1952 Studebaker Commander State Convertible Coupe For Sale
1952 Studebaker Commander State Convertible Coupe
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OVERVIEW:This is a nicely restored 1952 Studebaker Commander State Convertible. It was built in South Bend, Indiana, USA, with a final assembly date of 3-20-52. It represents Studebakers’ top-of-the-line model in their 100th anniversary year.
It is model #3H-S2, serial #8245342, body #462, engine #V-155725. One of 1,715 units built, it was the last year for this body styling, and the last year Studebaker would build a convertible until 1960.This model was chosen to be the official pace car for the 1952 Indianapolis 500.
These cars ran on a 115” wheelbase, weighed in at 3,230 lbs., and were powered by a 232 ci. V8 overhead valve engine rated at 120 hp.This car is equipped with the optional overdrive transmission with Hill Holder.
Sold new in Lewiston, PA, it subsequently ended up in Regina, Saskatchewan for several decades before relocating to southern Alberta in 2002, so the majority of its life has been spent in the dry climate of western Canada.The present owner acquired the car in 2009, as a solid car having had a frame-on rotisserie restoration of body and paint in 2004. Mileage at that time was 80,682 and today the odometer reads 89,315 original miles.
Upon acquiring the car he commenced a major restoration of all mechanical components over the next few years, followed by a beautiful reupholstering and new top in 2015.The car runs and drives very nice, cruising comfortably at 60-65 mph.
The car remains as originally equipped with the exception of its color, and the wheels and radial tires, although the original rims have been painted and are included.In addition to a copy of its original build sheet, the owner has compiled an extensive collection of original literature and information which will accompany the car, along with some spare parts.This eye catching convertible is very clean, tidy, and straight, and garners attention where ever it goes.
This listing provides many more details as you scroll thru. Near the end of this listing under Payment Terms you will find a link to a photo album of 180 pics.
DRIVETRAIN:The engine is the original 232.6 ci. overhead valve V8. The number stamped on the block matches the build sheet.It was professionally rebuilt in 2011. After 7,000 miles it remains in very good running condition, sounds good, uses no oil, and does not smoke.The engine and bay are quite clean, tidy, and detailed, showing only the lite soiling of a driven vehicle.
All other mechanical components on and around the engine are as original equipment and in good operating condition. Items either new or rebuilt include the Stromberg 2 bbl. carburetor, distributor, water pump, fuel pump, starter, generator, wiper motor, etc...Belts and hoses in good condition with reliable modern clamps.
The radiator was recored. Unfortunately, a falling shelf in the garage landed on top of the rad and dented the left side of the upper tank, amazingly causing no other damage.NOS Studebaker windshield washer mounted on left inner fender.
The optional 3 speed overdrive transmission shifts as it should, and Commanders came equipped with a Hill Holder. The OD kicks in at 35 mph. It is mated to 4.09:1 rear end gearing.It received new overdrive relay, kick-down switch and speedometer cable, and the Hill Holder was rebuilt in 2009.Clutch rebuilt and flywheel surfaced in 2011.Tranny cleaned, serviced and adjusted with new seals in 2012.
The rear end received new axles, bearings and seals.There are no signs of any significant leaks from the engine, tranny, or diff.
CHASSIS:The chassis black frame is very solid and straight with no signs of rust issues or collision damage, and simply shows the road dirt of its recent miles.The undercarriage and all components appear as correct original equipment and in good condition having been cleaned or blasted and painted semi-gloss black.
Suspension work in 2009 included new front coil springs and all shocks. Rear leaf springs were deemed still serviceable and maintain the car in a proper stance.New kingpins were installed, upper control arm shafts and bushings, and the steering box was overhauled, although today it does display a minor leak.
The complete brake and hand brake systems were rebuilt with all new components including front drums, shoes, master and wheel cylinders, all lines, and park brake cables.A new aluminized exhaust system and gas tank were also installed.A more recent wheel alignment and brake inspection were done in 2017.
The running tires are a matched set of 4 Uniroyal P205/75/R15 whitewall radials with very good tread remaining.They are mounted on chrome reverse wheels with baby moon hubcaps, all in very good condition. This is the only modification from stock, which the owner chose to give it a bit of 50’s custom look.A non-matching radial spare is mounted on an original steel rim. Four more original wheels will go with the car, and all 5 original wheels have been painted.Two used original full wheel disc covers go with the car, but reproductions are available if you choose to put the wheels back to original.
BODY & PAINT:Pictures show the body restoration was done on a rotisserie with body on frame. Although this was a relatively solid car prior to body restoration, it did have some minor rust issues. It appears to have received rockers and a patch at the spare tire well.As body and paint were completed in 2004, any inferior rust repairs would have shown up by now, none have.The body mounts, floor and trunk pans all appear original and very solid, no patchwork evident. Bottoms of doors clean and solid.No signs of any collision damage or repair.
The body and all panels on this car are overall quite straight, with only a couple of minor blemishes if you look for them closely. There is a small dent midway up the right side cowl, and a small crease with a few paint chips at the rear bottom of the left door skin.Hood, trunk lid and doors have nice gaps. Trunk lid hinges replaced in 2013.
Build sheet and photos indicate original color was Sahara Sand. A complete change to an alternate ’52 color, Venice Red, was made at time of restoration, and a single stage paint was chosen for a period correct finish.Although it does not appear to have been polished, the paint is quite nice and smooth with good luster and reflection. It is in overall very good condition and shows very little in the way of scratches or chips from its miles of use since completion, just a few very minor ones here and there.New fender welt between the rear fenders and body.
The previous owner glued monogram plates on both doors just ahead of the mirrors, JRT and MMT. Current owner tried unsuccessfully to remove them with a heat gun, decided to leave them fearing more damage than good.
ELECTRICAL:The car retains original 6-volt positive ground electricals, with battery cut-off switch at the battery. New battery installed in 2015.All new original style wiring harnesses from Rhode Island Wiring Services.All gauges in nice condition and working order, but gas gauge is slightly off and displays a bit less than actual contents.The iridescent coating on the characters has worn off such that they do not reflect and light up as well as they should at night.
Most electrical components are in good working order, except for the cigarette lighter and the clock, which was working but recently stopped. A spare is included.The original push button AM radio was professionally restored and is in good working order. Equipped with the optional internally controlled reel-type cowl antenna, located on the left kick panel.
Equipped with the optional Climatizer heater/defroster, an under seat unit that puts out lots of heat, and the 2-speed defroster has a separate motor.Single speed electric wipers, with optional windshield washer.Glove box and trunk lights
Optional fog lights with correct dash switch, and all exterior lights in working order.Equipped with dual back-up lights and signal lights.All lenses are in good condition, last year for glass tail light lenses.
The dual spotlights are non-functioning dummies, although a real NOS Unity spotlight with internal control is included, missing only the chrome mounting base.
INTERIOR:The complete interior of the car has been professionally re-upholstered in 2015 using quality leatherette and original patterns. The workmanship and fit is beautiful, colors are appropriate, and the seating comfortable.The seat upholstery is very nice, seams and stitching are very straight.Seat belts for 2 front occupants.Rear seat area has twin ashtrays.
Door panels, arm rests, and rear side panels are all very nice, with wonderfully large map pockets stitched onto the door panels.Appropriately matched sun visors with vanity mirror, kick panels and wind lacing.
Nicely painted dash is body color.Original steering wheel is restored, has no cracks. It and the steering column are nicely color matched to the upholstery.
A rare accessory Studebaker script tissue dispenser is included but has not been installed.Nice aluminum door sill plates.Floors have nicely fitted carpeting with complementing binding.
Door and vent window glass is original with a light tint. Small delamination bubbles along the edge of the vent windows.Both quarter windows have new glass with matching tint.New windshield installed in 2017.All new rubber items, weather seals, glass channels and sweepers throughout.
There are keys for the ignition and trunk, but none for the doors or the glove box, and the door locks have been disconnected by owners choice, preferring an open door to a top being slashed to gain entry.Generic mat fitted to the trunk, which houses an original bumper jack.
CONVERTIBLE TOP:A new Hartz canvas convertible top was professionally installed in 2015 and the fit is very good. With the top up it looks right, not too loose, not too tight.The top has a vinylite rear window, as original in ’52.The top boot is padded and has a nice snug fit when snapped into place.
The convertible top bow assembly is color matched and in excellent condition with new seals.The electric lift mechanism was also repaired in 2015 and is in good working order with proper alignment of all related components.The top goes up and down as it should. The locking crank and safety latch are in good order.
BRIGHTWORK:Most brightwork on the car is either new, re-chromed, or very good original polished and restored as required.Chrome grille is in very nice condition, straight, with no broken pieces.Both front and rear bumpers and guards nicely re-chromed.
Some re-chromed pot metal pieces still have visible pitting, primarily the fender top spears, and inner faces of the outer grille ends, although a less pitted pair of originals is included.
Equipped with dual Stat-O-Vu door mirrors, rocker panel stainless moldings, stainless stone shields on rear fenders, and optional gas door guard.Bezels around the door locks are non-original.
Very nice chrome horn ring and center emblem.NOS hand brake handle.Chrome bezels around gauges, speedo, and clock are original with some discoloration of chrome evident.Satin finish panel surrounding instruments and radio is in very nice condition, as is the speaker grille and V8 emblem.Horizontal chrome bar housing knobs and ignition is original showing scuffs, its mate to the right of the radio has been re-chromed and is very nice.
Stainless door moldings have been polished.All interior handles, cranks and escutcheons match and are in nice condition.
LITERATURE:A nice display sign on tripod stand is included in addition to the extensive collection of original literature and assorted pertinent information, which includes:Copy of Build SheetInside Facts – 1952 Engineering Manual for Studebaker Salesmen1952 Studebaker Commander Owners ManualStudebaker Factory – Booklet1951 Shop Manual1951-54 Chassis Parts Catalog1951-52 Body Parts Catalog1952 Commander Informational Guide1952 Commander Sales Brochure1952 Studebaker Accessories Catalog1952 Studebaker Eight Tune-Up Spec Sheet1952 Studebaker Eight Wiring DiagramStudebaker – Philco Radio Owners Manual1952 Studebaker Color Sales AdAssembly Line B/W Print10+ Years of Turning Wheels – Publication of The Studebaker Drivers Club Inc.
There is also a small custom painted and labeled metal tool box to match.
SUMMARY:The stand alone styling of this car and nice restoration make it an attention getter where ever it goes. Add to that its limited production numbers, Indy 500 connection, appealing red color and tasteful interior, and you have a collectible that will always maintain favor with those who like the rare and unusual.
If you are a Studebaker fan, or just looking to get into a nice 50’s ragtop, then this is your opportunity to bring home a very respectable and fairly rare example.
Maintaining the roadworthiness of a Studebaker is supported by a very large, broad, and active group of enthusiasts in various international chapters of The Studebaker Drivers Club, the National Studebaker Museum Archives in South Bend, and numerous parts sources.
With the progression of years and other interests at hand, the owner has decided to make this car available to its next caretaker. It is being offered with a reasonable reserve.
PAYMENT TERMS:
This Studebaker is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email ‘carsgoneby@telus.net’ or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer. All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner and a visual inspection. A total of 180 pics are available for viewing at . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. PayPal for deposit only. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.
IMPORTANT OTHER:
Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.This vehicle is being sold with a Bill of Sale and current Alberta registration document.The car is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, about 3 hours north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all-inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions.Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.Thanks for looking!
NOTICE REGARDING BID RETRACTIONS:
Placing a bid to simply uncover the reserve price, or how high another buyer has bid, and then retracting or cancelling the bid is not allowed as it violates Ebay’s Invalid Bid Retraction Policy.Such bids are considered as ‘Unwelcome and Malicious Bidding’ as they contravene the seller requirements stipulated above, that you only bid with the intent to buy, and that you do not bid without the intent of concluding the transaction.Such bids are not in the spirit of a reserve auction. They ruin the experience for serious buyers and sellers, can cast doubt on the process and subject vehicle, and are a nuisance to the seller in general. Ebay rules stipulate, if you retract a bid for reason of ‘entered wrong amount’, you must re-enter your correct bid amount right away, and that changing your mind does not qualify as entering wrong amount.If you retract your bid as ‘wrong amount’ and fail to re-enter your correct amount, your bid will be considered ‘unwelcome and malicious’ and it will be immediately reported to Ebay, and they will investigate, and you will be placed on a blocked bidders list.
