What's your view on pre-war Studes?

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

I have been wondering about these beauties that are even further back beyond my time than Daisy-Mae is. After researching a few models, I came to the distinct and singular conclusion of...wowzers! If I thought Daisy was from another planet, these things might as well be from another universe from my perspective. It's just wonderful. Until I looked at the prices...

Being in college doesn't exactly give me a lot of finances, but it does give me a lot of time. So, in your view, which is the best pre-war Stude sedan that I should focus on? I'm completely open at this point.

[rockne10]

If the prices you are looking at are the perfectly restored Presidents of the early '30s, you're right. And nice coupes and roadsters are going to be a pretty penny as well.
But there are many nice solid sedans and coaches that can be had for less than many of the Hawks, C/Ks and Avantis.
Prices even seem to drop when they are older examples, before hydraulic brakes, heaters, radios, etc.
What do you have in mind?

I bought my '33 cheap 3 decades ago, and have done little but maintain it.

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

If the prices you are looking at are the perfectly restored Presidents of the early '30s, you're right. And nice coupes and roadsters are going to be a pretty penny as well.
But there are many nice solid sedans and coaches that can be had for less than many of the Hawks, C/Ks and Avantis.
Prices even seem to drop when they are older examples, before hydraulic brakes, heaters, radios, etc.
What do you have in mind?

I bought my '33 cheap 3 decades ago, and have done little but maintain it.

To be honest, given how I already have a two-door Stude, I would rather have my pre-war beauty be a four-door sedan. Trim level is immaterial as well. I'd be just as happy with a Commander or a Dictator as I would a President!

[Bullet]

I personally like the 1938 models but everyone is different.

Mark

[studegary]

I owned a nice 1940 President sedan. The car was okay, but not for me. I drive the cars that I own. You should drive any car that you are considering. Any prewar Studebaker will not drive like your Hawk.

[Sam Ensley]

I have a 1929 Commander Victoria that I am still learning. I also have a 1941 Champion 4-dr, and 1941 Commander 4-dr. Both of the '41s have overdrive. which allows highway speed driving without strain on the engine. They have hydraulic brakes which are adequate if serviced and checked regularly.. I once owned a 1940 Commander which was broadsided on the passenger side. It had the 226 engine with overdrive which handled nicely. I've never seen a Studebaker that I didn't like. The first car I remember riding in was a '41 Commander. If I had the resources, I would own at least one of every Studebaker model ever built.

[ddub]

Stude made some truly great cars pre-war. For your purposes I would like a 41 for the reasons mentioned by Sam and for the great style. I drove a 40 Champion 4 door when I was in high school. It definitely made me uncool but it was a decent little car.

[8E45E]

A '41 is perhaps the most stylish and desirable, as will keep up with, and stop with modern traffic, as others have stated.

And 1941 offers two choices of four door body styles (B body or W body) https://forum.studebakerdriversclub....-suicide-doors

Craig

[Clippertown]

I'd say any of the 1938-42 model Commanders or Presidents make an enjoyable car to own and drive, if they have overdrive. From a styling perspective, it's all just personal preference. I've always liked the '39 and '40 models for their Zephyr-like front grille. Presidents are hard to find and some people think the proportions are better on the less costly Commander anyway. Your money, your choice.

[garyash]

We love our new-to-us 1941 DeluxTone Commander Land Cruiser with overdrive. It’s easy to drive, very comfortable and roomy, and reliable. Cruising at 60-65 mph is OK.

[Commander Eddie]

My favorite years are '39 to '41.

[Hallabutt]

Jake,

For a goodly segment of the pre-war group, it wasn't where we started. I've mention this before, you are at the same crossroads that I reached in my late twenties. I started out driving Studebakers in my teens. While I had always been drawn to the pre-war cars, it wasn't until I finished college that I could dedicate any resources, to what later turned into an addiction.

All pre-war cars have to be evaluated on their individual merits. In other word you can't just group all pre-war cars in a group and think that you are going get the same thing from each one. From the standpoint of looks and driveability, characteristics they can be grouped within several tight character groupings, each lasting for several years.This my own characterization, I hope that it might find it useful.
1)Pre 1919-These are antiques and a real specialize niche, the discussion of which I will leave to the ardent experts.
2)1919-1925 this is an era during which the six cylinder cars had become king of the road, unless of course you one of the few manufactures that had an eight.
3)1925-1928 Although the CCCA includes it as part of the Classic era it has it's own character which sets it apart from later segments. Barney Roos became chief engineer at Studebaker in 1926, a position he held until 1936. What he an his engineering team accomplished set the tone for all later pre-war Studebakers. While many other independents failed during the Depression, Studebaker remained competitive. I encourage you to read his biography.
4)1928-1933 the period where engineering and styling excellence came together. No longer would styling be an afterthought. The eight cyl cars became preeminent, but almost as soon as it became dominant it's popularity began to wain, because of the economy. This time period is the the most tightly defined "Classic" era for Studebaker, and for the rest of the industry. I remain in awe of everything that was produced during the period.
5)1934-35 A transitional era, for Studebaker, after it's court ordered receivership. There would be no more "Classic" Studebakers after 1933. Styling all it's own, and then there is the "Landcruiser" which I hope it's styling speaks for itself. Throughout most of the 30's Studebaker tried to get two years out of a particular body style, with changes within that tight pairing. 1932-33,1934-35,1936-37,1938-39,1940,1941-42. 1940 was a stand alone year and 1946 Champion was a continuation of 1942.
6)1936-42 The "fat fender" era take your pick of styling, with the exception of the Champ, the engineering did not change much, nor did dirveability. IMHO all 1936-42 Studebaker are great drivers.

You and other youngsters are interring a golden age of diminishing prices, for most things automotive. Take your pick, but be patient, and you will be rewarded.

My stable:
1931 Four Season Roadster
1937 President coupe
1937 President State sedan
1939 Commander coupe
1941 President Skyway Landcruiser
1941 President Sedan

Bill

[studerex]

I've had dozen and dozens of 1929 to 42 Studebakers. If you want one look at the 37 to 41 models. They can drive at reasonable speeds, easy to maintain, and affordable. 41s are the best in my opinion. I still have 4.

[Cowtown Commander]

As has been mentioned diminished demand for older cars has created a buyers market. Finding the best car for the least money may be the way to go. Buy a complete solid car as restoration costs far exceed any future return. Parts availability and overhaul costs of a straight eight are such that I would tend to reject any car with an eight cylinder needing engine work.

[Hallabutt]

Jake,

Rex and I will agree on most things Studebaker, but I wonder at his exclusion of both 1936 and 1942 model years. It must be the styling, because driveability is essentially the same. I agree in substance to the response in #14. Commanders (Dictators prior to 1938) are great drivers, and I love Gary Ash's car, but there is just something about the top of the line President that makes it special. For probably many of the same reasons that someone was willing to pay a significant premium, for a 1941 President Skyway Landcruiser, instead of settling for for the same model in the commander, many of us would choose a President today. Owning a President can be very rewarding, but I guess it gets down to how much sacrifice someone is willing to make.

Bill