Nice 1955 coupe

[rkapteyn]

https://weeklyvillager.com/what-were-you-doing-before-the-corona-virus-hit/

[showbizkid]

There's more to this article than just a pretty picture, though.

There's a gent who bought a supposedly good-running '51 Land Cruiser from an SDC member only to have it in various shops for a year with multiple problems.
There's a reminder (warning?) about left-handed lug nuts on vintage cars.
And there's a guy trying to cope with the reality of our now-limited society and its effect on the old-car hobby.

Well-written and worth the time to read.

[S2Deluxe]

Nice 1955 coupe

Too bad, there's Just one picture, though?

Mark

[GrumpyOne]

I know this type of tale well but not with a Studebaker, and since such would be off topic here, I'll not go into that but here's my experience with three '55 President State Sedans that I bought in the early 1990's....

The first car had only 17K on it but it was hit in the driver's side rear door. Not hard enough to cause any damage beyond that of the door but the owner of the car evidently declared it unfit for him. So the car languished for some forty years in an "informal" bone yard with parts being wittled away to the point that it was nearly a useless shell. I bought it thinking that I could "bring it back" but shortly after buying it found another Prez of the same persuasion that according to the then owner had been hit lightly in the front left corner as the front bumper, the left front fender were among the missing. After closer inspection, (following delivery of the car), a closer examination revealed that it had a bent frame so scratch car #2.

A short time later someone came by an mentioned that there was a car just like it in a local bone yard but the engine/tranny were gone. I went out there and yep it seemed OK otherwise so I bought it and had it delivered to the shop where I did most of my piddling. While the power train was missing I quickly discovered that the rest of the car was complete down to the fog lights and other desirable accessories were buried in the car. This one was indeed a gem body-wise with perfect floors, solid doors, great frame etc. Unfortunately, due to getting busy in my work, this project laguished for some six years spent in outside storage.

Finally, in 2001 I managed to attack the stalled effort and installed a purchased power train from another "running" Prez sedan but alas, (after doing the interior and outside paint), this was not to be due to a poorly rebuilt DG 250M with a nearly nonfunctional reverse. Sooooo the car has been sitting outside since then... The paint is shot, hidden rust appeared in the usual places in the front fenders but the rest of the car remains solid.

Will it get done in my lifetime???

I don't think so....

[studegary]

Nice story (except for Loewy). It took a little bit, but I discovered that he is in northern Ohio.

[Hallabutt]

Skip,

Nice choice, 55's have been my favorites for almost sixty years. I've owned close to twenty during my lifetime, and still own three. During that time I've owned plenty of 1953-54 as well. Folks that prefer 53's and 54's often miss one important fact, and that is the 55 is simply a better car. I've always looked at 55's as the high water mark for post war quality. One picture doesn't tell me everything that there is to know about the car, but it tells me enough. Whether you choose to show it or drive it, it should serve you well.

I'm not a stickler for originality, but as you pointed out good unmolested cars are at a premium, so please try to refrain from any unneeded modifications. History and the next owner will love you for making the right choices today. Congratulations for your choice. I just hope that you enjoy getting to know what your car as much as I did, so many years ago.

Bill

[Jerry Forrester]

https://weeklyvillager.com/what-were...ona-virus-hit/

HEY! That's Stella. My old '55 President. I sold her at the Charlotte IM. 2004


You want more Pictures, here ya go.

https://imgur.com/a/fs3LK

[S2Deluxe]

She's a beauty, Thanks!

Mark

[StudeRich]

Nice story (except for Loewy). It took a little bit, but I discovered that he is in northern Ohio.

Don't ya just LOVE all of these "Local" Websites that talk all about the Towns, Cities and Counties IN THE AREA, but NEVER mention what State they are in? IF you live there, of course you know.

I searched and searched for the State in all the usual places, and Gave up trying. Good Sleuth-ing Gary, as Bob P. would say!

[bezhawk]

Jerry, is that a Buick air cleaner?

[S2Deluxe]

How did that cam gear get so shredded?

Mark

[Jerry Forrester]

Jerry, is that a Buick air cleaner?

Nope. It's a Mr. Gasket item. They were offered only as polished aluminum. I got tired of having to re-polish it so guess what, I CHROMED IT. Item was discontinued by Mr. Gasket several years ago. Takes a regular 2" X 10" round element.
The air cleaner didn't go with the car when I sold her. It's now on Buttercup.

[Jerry Forrester]

How did that cam gear get so shredded?

Mark

Deby (wife unit) was heading south on I-75 in South Georgia at about 80 MPH going to the No. Fla State Meet. She said he just quit running. Didn't make any kind of noise. I was a quarter mile behind her driving Leo. I popped the distributor cap off an confirmed that the rotor wasn't turning when the engine was turning over with the starter so I pretty well new what had happened.
I guess 142,000 miles may have had something to do with it shedding a few teeth.

[Jerry Forrester]

Nice story (except for Loewy). It took a little bit, but I discovered that he is in northern Ohio.

The funny thing is, I think the guy I sold Stella to was in Ohio. Then, in last month's TW, I saw her for sale in Florida. Now another guy in Ohio buys her.

[studegary]

I wrote to the author through the paper. I got nice responses from both the paper's Editor and directly from the author.