1942 STUDEBAKER
Factory overdrive. Known ownership history from new, including the original owner who kept it until 1998. Frame-on restoration in 2005 and still excellent today.
The dark blue paint work looks entirely appropriate on the little coupe, and was done to a good standardThe paint appears to be single-stage urethane, which more accurately duplicates a 1940s finish without the harsh shine of a clearcoat, and it gives this Stude a warm, welcoming look. Accessory fender skirts add an upscale feel, and much of the chrome has been restored, including front and rear bumpers, bumper guards, and the hood ornament, which still has its original plastic tip.
The blue cloth interior was restored in 2005 as well, using patterns and materials that look appropriate to the car’s vintage. The seats are comfortable, with cloth seating surfaces and vinyl trim, and matching carpets have been installed front and rear. All the gauges are fully functional, and the mileage shown, 90,681, is authentic. This car carries accessories such as factory turn signals, AM radio, a back-up lamp, and a heater/defroster system. The steering wheel has obviously been restored, but other details like the door handles and shifter knob are original, more proof of this car’s careful ownership. Everything works except the radio, which is to be expected, and the car still starts using the clutch-mounted starter switch—simply depress the clutch and the engine springs to life. The trunk features a replacement mat, full-sized spare, and even the original tools that came with the car, still wrapped in their original burlap bag!
Studebaker introduced the 170 cubic inch inline-six in 1939, and it quickly became popular with hot-rodders of all kinds after the war, and there are performance parts still available for it today. Smooth and surprisingly torquey, it moves the lightweight coupe with ease, and thanks to the factory-installed overdrive, is capable of cruising easily at 65 MPH, where the agile handling and sure-footed brakes will be appreciated. This one was rebuilt in 2005, and today it starts easily and has a wonderful sound, and all the components are stock, including correct fabric-wound hoses and hose clamps, cloth wiring, and an oil bath air cleaner. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily and clutch take-up is progressive with no chatter, and the overdrive works as it should. Four bias-ply whitewall tires have been recently fitted, and the pisntriped wheels with original Studebaker wheel covers add a bit of flash.
Studebakers are wonderful, high-quality machines with a strong support network of experts and parts suppliers, making this the ideal starter hobby car for the enthusiast looking for something out-of-the-ordinary. With no needs and a lot of character, you will never get tired of people asking you about it and you’ll always have a fascinating story to tell.
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