1935 dictator

[Tyler1981]

Hello,
I recently purchased a 1935 dictator 3 window coupe. I was hoping someone could possibly give me some information regarding this model. It is a 2a I believe with the independent front suspension and it also has the overdrive transmission. I was just curious if there were many of the three window coups built. I haven’t been able to find much info on them. The car is pretty solid condition and complete with the original drivetrain. Any info on what kind of value would be helpful also.

[Studebaker Wheel]

I have sales literature, factory photos, owners manual, shop manual, registration and licensing data, original cost data, mechanical specifications and a whole lot more. Just depends on what you want. There are no production figures by body style for 1935 models. I might suggest that you avail yourself of the October 2013 issue of the magazine "Collectible Automobile" wherein you will find my 13 page article on the 1934-35 Studebakers consisting of approx. 4000 words along with maybe 30 photos. Generally you can find copies on Ebay. Just noted this one running now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/144977301925 If not simply order from the publisher. There is no shortage of data. Oh, and be sure to join The Antique Studebaker Club (specializing in 1946 and earlier Studebakers) The Antique Studebaker Club

[Georger]

Unless the tranny was replaced, 1935 Dictator came with Freewheeling, not overdrive.

[6hk71400]

Tyler,

Welcome to the forum. You will find a wealth of information here and a large number of knowledgeable members. When you get some time, take some pictures;we always like to see pictures.

To the question of value: most here are a bit hesitant to place a value as there are so many variables as to condition (running or not) exterior interior glass brakes (first year for hydraulic brakes) and demand. I advise most new Studebaker owners if to first get to know the car. Start with the easy part: wash the car with a soft soapy cloth and dry with a soft turkish towel. You will have a better idea as to the overall condition. Most say a car is worth what someone will pay for it.

As you get to own your car, appreciate it for what is. If you bought the car to flip it, good luck. Someone a long time ago said you could never pay to much for a Studebaker, you can just buy it too soon.

I would also recommend looking up the local chapter. We in our chapter have models from 1923 to a 1988 Avanti Convertible and our ages range for 29 to 93. We just had a breakfast in the park Saturday with 39 people. Some people were invited that had not joined the chapter but did afterwards.

Studebaker has a rich history from 1852 to 1966. The cars and wagons with the owners still carry that forward. The Budweiser beer wagon is a Studebaker wagon.

Bob Miles
Benson AZ home of a Studebaker dealership in 1918

[Tyler1981]

Just got it home today everything is all there it appears. I just got it running and it looks all sound there so far. The interior needs work but the car has been sitting since 76. Is there anything specific that I should look for on it? I did notice someone at some point has cut the hood ornament off and shaved it down. The body seems to be in really solid shape for its age.

[Michidan]

Amazing find. Those are beautiful cars

[Tyler1981]

I’m still stuck on the decision on which direction to go with the car the it’s kind of inbetween the car is complete and in good shape but not pristine to be a show car. I’ve had a few friends already trying to get me to convert it to a street rod.

[6hk71400]

Tyler,

Consider this: if your goal is to win a show and collect your $100 trophy you should probably start with a better car. If your goal is to follow the easy way your friends suggest, find a car that is that is not complete that it makes the right decision to street rod.

Another thought is to take the car and make it a driver. You can have fun with bringing a car to driver status the drive and people ask what is it.

What works for me is I have two low production Studebaker's that with some work could be show cars. They won't: I get satisfaction when I drive my factory supercharged 1957 Golden Hawk to breakfast and people stop and look at my car. The number of cars built were 4,356 and I can guarantee it is the only one in Benson, AZ. Same with my 41 Landcruiser Skyway.

All three are options. Good luck on your decision

Bob Miles
Benson AZ

[Tyler1981]

By chance can anyone tell me what the floor in the car is supposed to be if it’s wood or steel.

[Greenstude]

First, make the car safe to drive -- good brakes. no leaks of fuel or other fluids, tires with good tread and no sidewall cracks, no rust holes in the passenger compartment. Then, do what is required to make it run reliably. Join your local Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. Get the shop manual, chassis parts catalogue and body parts catalogue for the car. You can have a lot of fun with a car that runs well but does not look perfect. Have someone with old-car experience look it over. If the car has been sitting for a few years, expect to replace rubber parts, gaskets, etc.

From your description of the car, my preference would be to restore to original condition. Even if it does not win Show Champion (or any other prize) you still can have fun with a nice car. Making a nice. original car, and one that is not commonly seen, into a street rod is a waste in my opinion. Having owned, enjoyed and driven my 1947 Studebaker Champion for a few weeks short of 50 years while keeping it very close to original reinforces my opinion. Adding safety equipment such as seat belts does not detract from originality if done properly and neatly.

Best wishes for enjoying your car!

[Hallabutt]

What you have stumbled on is a rare find. I searched for a decent one for decades. Over the last 20 years I have come across three two of which were eventually street rodded. We have a friend in Montana who has several, which he hasn't wanted to part with. Until I discovered a long time family owned car at the Studebaker International in Colorado Springs, in 2013, I was unaware that any coupes were still operational and original.

[tomlewis]

To answer your question about floorboards, they are exactly that —- plywood

Tom

[rockne10]

... be sure to join The Antique Studebaker Club (specializing in 1946 and earlier Studebakers) The Antique Studebaker Club

This also works. It's the NEW ASC web site. https://antiquestudebakerclub.org/

[Tyler1981]

Thanks for all the information from everyone. Drove it around the driveway today. I found it has the original body color tag on the dash. It is supposed to be velvet black lacquer by chance can anyone tell me if that is a glossy or dull shade? Also in the interior there is a hole center of the windshield can anyone tell me what is supposed to go there?

[Hallabutt]

That hole is for the radio speaker.

[Noxnabaker]

If it runs & drives on its original mechanics I fail to understand why bother making a street rod of it, it's not as if it's a Ford & there's loads around...
(but that's only my opinion & I've been wrong before)