1915 Studebaker Model SD

Little changed for 1915 for the four-cylinder powered Studebaker. The most visible change was the gas filler cap which was relocated from the cowl to the right side of the instrument panel. The placement of the cap may seem unusual, but in 1915, cars were often filled from gas cans. This location made for easy filling without having to reach over the cowl. Pricing for the Model SD was priced at just under $1,000 for either the roadster or the tourer.

Cowl lights were removed and replaced with dimmer bulbs. The four-cylinder engine displaced 192 cubic inches and produced around 30 horsepower. It had a three-speed selective sliding gearbox with a leather-faced cone clutch. The wheelbase measured 108 inches.

The 1915 Studebakers were manufactured in Detroit, and the bodies for this example were made in South Bend and shipped to Detroit for final assembly. No closed cars were offered by Studebaker in 1915.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer
Chassis number: 431892

The 1915 Studebaker models were built in the former E-M-F factory in Detroit, while the bodies were built in South Bend and then shipped to Detroit for final assembly.

This Studebaker Model SD-4 was formerly owned by Joe Buchtel of Clinton, New Jersey, who is believed to have acquired it in 1965. Mr. Buchtel owned the car for three decades before being passed in 1995 to Mark Conforth, a local restorer in Branchville, New Jersey. A short time later, Mr. Richard Roy acquired the car for his collection, and it has remained a part of the stable since.

This car wears an older, high-quality restoration. The body is finished in two shades of maroon with black fenders. The engine is a 192.4 cubic-inch L-head four-cylinder unit offering 30 horsepower and mated to a three-speed selective sliding-gear transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 468630

The Studebaker Corporation ranked third or fourth in the automotive industry during the 'teen years. In 1913, the medium-priced, four-cylinder models were joined by six-cylinder engines, however, the fours remained more popular, selling at around three times the volume of the six-cylinder models.

There were few updates to the mechanical components of the 1915 Studebakers, although the appearance received some updating and became more streamlined. Powering the Model SD was a four-cylinder, L-head engine displacing 192 cubic inches and developing 30 horsepower. Bodystyles on the Model SD included touring and a roadster.

This particular 1915 Studebaker Model SD has black fenders and a maroon exterior. Inside, there is buttoned black leather upholstery, and the driver's seat is positioned slightly forward from the passenger's. There are fuel, oil pressure, and ammeter gauges. The chassis is suspended by varnished wood-spoke artillery wheels mounted with whitewall tires.

by Dan Vaughan