Nice Looking Conestoga Wagon - Modified

[dpson]

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm usually not into modified/hot rodded cars, but this one looks pretty nice to me. Just a bit pricy... and it's from my part of the country, but I have never seen it in person, nor know the owner/seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-Studebaker-Conestoga-2-Dr-Custom-Wagon-Custom-/263003064894?hash=item3d3c344a3e:g:OuoAAOSwEHpZJh~O&vxp=mtr

[1954khardtop]

I saw that one at the September 2016 NSRA show in Burlington Vt. It is a beautiful car.

[Mike Van Veghten]

Don't like the head or tail light treatment. Neither "fit" the body style to me.
Inside isn't too bad, under the hood is nice.

Mike
(a three conestoga owner)

[dpson]

This may be blasphemy but kind of reminds me of a Chevy Vega wagon.

[52-fan]

This may be blasphemy but kind of reminds me of a Chevy Vega wagon.

Me too! Especially one a bit later than the one in the picture.

[Chris Pile]

Didn't that thing used to be painted silver?
Or is it something similar?

[58PackardWagon]

Nice engine compartment but very pricey

[Mikado282]

Me too! Especially one a bit later than the one in the picture.

First thing that came to my mind was that it looked like a Vega to me.

[jclary]

Thanks for posting Dan. But, due to your title, the word "Modified" caused me to resist wasting my time by clicking on the thread. A "mental" roll eyes, as in "not another modified," and move on. However, this morning, sipping coffee, I decided to take a look. I agree with you, it is "Nice Looking." Unlike a lot of other modified vehicles, I believe (aesthetically) the builder did no harm to the original lines of the car. Especially, for those of us familiar with Studebaker vehicles, it is unmistakable what it is (was). Sitting in my living room, viewing pictures on a computer, everything I see looks very well executed. While some have pointed out other (Forgettable) vehicles it reminds them of, for many of us, those vehicles were so forgettable, we don't remember them anyway.

Your statement, "a bit pricey" is a bit of an understatement. Some of the comments in the seller's ad, I take as a "bit" of a red flag. Such as "built by a rod shop in South Carolina. There are lots of "Rod Shops" here. Also known as "back yards." Where a collection of concrete blocks constitute a "car lift." The "foot path" to the nearest Harbor Freight may be noticeable for the more experienced shops. So...built by a rod shop in South Carolina (or name any other state) does not advance the appeal. Nor does the statement "well over $90 thousand K spent on this build," and "motivated seller," as if you are proud that you are prepared to lose a ton of money on the vehicle.

So, for me, If I saw the car at my local Burger joint cruise-in parking lot, I would stop & admire it. But, from reading the ad, I'm wondering what the real story is.

Motivated seller? Did he go bankrupt because of the build? Divorce? I hope it is not a tragedy, like medical expenses for a sick child, but there must be more to the story somewhere. Before I'm gonna shell out that much money for a "cruise-in" parking lot star, I'm thinking I could buy a late model super duty pick up truck, motor home, or build a better garage to house the junk I currently enjoy.

[KCoupeNewbie]

It was built by Glenn Dodd at Carolina Rod Shop in Piedmont SC.
It's changed hands in the $30k range several times; so price is up there.
It's built to Glen's usual high standards; also suspension and brakes dialed in at Carolina Motorsports Park (road racing course) as per Glen's usual practice.

[jclary]

It was built by Glenn Dodd at Carolina Rod Shop in Piedmont SC.
It's changed hands in the $30k range several times; so price is up there.
It's built to Glen's usual high standards; also suspension and brakes dialed in at Carolina Motorsports Park (road racing course) as per Glen's usual practice.

That's good to know. I have met and had many conversations with Glenn. (However, not recently) My impression of Glenn is that everything he's done was always "first Class." Not just a local reputation, but a national reputation, and many of his creations have made covers of big time publications, posters, etc. Even so, I'd still like to know, "the rest of the story" (or maybe not.)

[t walgamuth]

I think the pinstripe on the side would look better if it just followed the original scallop down to the rocker.

Otherwise a lovely car!

Anybody know what those headlights are. The trim rings remind me of the ones on my 39 CE.

[Cruzzar]

The look like '37 Ford.

[52-fan]

It is a beautifully done custom, but just not a style I would like to own......especially at that price.

[gordr]

The headlights, which I think are BMW Mini, are the deal-killer for me. And the wheels.