1932 Studebaker President

The Studebaker Company was formed in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer and was one of the oldest names in the automobile industry. They first entered the automobile field by building bodies for electric cars. By the late twenties, Studebaker had become a successful manufacturer of mid-line cars. In 1926, they made a bid for the fine car market with the introduction of the new President, featuring a new high-output eight-cylinder engine. Studebaker proclaimed its new President 'finds a parallel in sustained speed only in the light of comets, meteors, and other heavenly bodies.'

The engine powering the President was monumental in establishing its strong reputation in the performance arena. In 1928, three Presidents circled the Atlantic City board track for 25,000 miles, averaging 68mph. By 1931, the engine had been upgraded to nine main bearing construction. A modified President won the Pike's Peak hillclimb, and other examples always finished in the top ten at the Indianapolis 500. In 1931, a President led the Indy 500 until late in the race when it crashed due to oil on the track. The following year three of the five factory Indy Presidents finished the race, and seven of the twelve finishers in the 1933 Indy 500 were Studebakers. Two Presidents claimed the Class title at the Brooklands 24-hour race in England, and in 1931, Presidents set 11 stock car speed records at Muroc Dry Lake, with George Hunt achieving a flying mile at 91.97 mph and the hour at 90.35 mph. Studebaker was among the most successful manufacturer in motorsports competition, earning 114 records, 31 of which would still stand 35 years later.

The Studebaker President received annual improvements, and by 1932, its straight-eight engine had nine main bearings and delivered 122 horsepower. Its wheelbase measured 135 inches and incorporated 18-inch wheel steel artillery wheels and freewheeling. The engine was backed by a three-speed manual gearbox and stopping power was by four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The front suspension had an I-Beam axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and shock absorbers. In the back was a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and shock absorbers. Exterior design cues included a V-shaped radiator grille, a sloped windshield, Art Deco parking lights, and distinctive oval headlamps.

Standard equipment included a 'passaround' cigar lighter with dual ash receivers in sedans and broughams, and a clock. The cigar lighters were 'passaround' designs, rather than being attached with a length of wire. There was Ride Control, synchromesh transmission, hydraulic shock absorbers, vacuum distributor, Delco-Remy ignition, mechanical Bendix brakes, a Stromberg carburetor, metal spring covers, an inside sun visor, and airplane-type instrument panel.

Each of Studebaker's 1932 models was offered in no fewer than ten body styles, with the President's list of body styles totaling sixteen. Studebaker's six-cylinder model was priced from $890 to $1,020 and 13,647 units were built. The Dictator was Studebaker's most affordable eight-cylinder model and used a 117-inch wheelbase, and was priced from $980 to $1,230. Dictator production for 1932 was 6,021 units. The Commander had a 125-inch wheelbase, 3,551 units were built, and prices ranged from $1,350 to $1,665. The range-topping President listed for $1,600 to $2,100, and production reached 2,399 examples.

Body styles included convertibles, coupes, sedans, broughams, and limousines with seating for 2 to 7 passengers.

The styling introduced in 1926 continued through 1933, and for 1934 all-new streamlined styling was introduced with built-in taillights, a wide vee bumper, recessed trunks, and rounded vee-shaped grilles. The wheelbase measured 123 inches and the L-head inline-8 cylinder engine had aluminum cylinder heads, nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, and produced 110 hp.

The third major generation of styling was introduced in 1941, a year before the U.S.'s involvement in World War II. Following World War II, the President's name remained dormant until 1955 and remained in production until the end of the 1958 model year.

by Dan Vaughan

Four Seasons Roadster
Chassis number: 91R121

The Studebaker President was introduced in 1928 and signaled Studebaker's entry into the luxury car segment. It was powered by a high-output eight-cylinder engine that easily carried the elegant coachwork at high rates of speed. Three Presidents were driven around the Atlantic City board track for 25,000 miles averaging 68 mph. This did much to prove the engine's durability and performance.

In 1931, Studebaker enhanced the engine further with a nine-bearing construction. A modified version of the President won the Pike's Peak hill climb. At the Indianapolis 500, the cars further proved their potential and sporty characteristics by continually finishing in the top ten.

By the early 1930s, Studebaker had captured 114 records, with 35 of them remaining for 35 years.

For 1932, the Studebaker was visually modified and given a new grille and suicide doors. Around 200 roadsters were constructed, about 54 surviving for 1931 and nine from 1932.

This 1932 Studebaker President Four Seasons Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell between $150,000 - $200,000. Under the long and graceful bonnet was a 337 cubic-inch side valve engine with nine main bears. It produced 122 horsepower and had a three-speed synchromesh gearbox.

This car has been treated to a complete restoration which took four years to complete. It has won numerous awards and been judged Junior and Senior awards at AACA Hershey meetings. It was awarded First in Class and the Most Elegant Open Car at the Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance. It won Primary and Senior Awards at the CCCA Grand Classic. The vehicle was invited to the 1995 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an honor just to attend.

At the auction, the car did find a new owner with a selling price that met the estimated value. Though the restoration is a little dated, the car is in wonderful condition. The selling price of $176,000 is a fair price for a car this elegant.

by Dan Vaughan

Saint Regis Brougham
Chassis number: P10389

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.

Four Seasons Roadster

Studebaker produced the President Eight from 1927 to 1942. The 1929-33 Presidents are Classic Car Club of America Full Classics. The President bodies have a color band at the beltline and crowned and beaded fenders. Though elegant, they were not expensive cars. As the 1930s progressed, the Studebaker Presidents became more streamlined and culminated in the art deco designs of the Raymond Loewy Studio starting in 1938.

This President is a Four Seasons Roadster and one of only nine known examples surviving. It rides on a 135-inch wheelbase chassis powered by a 122-horsepower in-line eight-cylinder engine. The original price was $1,855. Many standard features included a cigar lighter, clock, and Trico vacuum wiper.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster Convertible

All 1932 Presidents featured new bodies and rode on a 135-inch wheelbase. Rear-hinged doors and spoked 'artillery' wheels also were new that year. This is one of fewer than ten 1932 President Convertible Coupes known to exist.

Convertible Sedan

The Studebaker brothers, Henry and Clem, established a wagon shop in South Bend, Indiana, in 1852 with a total capital of just $68. Migration to the western territories, the Indian Wars, and orders from settlers and the U.S. Army for covered wagons brought them great success with the company grossing $350,000 annually by 1867. Joined later by three more brothers, the company offered its first electric vehicle in 1902 and its first gasoline-powered car by 1904. Fast forward to 1932 and the company offered three series in ascending order, the Dictator, the Commander, and the top-of-the-line President. The prior year, 1931, was the first year for the Model 80 President Roadster, and it became a very popular car, often exhibiting a two-tone paint scheme. But based on the color scheme of the Speedway Roadsters of 1931, Studebaker painted all of its 1932 models with the chassis in the same color as the fenders. Customers could request any color they wanted, but burgundy and light gray were the most popular. Top-of-the-line Studebaker convertible sedans were hand-built using the finest materials available. This is one of only two known to survive.

This was the top of the Studebaker line in the Classic era, priced at $1,925. Only a handful of this model was custom-made, and only two are remaining today. Perhaps as few as 20 were built. The car was initially sold to Archival Grove Kent of California, in 1932. He retired to Mexico in 1944 and took the car with him. In 1965, he sold the car to Jose Luis Franco Montes, who passed the car to Lionel Stone of Sherman Oaks, California.

The original motor and instrument panel had been sold. In 2006, the current owners purchased the car from Mr. Stone and began a nine-year restoration project. The original motor was located. All the other missing or damaged pieces have been found or recreated. Invaluable help was received from the Studebaker Museum Archives and other Studebaker enthusiasts.

Coupe

The Studebaker Company was founded in 1852 but did not start manufacturing automobiles until 1902. Through most of the 1920s, they built practical mid-priced cars for the masses. But in 1928, Studebaker decided to move up-market with the more powerful and luxurious 'President' series. Powered by an inline 8-cylinder engine, that by 1932, produced 122 horsepower.

This example is a rumble seat coupe, one of 14 cataloged body styles offered on the standard 135-inch wheelbase chassis. This car is optioned with wire wheels and Trippe lights mounted on the front bumper.

by Dan Vaughan

State Sport Coupe
Chassis number: P11164

This is a 1932 Studebaker President Eight State Sport Coupe Series 91. The 1932 model year for Studebaker was a year of revisions as Studebaker faced financial problems. The new look included a slanted windshield and rounded body lines and the Series 91 featured a V-shaped radiator with a forward slope at the bottom. The car was powered by an eight-cylinder engine with a new synchromesh transmission with a silent second, vacuum-controlled spark advance, freewheeling in all forward gears, a new Startix automatic starter, and used the Automatic Ride Control an entirely new shock absorber.

This car's original owner sold the car to Phil Everly of the Everly brothers in 1970 and Southern California restorer Tom Sparks purchased the car the following year and eventually restored it. With his connection to Hollywood, Sparks leased the car to the studios and it appeared in a number of films. As it was maintained in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition over the years the car caught the eye of the current owner and made its way to Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The Studebaker Company was formed in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer and eventually changed to automotive production, making them one of the oldest names in the automobile industry. They were in the automotive business from 1902 through 1966, a total of 64 years. They produced electric-powered cars for the first two years and introduced gasoline power in 1904. During the 1920s, they produced vehicles in the mid-priced range and showed great promise during the late 1920s. In 1927 Studebaker moved up-market and into the luxury car segment with their President model line. The President was given a powerful eight-cylinder engine that was worthy of the elegant coachwork that it carried. The engine earned Studebaker a reputation in power, performance, and endurance. In 1931 a Studebaker President outfitted with a nine-bearing engine won the Pikes Peak hillclimb.

The Studebaker President stayed in production until 1942 and later reappeared in 1955 and discontinued again in 1958. The first Studebaker was built on July 23rd, 1926, and was given the internal named the ES. The goal of the President was to be the finest, most powerful, dependable, and most luxurious car on the American market. By establishing land speed records in the late 1920's and early 1930's, the President cemented its name in the performance department. The powerful nine-bearing eight-cylinder engine captured 114 records, 35 of which would stand for 35 years. The long bodies meant there was plenty of interior room for the passengers, and no expense was spared when creating these automotive marvels.

In 1935 the Studebakers could be purchased with a steel sliding roof allowing passengers to enjoy the open air and picturesque views. Sales reached 2305 examples, most with a selling price of around $1,529. Some of the optional equipment included exterior-mounted chrome salon horns, chrome radiator mascot, two side-mounted spare tires, foot hassocks in the rear compartment, Startix automatic starting system, full automatic spark control, and chock, overdrive with synchronized shifting, full cushioned power seats, special 4-spoke phantom type steering wheel.

The suspension was improved in 1936, with all Studebakers being equipped with the Startix suspension system. In 1937 a semi-automatic 'Miracle-Shift' transmission was offered, which featured a dashboard-mounted shifter. In 1939 the shift lever was moved to the steering wheel column, and the 'Miracle-Shift' unit was discontinued.

Raymond Loewy joined Studebaker as a design consultant near the close of the 1930's. His influence and designs can be seen in the later 1930 model Presidents.

In 1941 Studebaker offered a premium trim level President, named the Skyway President. This automobile had full fender skirts that enclosed the car's rear wheels, adding unique styling and improving aerodynamics. These examples were only offered for a short time, as the President line was discontinued in 1942.

The President name reappeared in 1955 and stayed in production until 1958.

The President Speedster was a one-year special edition car based on the 1953 Starliner. Ironically, the 1953 car had virtually no chrome, while the Speedster had chrome virtually everywhere. Three-toning was optional on the Speedster. It was the predecessor to the 1956 Hawk series.

In 1956 the Loewy Euro-style Studebaker was reskinned to look more American. The dashboard was totally redesigned with a 'Cyclops Eye' speedometer sitting atop it. The President Classic had a longer wheelbase than the standard President line and it also had a more powerful engine. Despite the improvements, 1956 was a disastrous sales year for Studebaker.

The President Starlight hardtop was produced for only one year, 1958. The Starlight was complete with chrome and fins, but it was still based on the old 1953 body shell. The narrowness of the body prevented the use of conventional quad headlights, so Studebaker resorted to a 'pod' design where the lights bulged out slightly on the sides of the car.

by Dan Vaughan