Studebaker President Series 80, 1931 President Series 80 Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

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Four Seasons Roadster
Chassis Num: 7033515

The Studebaker Company came into existence in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer. With the introduction of the automobile, they quickly began producing vehicles. They were renowned for their mid-level vehicles that were affordable, stylish, and durable. By 1928 the company tried to move upmarket with the introduction of their President model. The company leaned heavily on its powerful eight-cylinder engine to help inspire sales. Three Presidents traversed the Atlantic City board track for 25,000 miles, each averaging 68 mph. This endurance run was impressive and helped inspire sales. Within a three years, the company had upgraded the engine to a nine main bearing construction and thus improving its performance. A modified version of the President proved its potential by winning the Pike's Peak Hillclimb. In total, the Presidents set 114 records, thirty-five would still stand thirty-five years later.
This 1931 Studebaker President Four Seasons Roadster is one of 54 known to exist. It is outfitted with a nine main bearing side-valve engine-cylinder that produces 122 horsepower. It has a three-speed synchromesh transmission with four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.
At the 2006 RM Auctions in Meadow Brook, this car was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $125,000. It found a new home selling at $132,000.

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Four Seasons Roadster
Chassis Num: 7037191

This 1931 Studebaker president Four Seasons Roadster has been treated to a professional restoration and is in excellent condition. It has never been shown, but would be a suitable candidate in AACA, CCA or Studebaker Club events.

The Studebaker name is one of the oldest in the automotive industry, with roots that date back to 1852 when their profession was in manufacturing wagons. When the industry switched to automobiles, the Studebaker modernized their craft to meet the new demands. They offered a range of vehicles that where intended as mid-market cars offering luxury, comfort and style at a reasonable price. Near the close of the 1930s, they chose to migrate up-market and into the luxury car segment. Their vehicle for this category was the President with its eight-cylinder engine offering plenty of power and refinement. To prove their potential and stamina, three Presidents were driven at speed around the circular Atlantic City board track for 25,000 averaging nearly 70 mph. A few years later, a modified President won the Pike's Peak hillclimb. Top 10 finishes at the famous Indy 500 was also not uncommon for these Studebakers.

During the early 1930s, Studebaker held 114 records, 35 of which would still be in their possession 35 years later.

This President Four Seasons Roadster has many accessories, including the Studebaker Flying Lady mascot. It has dual side mounted spares with mirrors, rumble seat, luggage rack, and a radiator stone guard. The roll-up windows offer a luxury that makes this car a very enjoyable touring automobile. It is one of just 54 1931 Studebaker President Four Season Roadster listed in the Classic Car Club of America and Studebaker Club registry. At auction, this car was believed to fetch $125,000 - $175,000. Though there was no reserve on the vehicle, the seller was willing to let it go for the high bid of $115,500.

State Coupe
Chassis Num: 7035427

Near the close of the 1920s, Studebaker threw its hat into the high-end car market with the introduction of their President Models which had been designed by Delmar Roos. The Presidents were produced from 1929 to 1933 and offered in two wheelbase lengths and a wide variety of body styles.

This State Coupe was purchased new by Mrs. Baldwin in Wichita, Kansas and remained in her care until 1952. It was then parked in a garage wearing plate permits until 1958. In 1970, after the passing of Mrs. Baldwin, the car was purchased by Kenny Childs. It had been in storage for 18 years. In 1978, the car was purchased by its current owner who treated it to a body-off restoration which was completed in 1996. It has been on display at the Studebaker National Museum and driven sparingly.

This Studebaker President Series 80 is finished in dark red with a maroon beltline adn cream-colored pin stripes, offset by maroon fenders and a maroon roof with a black vinyl insert. There are wide whitewall tires, with dark red-colored wire wheels and stainless steel rims and wheel covers. On either side are dual side-mounted spare tires and a sun visor over the windshield. In the rear is a trunk rack with a maroon trunk, rumble seat, a golf bag door and accessory step plates.

In 2008 this 1931 Studebaker President State Coupe was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $75,000-$100,000. Though bidding did not reach those estimates, it was high enough to satisfy the vehicles reserve and the lot was sold. A high bid of $48,500, including buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership.

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State Sedan

Studebaker, located in South Bend, Indiana, was one of America's oldest automobile manufactures. Prior to building automobiles, the company built wagons, beginning in 1872.

The 80/90 President series was the company's top-of-the-line. Cars were available in two wheelbase - 130 and 136 inches. Both were powered by a 337 cubic-inch, 122-horsepower, in-line Studebaker straight eight engine. In November 1931 a stock Studebaker President 80 set numerous stock car speed records at Murdoc dry lake in California.

This Studebaker was sold new in Cleveland, Ohio, then, stored for many years in Tiffin, Ohio Studebaker dealership. It has been restored as needed, chiefly new paint and upholstery. Note the rare accessory wood artillery-style wheels.

The Studebaker Company was formed in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer and eventually changed to automotive production, making them one of the oldest names in the automobile industry. They were in the automotive business from 1902 through 1966, a total of 64 years. They produced electric powered cars for the first two years and introduced gasoline power in 1904. During the 1920's they produced vehicles in the mid-priced range and showed great promise during the late 1920s. In 1927 Studebaker moved up-market and into the luxury car segment with their President model line. The President was given a powerful eight-cylinder engine that was worthy of the elegant coachwork that it carried. The engine earned Studebaker a reputation in power, performance and endurance. In 1931 a Studebaker President outfitted with a nine-bearing engine won the Pikes Peak hillclimb.

The Studebaker President stayed in production until 1942 and later reappeared in 1955 and discontinued again in 1958. The first Studebaker was built on July 23rd, 1926 and was given the internal named the ES. The goal of the President was to be the finest, most powerful, dependable, and luxurious car on the American market. By establishing land speed records in the late 1920's and early 1930's, the President cemented its name in the performance department. The powerful nine-bearing eight-cylinder engine captured 114 records, 35 of which would stand for 35 years. The long bodies meant there was plenty of interior room for the passengers and no expense was spared when creating these automotive marvels.

In 1935 the Studebakers could be purchased with a steel sliding roof allowing passengers to enjoy the open air and picturesque views. Sales reached 2305 examples most with a selling price of around $1,529. Some of the optional equipment included exterior mounted chrome salon horns, chrome radiator mascot, two side mounted spare tires, foot hassocks in the rear compartment, Startix automatic starting system, full automatic spark control and chock, overdrive with synchronized shifting, full cushioned power seats, special 4-spoke phantom type steering wheel.

The suspension was improved in 1936 with all Studebakers being equipped with the Startix suspension system. In 1937 a semi-automatic 'Miracle-Shift' transmission was offered, which featured a dashboard mounted shifter. In 1939 the shift lever was moved the steering wheel column and the 'Miracle-Shift' unit was discontinued.

Raymond Loewy joined Studebaker as a design consultant near the close of the 1930's. His influence and designs can be seen on the later 1930 model Presidents.

In 1941 Studebaker offered a premium trim level President, named the Skyway President. This automobile had full fender skirts that enclosed the cars rear wheels, adding a unique styling and improving aerodynamics. These examples were only offered for a short time, as the President line was discontinued in 1942.

The President name reappeared in 1955 and stayed in production until 1958.

The President Speedster was a one-year special edition car based on the 1953 Starliner. Ironically, the 1953 car had virtually no chrome, while the Speedster had chrome virtually everywhere. Three-toning was optional on the Speedster. It was the predecessor to the 1956 Hawk series.

In 1956 the Loewy Euro-style Studebaker was reskinned to look more American. The dashboard was totally redesigned with a 'Cyclops Eye' speedometer sitting atop it. The President Classic had a longer wheelbase than the standard President line and it also had a more powerful engine. Despite the improvements, 1956 was a disastrous sales year for Studebaker.

The President Starlight hardtop was produced for only one year, 1958. The Starlight was complete with chrome and fins, but it was still based on the old 1953 body shell. The narrowness of the body prevented the use of conventional quad headlights, so Studebaker resorted to a 'pod' design where the lights bulged out slightly on the sides of the car.

Photos grouped by event
Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles	Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook	Vintage Motor Car Auction at Meadow Brook Hall	2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook
2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island

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