1955 Studebaker Commander

Bob Bourke of Raymond Loewy's Loewy Associates studio designed a distinctive new coupe in 1953 that impressed Studebaker management so much that it was immediately slated for production. The Commander series that followed was described by Studebaker as 'European' in flavor, with its most distinguishing feature its 'clam digger' front-end treatment. The design evolved over the following two years, and in 1955 the Commander received a chromed single-opening grille with integrated signal lights above a full-width chromed bumper. Although the styling was unique, the Studebaker price point was attractive, and the list of body styles was extensive, the industry was moving at a furious pace, highlighted by overhead valve V8 engines and futuristic designs with tail fins and lots of chrome. Sales of Studebaker vehicles were nearly 321,000 units in 1950, then fell to 151,576 for 1953, and then to 58,708 in 1954. Studebaker's management felt the cure to the slump could be solved by adding power to its engines. The Commander's 'Passmaster' 259 CI V-8 engine was substantially boosted to 165 HP, which could be raised to 185 with the optional 'High Power Kit' that added a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. Along with the re-introduction of the President line, sales rebounded for 1955 to 116,333 units.

For 1955, both the Studebaker Commander and Champion line was comprised of Custom, Deluxe, and Regal trim levels with the same body styles. The Custom had a two- and four-door sedan, the Deluxe had a two- and four-door sedan, coupe, and station wagon, and the Regal had a 2- and 4-door sedan, hardtop, and station wagon. The Champion was the company's entry-level model and the Commander was the intermediate, with prices that ranged from $1,875 to $2,450. The station wagons and sedans rested on a 116.5-inch wheelbase platform while the coupes and hardtops measured 120.5 inches. The Regal line had a belt molding that rang from the headlamps to the taillights, growing in size at the edge of the rear door. The Commander nameplate could be found in script on the rear fenders.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020