1930 Studebaker President Sedan

Studebaker, founded in South Bend, Indiana, in 1852, found their original success in making wheelbarrows for the California Gold Rush. This endeavor was followed by supplying wagons to the Union Army in the Civil War. A fire in 1874 destroyed their factory and forced them to build a new brick factory covering 20 acres, touted as 'the largest vehicle house in the world.'

In 1902, Studebaker entered the automotive business with electric vehicles. By 1904, they had switched to gasoline vehicles, all sold under the name 'Studebaker Automobile Company.' They would remain in the automobile business until 1966.

The 1930 Studebaker Eight was produced between 1929 and 1933 and was engineered by the legendary Delmar G. 'Barney' Roos. Power was from a 337 cubic-inch straight 8-cylinder engine offering 115 horsepower. The Presidents were produced in two different platforms, a 125- and a 135-inch wheelbase.

The Presidents captured several land speed records, some of which went unbroken for three and a half decades. It is believed that there were around 15,000 examples produced in 1930.

This vehicle is an FH 4-Door President riding on a 125-inch platform.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010