four occupants, an analog clock, and an aftermarket stereo wired to Alpine speakers. The seller notes that the seatbelts do not extend easily.

A three-spoke Flaming River steering wheel fronts AutoMeter instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer and readouts for voltage, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and fuel level. The digital odometer shows that 800 miles have been added since the build was completed. Total chassis mileage is unknown.

The trunk opens with an electric actuator to reveal the fuel filler, the battery, a Rockford Fosgate amplifier, a storage compartment, and a fire extinguisher.

The replacement 350ci Chevrolet V8 is mounted within a custom-fabricated tubular front end. Equipment includes an MSD ignition system, 8mm Taylor ignition wires, finned valve covers, Hedman exhaust headers, an aluminum radiator assisted by dual electric fans, an Edelbrock accessory-drive kit, and a Holley intake manifold with twin air-filter elements. The Edelbrock carburetor was installed in November 2022 and the thermostat was modified to remain open. The seller notes that the hood is heavy and requires the rod shown in photos to stay open, and the hood latch is in need of replacement.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a body-color Ford 9″ rear axle housing a 3.70:1 differential. A transmission cooler is installed behind the radiator, and a transmission-level dipstick is mounted on the firewall. The frame is said to have been boxed, reinforced, sandblasted, and powdercoated during the refurbishment.

The California title is noted to be a duplicate document.

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Auction Result

High Bid	USD $26,000 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended	August 30, 2023 at 10:38AM PT
Bids	38

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712 watchers

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