1932 Studebaker President Saint Regis Brougham

The Studebaker President was the premier automobile model manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana, during the 1927 to 1942 model years. The first automobile bearing the name President was unveiled on July 23, 1926, and was designated as the 'ES' in internal Studebaker memos.

Albert R. Erskine, Studebaker's president, spared no expense in funding the President; his intent was to make the President the finest automobile on the American road. Presidents produced from1 1928 to 1933 established numerous land speed records, some of which went unbroken for ten or more years.

In 1932, Studebaker introduced 'Ovaloid' headlights which were oblong in shape and made it easy to identify the President and other 'senior' Studebaker models. Presidents manufactured in this era were considered to be nearly on par with more exclusive marques such as Cadillac, Packard, and Chrysler's Imperial model range.

Studebaker went into receivership during 1933, and the era of the big impressive President came to an abrupt end. The Classic Car Club of America, regarded as the American authority on granting 'classic car' status, recognizes the 38,403 Studebaker Presidents produced in 1928 (8-cylinder FA & FB models only) and between 1929 and 1933 as a 'Full Classic.'

Standard equipment on the Studebaker President included a Stromberg carburetor, Delco-Remy ignition, Bendix brakes, freewheeling, ride control, vacuum distributor, hydraulic shock absorbers, metal spring covers, synchromesh transmission, dual ashtrays, an inside sun visor, and an airplane-style instrument panel.

This Brougham wears an older no-expense-spared restoration and features dual side-mounted spares and a rear-mounted trunk. It is painted in dark burgundy with gray accents and burgundy pin striping. The interior is gray cloth, and it rides on chrome-plated Budd wheels.

In 1991, this vehicle won the AACA 'Outstanding Vehicle in the Show Year' and has won National Firsts in both the AACA and CCCA events. IN 1993 it won the AACA Preservation Award, a Studebaker National Museum Design Award, and a class award at the Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance.

In 2009, this Studebaker 91 President St. Regis Brougham was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $120,000-$160,000. The lot was sold for a high bid of $90,000, including the buyer's premium.