1932 Studebaker President Four Seasons Roadster

The Studebaker President was introduced in 1928 and signaled Studebaker's entry into the luxury car segment. It was powered by a high-output eight-cylinder engine that easily carried the elegant coachwork at high rates of speed. Three Presidents were driven around the Atlantic City board track for 25,000 miles averaging 68 mph. This did much to prove the engine's durability and performance.

In 1931, Studebaker enhanced the engine further with a nine-bearing construction. A modified version of the President won the Pike's Peak hill climb. At the Indianapolis 500, the cars further proved their potential and sporty characteristics by continually finishing in the top ten.

By the early 1930s, Studebaker had captured 114 records, with 35 of them remaining for 35 years.

For 1932, the Studebaker was visually modified and given a new grille and suicide doors. Around 200 roadsters were constructed, about 54 surviving for 1931 and nine from 1932.

This 1932 Studebaker President Four Seasons Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell between $150,000 - $200,000. Under the long and graceful bonnet was a 337 cubic-inch side valve engine with nine main bears. It produced 122 horsepower and had a three-speed synchromesh gearbox.

This car has been treated to a complete restoration which took four years to complete. It has won numerous awards and been judged Junior and Senior awards at AACA Hershey meetings. It was awarded First in Class and the Most Elegant Open Car at the Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance. It won Primary and Senior Awards at the CCCA Grand Classic. The vehicle was invited to the 1995 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an honor just to attend.

At the auction, the car did find a new owner with a selling price that met the estimated value. Though the restoration is a little dated, the car is in wonderful condition. The selling price of $176,000 is a fair price for a car this elegant.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007