1933 Studebaker President Speedway

The Studebaker Company was formed in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer, and by the late twenties, it had become a successful manufacturer of mid-market cars that offered comfort, luxury, and stylish designs at an attractive price. As the 1920s were coming to a close, the company made a bold attempt to move upmarket with a high-end car dubbed the President, powered by a new high-output engine. Studebaker marketed the President as 'finds a parallel in sustained speed only in the light of comets, meteors, and other heavenly bodies.'

The engine demonstrated its durability and performance in 1928 when three Presidents circled the Atlantic City board track for 25,000 miles, averaging 68mph. In 1931, the engine was upgraded to nine main bearing construction, and a modified Preisdent won the Pike's Peak hillclimb. Additionally, Studebakers always finished in the top ten at the Indy 500.

The 1933 Studebaker
As the early 1930s brought financial devastation due to the Great Depression, Studebaker soldiered on with both six- and eight-cylinder models. All models were offered in a variety of body styles, in both open and closed configurations.

The company's 'entry-level' six-cylinder Series 56 rested on a 117-inch wheelbase and was priced from $915 to $1,120 depending on body style. The L-head inline six-cylinder unit displaced 230 cubic inches and had four main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 85 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. It had Delco-Remy ignition, mechanical brakes, an automatic starter, an automatic choke, and ball-bearing spring shackles. The styling was similar to the previous year, with oval-shaped headlights, flowing contours, and streamlined shapes. All 1933 Studebaker models received updated vertical grille bars that extended further downward and formed a rounded 'vee' at the bottom (cow catcher style - as seen on trains of the era).

The 'Dictator' Series of 1932 did not return for 1933, partially due to the company's financial trouble.

The 'entry-level' eight-cylinder Studebaker model was the Series 73 'Commander' resting on a 117-inch wheelbase platform that it shared with its six-cylinder sibling. Its L-head inline eight-cylinder engine displaced 235 cubic inches and had solid valve lifters, nine main bearings, a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 100 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. Body styles were similar to the six-cylinder model and prices ranged from $1,095 to $1,300.

Both the Series 56 and Series 73 were offered as a Regal sedan, sedan, Regal convertible sedan, convertible sedan, Regal St. Regis Brougham, Regal Sport Coupe, sports coupe, Regal coupe, coupe, Regal roadster convertible, and convertible. The Series 73 had skirted fenders, more sweeping rooflines, and a sloped grille.

The Studebaker President
Studebaker offered two 'Presidents' in 1933, the Series 82 resting on a 125-inch wheelbase and the Series 92 'President Speedway' on a 135-inch wheelbase platform. The Series 82 was powered by a 250 cubic-inch L-head inline-8 with nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, and a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor and produced 110 horsepower. The 337 CID inline-8 in the Series 92 produced 132 bhp at 3,400 RPM. All Studebakers received a three-speed synchromesh transmission with floor-mounted gearshift controls and a single dry disc clutch. Vacuum-boosted power mechanical brakes provided the stopping power.

The Series 82 President had similar body styles as its larger sibling, with prices that ranged from $1,325 to $1,490.

The Series 92 President Speedway was the most expensive model in the lineup, with prices that exceeded $2,000. They wore slanted 'vee' radiators, skirted fenders, and beavertail rear ends.

The least expensive Series 92 body style was the State Coupe at $1,730, followed by the State Roadster Convertible and State St. Regal Brougham at $1,790. The five-passenger sedan was priced at $1,685 and the seven-passenger version at $1,835. The two-door state convertible sedan costs $1,960, and the five-passenger state sedan at $1,790. The seven-passenger state sedan listed at $1,940. The most expensive body style was the seven-passenger state limousine at $2,040.

Production (November 1932 to July 1933)
Series 56 Six: 6,861
Series 73 Commander: 3,841
Series 82 President: 1,194
Series 92 President Speedway: 635

1933 and Beyond
Studebaker would continue to use the 'President' name from 1926 until 1942, and from 1955 until the end of the 1958 model year. 1933 was the final year for the 'first generation' of the President, as Studebaker created a new body for 1934 - the Land Cruiser - which was offered on the Dictator, Commander and President. These streamlined models were modern and sleek, with fully fender skirts on the rear of the vehicle and an unusual four-piece rear window. The 1934 Presidents were smaller and less expensive than the 1933 models, but were still fine automobiles.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023