The Studebaker President was the premier model range for automobiles manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA) during the 1927-1942 model years. The nameplate was reintroduced in 1955 and used until the end of the 1958 model when the name was retired.

Previously to 1927, Studebaker’s premium automobiles line of was known as the Studebaker Big Six . The first automobile bearing the name President was unveiled on July 23, 1926, was designated as the ES model in internal Studebaker memos. Albert R. Erskine , Studebaker’s President and CEO spared no expense in funding the President series; his intent was to make the Studebaker President the finest automobile on the American road. Presidents produced 1928 and 1933 establish land speed records, some of which went unbroken for ten or more years. In 1932 the make introduced “Ovaloid” headlights which were oblong in shape and made identification of the President easier. Presidents manufactured in this era were considered on par with other, more exclusive marque such as Cadillac, Packard and Chrysler’s Imperial model range.

For 1934, Studebaker began the process of streamlining its vehicles. The company issued a new body, the Land Cruiser, which became a sub-series for the Dictator, Commander and President lines. The Land Cruiser models were easily identified by their extreme streamlining features, trunk and the full fender skirts on the rear of the vehicle.

For 1935, Presidents (and Commanders) offered an optional a steel sliding roof similar to sunroofs common on vehicles today. Also for 1936, all Studebaker cars featured the “Startix” suspension system. Vehicles manufactured after 1937 also showed the influence of industrial designer Raymond Loewy who was hired as Studebaker’s design consultant.

In 1937 Studebaker made its Hill-Holder clutch (an anti-rollback system) standard on its President series; the company also offered a semi-automatic “Miracle-Shift” transmission which featured a dashboard mounted shifter. The unit was discontinued in 1939 when the transmission shift level moved to the steering wheel column.

For 1941 Studebaker’s President series received a premium trim level; once optioned, the vehicle was designated the Skyway President, which is most easily recognized by the full fender skirts that covered the cars rear wheels. This option continued for the shortened 1942 model, after which the President series was discontinued. The Skyway designation was however used for the shortened 1946 model year Studebaker Champions.

Studebaker reintroduced the President nameplate in 1955 when it was applied to all premium trimmed vehicles. The most notworthy of these later President was the 1955 Studebaker Speedster The name was discontinued after the 1959 model year when Studebaker began focusing on its compact Studebaker Lark models.

Classic Car Status

According to the Classic Car Club of America[1] which is regarded as the American authority on granting “Classic Car” status, recognizes the 38,403 Studebaker President's produced in 1928 (8Cyl. FA & FB models only) and between 1929 and 1933 as a “Classic Car”.

Sources

Maloney, James H. Studebaker Cars, Crestline Books, 1994, ISBN 087938-884-6

External Links

[Classic Car Club of America Web Site]