Does the serial number indicate build

[5brown1]

55 Speedster with serial # 7805779. Is there any code within, as in some Ford and GM vehicles?

Also is this a valid number?

[41 Frank]

There are no codes within that number. It is unlike a VIN nowadays. It is just a serial number. In order to get build info send the serial number to the Studebaker National Museum and for a fee they will send you the production order. As far as the number I don't know if it is valid but someone here will.

[stude1964]

Is that # on the doorpost ? What is your body # on the cowl?

[Studebaker Wheel]

55 Speedster with serial # 7805779. Is there any code within, as in some Ford and GM vehicles?

Also is this a valid number?

Yes it is a '55 Speedster, assembled in the L.A. (Vernon) plant on 12-17-54. Body plate on firewall should read 6H K7 184.
Original color green/yellow. Shipped to the dealer in San Diego, CA.

[Jim B PEI]

1955 models --16G6 for Champion 6, 16G8 for Commander (ie smaller output) V8, and 6H for President (ie, larger output) V8
A Speedster was a President model hardtop, and on the cowl tag it should read 6H K7 (Speedster, a K5 was a "State" hardtop, and pillared coupes are "C" models, either C3 Deluxe, or C5 Regal or State depending on year) and then a number which was the body number. The body number does not follow along the serial number, as sometimes body tubs were prepared ahead of time for later production.

There were three Studebaker plants in 1955: South Bend IN, Vernon (LA) CA, and Hamilton ON. The starting numbers for South Bend 6H Presidents was 7151001, and 56 was 7171001; Vernon was 7805001 for 55 and 7808501 for 56. Presidents included C and K coupes, and Y long wheelbase sedans, as well as D, 2 door station wagons.

Your car serial # matches a Vernon built car. Note that entire Vernon CA production of Presidents in 1955 was under 3500 cars of all body styles; the serial numbers would start at the next convenient ...,001 in the next model year. Vernon production included more high end vehicles on average than South Bend or Hamilton. Sounds legit that it is a a valid Speedster serial number to me....

Getting (a copy of) the factory build sheet from the Studebaker National Museum will show EXACTLY what car body and engine number went into that serial number, and tons of details as to trim, paint, options, and special instructions, perhaps even the dealer. It not much ($48) for a wealth of info Order here: https://studebakermuseum.org/store/production-orders/

Edit: I just noticed that Richard Quinn, one of THE sources of Studebaker information, has already posted some of the build details of your Speedster

Good luck!

[radiotech]

Does anybody have the street address of the old Vernon Plant?

[Studebaker Wheel]

Does anybody have the street address of the old Vernon Plant?

4530 Loma Vista Vernon CA. It is no longer standing.
See your TW for July 1996 page 38-40 for a history of the plant.

[5brown1]

Thank you all for the information. I purchased the car and now just have to get it from Euless, TX to South Dakota. A winter project but I don't think it needs much.

[Jim B PEI]

Of course, Peg's Transport is Studebaker knowledgeable and friendly, and recommended by many on this forum.