Opinions-- Which Land Cruiser?

[drrotor]

So I think I want to get a Bullet-Nose Land Cruiser. The '50 is 4 inches longer, more "Grand-Looking", perhaps, but has the older steering/suspension, and a 6 cylinder; while the '51 has a V8 and the more modern (and easily upgradable) steering, suspension, and brakes, but a shorter wheel-base. I want to be able to use it as an often-driven cruiser, sometimes long distance, to carry my friends and elderly parents around in.
I want to dress it up with all available accessories and chrome, a nice paint job, and a new interior. I prefer it to appear stock.
I have a complete and rusty '63 Cruiser 289 with power steering I could put into a '51, along with disc brakes, but I also have a good spare 245 in storage I could put in a '50.
If it were based on style alone, I would most definitely go with a '50. But when all things are considered, I'm having a hard time deciding. Oh-- and what about resale value? Which one might be better at some future date? What do y'all think?

[rockne10]

I want to be able to use it as an often-driven cruiser, sometimes long distance, to carry my friends and elderly parents around in.

1951 is a given, for all the reasons you mentioned.

[RadioRoy]

Either will do the job. Overdrive is much preferred over the automatic. Although with a 51 V-8, you could put in a modern automatic transmission with integral overdrive.

The 50 Commander front suspension/steering is very similar to the 51 and newer. To my mind, it's like they tried two different front suspension/steering systems in 1950 and settled on the Commander version.

[jclary]

I could be wrong (imagine that) but I think the length difference between the '50 & '51 is mainly forward of the firewall, due to the big six cylinder engine in the '50, and the extra length was not required for the V8 '51. I have a '51, and several years ago, a friend parked his '50 alongside mine so we could get a good visual comparison. The fifty sure looked more than four inches longer when parked side by side. The more radical front of the fifty makes a bold statement.

Cabin and ride, I don't think there's enough difference to choose one over the other, if condition is equal. My thinking is that a '51 will provide more comprehensive availability of parts interchangeability due to more compatibility with later models. As far as which one to choose, I believe that all the Land Cruisers, from '48 through '52, are excellent, although overlooked, examples of some of the best automobiles of their era.

As far as your intended plans, be prepared for your family members to not fully share your enthusiasm or willingness to ride long distances with you. I have a good Land Cruiser, cute little Business Coupe, and a terrific truck! But all too often, you might see me driving alone, with family following behind in Air Conditioned stereo surround sound comfort, safely buckled up, surrounded by air bags...and not even paying attention as I acknowledge thumbs-up salutes while ambling down the road. They love me and my cars, but they are not as nuts, or "all-in" as I am with the enthusiasm. I've lived this long enough to realize that I'm not alone in this situation. No matter what your interests, horses, motorcycles, fishing, golf, etc., different folks do not apply interests equally. This might not be your situation, but make sure you enjoy the car for what it is, and don't allow the reaction of others to diminish your enthusiasm. Just say'n...

[TWChamp]

I've driven my 1950 Commander and my 1952 Land Cruiser thousands of miles, and both are totally stock. I wouldn't change a thing on either one, as they are both great road cars with overdrive. I also prefer the 50 style over the 51 or 52, but someday would sure like to own a 53.

If you insist on doing changes, I guess I'd also go with the 51.

[StudeRich]

An all around more "Usable" Highway Cruiser and update-able Car would be the '51 LC or '52.

As Roy said, it's '50 Champion that has the more "One Off" steering and suspension you need to avoid, but it won't be a problem if you are looking for a Land Cruiser since they are all Commanders.

[bezhawk]

The 50 has heavier frame and suspension pieces, like tie rod ends, and not the flex frame of the later cars. When I had mine, I measured it, and it was 7" deep top to bottom plate. It has the same center point steering as the later frames. except all the parts are beefier. The V8 is faster, but the Commander 6 will do the modern speed limits without fear of blowing up. The doors open and close with a solid thud. The 50 styling always looked better to me than the 51. The 50 is the last year of the Commander body, in 51 they used the smaller Champion body, and put a v8 in it. The 50 Dash was much more luxurious than the 51 Korean war sparseness. 50 might also be the last year for individually pocketed wrapped seat springs like a sealy mattress. Also it is the last year for wrapped rear leaf springs with grease fittings.

[drrotor]

I saw a '51 that had been retro-fitted with Power Steering from a Lark. Do you think that could be done to a '50? I could easily fabricate all the mounting points, brackets, etc, if the center pivot casting would interchange... Anybody know? I think by adding that and quick-steering arms, the car would drive with a much more modern feel. But I don't know if the quick arms will fit. Basically, I don't know specifically what the differences are between '50 and '51. Steering box the same? Center pivot the same?

[mbstude]

I agree with Brad. While the ‘51s are great cars, the ‘50 Commanders were even better. A lot of the driveline and chassis parts were the same as used on trucks; overkill for a car.

Unless you find one already restored, a 50 or 51 will both need the same work and effort to be road worthy. While there are fewer bolt on parts for modifying the 50, I think the overall quality was a lot better.

The 47-50 Commanders are extremely under appreciated. And a ‘50 Land Cruiser was one of the best that Studebaker ever did.

[PackardV8]

JMHO, but it's an easy decision. The 1950 Land Cruiser was the last great deluxe Studebaker sedan. The styling, chrome, interior appointments, beefy long-wheelbase frame; all make it a more luxurious car.

jack vines

[RadioRoy]

I saw a '51 that had been retro-fitted with Power Steering from a Lark. Do you think that could be done to a '50? I could easily fabricate all the mounting points, brackets, etc, if the center pivot casting would interchange... Anybody know? I think by adding that and quick-steering arms, the car would drive with a much more modern feel. But I don't know if the quick arms will fit. Basically, I don't know specifically what the differences are between '50 and '51. Steering box the same? Center pivot the same?

Get both chassis parts catalogs and do some research.

[studegary]

For looks, I would go with the 1950. For some modifications and a lot of driving, I would go with the 1951.