1934 Studebaker President Land Cruiser Sedan

Studebaker was founded in 1852 and first began building gasoline-powered cars in 1904. In its 80 years as a producer of wheeled vehicles, Studebaker had weathered many crises and had never finished a year in the red until 1932. Studebaker and Pierce-Arrow merged in 1928, and by 1933 there were four completely different chassis, with 20 different bodies and four different engines, in the Studebaker catalogue. A series of events sent the company into receivership and after a re-organization in mid-1933, the company was once again on solid financial footing. Studebaker introduced the audacious and stunning model year 1934 Land Cruiser at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. It brought Studebaker the attention it needed with its daring new design and aerodynamic styling features. It had a vee-shaped radiator grille, a smooth trunk deck, a five-piece rear window, teardrop headlights, skirted fenders and horizontal hood slats. It was available in the Commander and President series and powered by a 250 cubic-inch engine that produced 110 hp and was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

Due in part to the Great Depression, only 201 President Land Cruisers were produced, and this is the only one known to exist in North America. This 'Year Ahead' model, with fender skirts and a four-piece rear window giving the effect of curved glass, was inspired by the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow first seen at the 1933 New York Auto Show. Both cars were the work of Studebaker design chief John Hughes.

This example has been restored over many years by its owner, who included a completely new Ash frame for the steel bodywork and new interior fabric reproduced on a handloom in the original wool fabric.