1955 Studebaker President State Series Coupe

While the Big Three were enjoying record runs in 1955, independent car makers were hitting headwinds. Studebaker and Packard had merged a year earlier, a dubious move the business press compared to throwing a drowning man an anchor.

Studebaker re-introduced the President nameplate for 1955 for their premium offerings. The prestige model was the President Speedster, a stylish update of the Raymond Lowey design first introduced in 1953. A number of unique touches were applied to the Speedster, including two- or three-tone colors, larger front bumpers, a special stainless steel 'halo' roof band, and diamond-quilted leather upholstery.

This Speedster is number 147 of only 2,125 built. It is well-equipped with an eight-tube pushbutton radio, an electric clock, two-speed electric wipers, and tinted glass. It has been painstakingly restored by the current owner and refinished in the authentic and striking color scheme of Sun Valley Yellow and Hialeah Green.