1953 Studebaker Commander Samspace81 classic car inspection, owner interview, road test

[@frankparks4900]

Awesome Gentleman! With a very beautiful Studebaker! He is an inspiration for all of us aging "Car Folks". Thanks for a Great video... It is one of your best so far! Frank Parks in Summerville, Georgia.

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much Frank. He absolutely inspires me to keep truckin. Appreciate you watching Samspace81

[@pauldascenz5356]

I always liked the Studebaker! Especially this model!

[@samspace81]

Really appreciate you watching & commenting Paul, enjoying working with this gentleman and his Studebaker

[@autobug2]

Raymond Loey's design of this car was amazing. The dash alone was 10-15 years ahead of its time in styling and placement of accessories. God Bless this man; you can tell how much he loves that Studebaker. What a beautiful car!

[@hcombs0104]

That was my first thought...very ahead if its time. That goes for the whole car, really. It doesn't look far removed from a '62 Gran Turismo

[@samspace81]

Couldn't agree more gentleman, thank you both for following the Samspace81 channel, doing my part to spread some cheer in classic cars.

[@YOUGOTIT210]

A car decades ahead of its time and still looks current and beautiful today

[@adriantomlin2902]

Exactly!! Back in the day when design engineers kicked ass at their profession!!

[@samspace81]

Couldn't agree more Adrian & Yougotit2010. Thank you both for following the Samspace81 classic car channel & commenting.

[@fffhhh9982]

Raymund-Loevy-Design !

[@Valor_73737]

My first car when I was in high school was a '53 Studebaker Commander! Coral Red with a white top! All the "cool" dudes were driving Fords, Chevs, Mercs and an occasional Plymouth! Being someone that loathes being like everyone else I went with the Stude! I also liked the looks of the car. It may not have had the horsepower of some of the other cars of that era, but it would out corner just about anything. Had it 2-3 years until I blew up the engine! But I loved that car, and because of it my first new car a few years later was a '63 Studebaker GT Hawk! Had that car for 30 years, put over 240,000 miles on it! There were few that could outrun that Studebaker. It was capable of pegging the 160 MPH speedometer. Only did that once to see if it would, but didn't want to blow that engine up! One was enough!

[@samspace81]

Good stuff Ron, appreciate you sharing those memories here! Thanks so much for watching the Samspace81 channel

[@tombob671]

Mr. Thornton you sir are a class act. Your car is gorgeous too.

[@samspace81]

I'll pass along the word Tom. Thank you so much for watching sir. This car is still for sale, which shocks me

[@phillipternullo4934]

That’s one fine perfect example of a Studebaker . There was a Silver Hawk and a Golden Hawk I think ? My Mother had a 56’ Power Hawk Automatic with a V8 motor . Mom had an accident and I tore the damaged front end sheet metal off and put a new radiator back in and had it all set up to put a new front end on at the old age of fourteen years old . As well put new tires and a fresh new battery. It was running again . Mom sold the car 🚗 with my blessings and she bought a brand spanking new car with the money . I think I had three cars before I ever had a drivers license : ). I also got the privilege of wrenching on some race cars while still in high school before joining the US Navy . I sure enjoyed you’re video . Thanks for the post Sam / Mr Space . That’s a beauty !

[@samspace81]

Wonderful, Samspace81 is my KZbin channel and auto inspection business. Really appreciate you sharing those memories, things like that keep me producing these. - SAM

[@_dave4460]

Phillip Ternullo our nextdoor neighbor had 1 each; golden hawk, silver hawk. 1 was a golden/brown color. the other was 2 tone white and yellow. both had 160 on their speedo’s, both factory suped with duals. both 2 seaters with small storage areas behind the seats. impecable condition like this car. i’m not sure what year models they were; late 50s maybe early 60s...

[@tomrobards7753]

One of the great old cars they drove like a dream , my dad loved his .

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much Tom and thank your dad for watching too. Thats what drives my KZbin channel, comments like yours.

[@arodrigues2843]

I had a Coupe 1955, with a sigle front grill, and I think that's even more beautiful.!!! GREAT CARS.!!! Miss them...

[@samspace81]

Good stuff guys. Appreciate ya'll commenting & following the Samspace81 classic car channel. Really enjoying the way this video took off, so is Dr. Thornton.

[@phillipternullo4934]

Can you imagine how far ahead of the time this car was ? For a mid fifties automobile the design is awesome . Always looked at it as a sports car myself.

[@samspace81]

Yes! It really was. The nose and shape reminds me of 60s cars. Thanks again sir!

[@amilcarnanez8476]

Beautifull car!! I like cars of 50' this is example !! Congratulation from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@samspace81]

Much love from Texas, USA. I appreciate you following the Samspace81 channel, Amilcar Nanez!

[@billace90]

What a jewel. A beautiful example of mid century, fine American automobile craftsmanship now long gone. Thank you for uploading.

[@samspace81]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks so much for watching the Samspace81 channel :)

[@jesusstemphelet1117]

Una belleza, Felicitaciónes desde Uruguay.

[@samspace81]

Much love & respect from Texas, USA. I appreciate you watching from beautiful Uruguay! :)

[@jesusstemphelet1117]

Muchas gracias,tengo una Studebaker pick cap 1951,algún día posiblemente la pueda restaurar,un placer poder ver esas joyas en ese estado.abrazos y mucha suerte.

[@adriantomlin2902]

That man sounds so humble for owning such a perfect example of a American car culture! Also a very intelligent man!! Thanks for the video Sam!! Good work!!

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much for watching! Yes he started talking and I started filming. I wish I would have recorded more. Really appreciate the good word :) - SAM

[@adriantomlin2902]

@@samspace81 keep up the fine work!

[@doogals]

One of my most favorite cars of all time!

[@samspace81]

Oustanding, catching up on comments. I don't see many Studebakers, really had a good time. Thanks for commenting! I always notice your comments, doogals99!

[@simon.houseaccount4807]

This cool old dude ,,,love the car ,,,its been so well looked after,,

[@samspace81]

Absolutely right on both accounts, thanks Marcus!

[@33maple]

A timeless design ...as fresh as it was in the 50,s...you can't improve perfection

[@samspace81]

I couldn't agree more! Really ahead of its time. Really appreciate you subscribing to Samspace81 as well :)

[@alzibert9785]

A true Classic car , a beautiful piece of craftsmanship !!! 👍

[@samspace81]

Couldn't agree more! Appreciate you watching, Al

[@kristikennedy8447]

What a sweet man and car, great video

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much :)

[@hudsonkeelin2369]

Just showing love for your car keeps them in good shape and this gentleman took excellent care of his car.

[@samspace81]

Absolute pride in ownership, thanks so much for watching the Samspace81 classic car channel

[@danilocarneiro3578]

Nunca vi um carro de 1953 igual a esse muito lindo. Parabéns pelo cuidado!

[@samspace81]

Thanks again, Danilo. Enjoying your comments.

[@robardobaltimoro]

Thanks both of you gentlemen for sharing this outstanding example of a 1953 Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe with us - and what a high point of US automotive engineering - and yes - ahead of its time! How I wish this company was still in business! They got squeezed-out by the Big 3 in more ways than can be detailed here. And companies like Studebaker, Packard, Cord and Kaiser were never the threat to the Big 3 that the Asian and European imports were - and still are! With that more solid A pillar, it had to be a safer car in a rollover than many of the other mid 50's to late 60's cars - with the much thinner A pillar. Amazing! The one wagon company which made the successful transition to automotive production!

[@samspace81]

Classy comment Robert, I appreciate your insight and compliment. I'll pass it along to RW. Thanks so much for watching the Samspace81 channel.

[@guillermojimenezcastelblan8456]

Hey, stunning ride!. I love this car, the best 50's design ones. Superior styling over Earl's design job. Lower, wider, and very european look. Congratulations to the owner. Keep it rollin'!!!. Why didn' them last more years, wonders me....

[@samspace81]

Couldn't agree more Guillermo. I appreciate you watching my Samspace81 channel sir

[@awh5773]

i know mr. thornton personally. he use to live about 3 blocks from my dads home. he use to call me to come help work on his cars. i have worked on this car and his 1950 champ convertable, he is a very nice man, he use to have a 1963 black and gold interior president i believe it was, this man loves his studebakers, also trust me, that a/c blows cold , it uses R12, also there are so many grease points under that car it aint funny, even the rear leaf springs have greaseable bushings, i think he sold his 1950 champ, i still talk to him on the phone every now and then, i hope he will be around for a lot more years. thank you sir for being so respectful to him. means a lot to me

[@samspace81]

He is a special man, it was an honor and pleasure to spend an afternoon with him!!

[@plunkervillerr1529]

Nice Commander , I `ve had a 48 landcruise , my toy since 1975 .

[@samspace81]

Good stuff, solid vehicles. I appreciate you following the Samspace81 channel.

[@laurodepaiva642]

Magnífico é uma joia rara!! Parabéns pela excelência!!

[@samspace81]

Really appreciate your kind words & viewership of the Samspace81 channel. Love these old cars :)

[@laurodepaiva642]

I also love vintage cars, with Their stories.

[@kevinbodman1011]

What a great car.Thqnkyou for letting the world see her.

[@samspace81]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment Kevin! Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnbiolchini7273]

This car had for GM and Chrysler beat for years and Bonneville was the most streamline car there was this is a perfect example 1953

[@samspace81]

Absolutely, by a decade. I appreciate you following the Samspace81 classic car channel & that great sentiment John!

[@jeffking291]

I’ve always been a fan of Studebaker. I remember them as a kid. 📻🙂

[@samspace81]

Really appreciate you watching the Samspace81 Jeff, thats what I'm about, classic cars. Appreciate your viewership and comments.

[@jeffking291]

samspace81 I’m a professionally trained Auto Detail Technician (as opposed to a detailer), 23 years experience, and, while it was opened, THE official auto detailer for the Jacksonville Antique Automotive and Motorcycle Museum. I do ALL types of detailing. But specialize in antiques, Exotics, Show Cars. I have some interesting photos/videos [ including a’64 Hawk - inside the museum while it was open], at “Akingstouchdetailing “@Facebook. 📻🙂

[@samspace81]

Thank you very much, it's a pleasure to know you! I'll follow you

[@jeffking291]

samspace81 Cool. I may not post very often, but whenever I do something worth posting. Got a black Honda coming up. ( deep spiderwebbing/swirls in paint - especially hood), And soon, a Radio I “ detailed”😁

[@joevald3]

When I was young going high school . I bought a 53 Studebaker two-door hardtop three speed with overdrive . I bought it used it was one hell of a good car . Very stylish

[@samspace81]

Thats good stuff Joe. Thanks so much for watching the Samspace81 channel too sir.

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

This 53 is very very cool, love the fact that it's still being used 😁

[@samspace81]

Good stuff. Me too, very inspiring man. Really appreciate you watching the Samspace81 channel.

[@ivsonbarbosa1885]

Uma obra de arte, e conservada por um artista... Parabéns

[@samspace81]

Sure appreciate your watching, Ivson :) Greetings from Texas, USA

[@michaeltipton5500]

A bumper to bumper gorgeous car. You can sure tell it's his baby.

[@samspace81]

Absolutely, an inspiring man to me. I'm glad so many people are seeing this. Appreciate you watching Samspace81, Michael!

[@OldCrowsClassicCars]

Beutiful car. Similar colour of my Rambler...thats about it. What a nice man as well.

[@samspace81]

Couldn't agree more! Thats cool you have a Rambler, what year? Really appreciate you watching the Samspace81 Channel, looks like we have cars in common

[@OldCrowsClassicCars]

@@samspace81 Mine is 1963 American. I have a video of me driving it in winter.

[@larrybailey43]

Sweet ! I had a 953 once, enjoyed it !

[@samspace81]

Right on!

[@martinsykora4492]

Super video 🤩🥳👍👍👍

[@samspace81]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@edwardclemanski]

It is one of your best videos - enjoyed it immensely

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much. I didn't go there with intentions of an interview. He started talking and I decided he needed to be recorded, very kind man and extremely knowledgeable. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I certainly did.

[@MrMechanicandy]

Beautiful car can only hope my 53 will look that good when I get done

[@samspace81]

I hope so too!

[@waynemitchell1543]

NICE original commander and top notch original Owner I had a 51 and 52 commander great vehicles wish I had kept them.

[@samspace81]

Thanks for sharing Wayne. I'm glad you enjoyed the video too.

[@_dave4460]

what a gentleman. great car and video

[@samspace81]

Really appreciate that Dave! Thanks for subscribing to Samspace81 too ;)

[@SirenaWF1]

I'm happy that I still have mine. Same Maui and Nocturne blue.

[@samspace81]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing. I appreciate you watching the Samspace81 channel too

[@ronaldoscomazzon8345]

Beautiful car. I have thu Stud,s. Champion 1951 and 1952. From Garibaldi RS Brazil.

[@samspace81]

Wonderful! Beautiful Brazil. I appreciate you following the Samspace81 classic car channel, I'd love to see your Studebakers.

[@lazaroenriquecastillosalin6978]

que bonito carro clasico estos eran carros

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much for watching

[@jerryashlock5519]

Way ahead of their time...and ahead of the competition...resembles a 60's model

[@samspace81]

Thats what I was thinking too. It really eats up the highway too I hear. Appreciate you watching Jerry.

[@derekgoodwin4102]

Awesome thank you for sharing the video

[@marksponge9852]

Stunning!

[@samspace81]

It really is! Thanks Mark for your comment and continued viewership :) Always a pleasure.

[@stephencartwright5046]

The best yet!

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much Stephen! I appreciate your attentive viewership & comments :)

[@haroldleaming2625]

Designer was William Lowie, 1953-1958, in 1956 they added the tail finns,, very aerodynamic, we used at Bonniville salt flats

[@mikecastellon4545]

His name was Raymond Loewy the greatest designer of all time

[@samspace81]

Thank you both for watching & commenting. Love these old cars and the stories they tell. Also, the stories people share of their own.

[@lisaboo5806]

What a beauty !

[@samspace81]

Absolutely, thanks so much for watching and commenting, Lisa!

[@earthart2010]

Oh my God you’re killing me. Is this RW’s original car? It’s absolutely beautiful it’s the car I want to see, the car I wanna sit in and I would pay RW if he would let me drive it down the street. Just so I could go through all 3 gears on that column. I have got to see one of these cars again before I die.

[@samspace81]

He owned the car for many years, a real Studebaker man

[@orlandozenon7061]

Beautiful!!

[@samspace81]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jeffking291]

...and that’s a beautiful Studebaker ❗️ 📻🙂

[@samspace81]

Right? That was a fun day. Thanks Jeff!

[@michaelannspade7427]

Beautiful car, I would own it in a heart beat

[@samspace81]

You and me both. Thanks so much for watching

[@davidamaral1519]

I really liked the video and the car.

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much David. Check out my latest with the 55 Mercury. Appreciate you watching Samspace81

[@davidgandolfo3133]

Maravilloso hermoso unico

[@samspace81]

Really appreciate you watching, David

[@randalmotorhomemusicasdicas]

MÁQUINA!!!!! ABRAÇO DO BRASIL!!

[@samspace81]

Its a pleasure to have you here, thanks so much for following Samspace81 :)

[@allantaylor3288]

Looks to be a nice Studebaker, don’t see them as original as this one very often👌

[@samspace81]

It is!

[@moemarchetti9337]

We had a red one. Some where around '58 or '59 (I was 3 it 4 years old) it was destroyed by someone running a stop sign. My mother had a few stitches from a cut on her forehead otherwise my sister and I were fine. We replaced it with a '56 Chevy. The Studebaker was better but the Chevy was okay. These were truly great automobiles.

[@emiliorodrigues1924]

No doubt about it!!

[@samspace81]

Great comment, thank you both for watching the Samspace81 channel. Love these old cars & trucks

[@nuil501]

Wonderfull video, car, and grandpa !!! How old is Mr. Thornton? Thanks for sharing, oscar;

[@samspace81]

He is 86. Thank you for the great comment. I appreciate you watching Samspace81

[@pauldascenz5356]

Cool!

[@samspace81]

Thanks Paul

[@jesussilvaalvarez3243]

Muy buen video supercarraso saludos👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎

[@samspace81]

Much love Jesus, appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@thetreblerebel]

Chrome and Badges are awesome

[@samspace81]

So cool right?

[@keithcasner6842]

Stellar Thanks

[@onelow8975]

Raymond Lowey designer for Studebaker 👍🏆

[@samspace81]

Genius designer. I appreciate the insightful comment & your viewership. I strive to produce quality classic car videos - Samspace81 "Sam"

[@lazaroenriquecastillosalin6978]

si saben cuidar sus carros

[@samspace81]

Thumbs up :)

[@joaobarbosadossantosneto1285]

Show!

[@samspace81]

Great car and guy

[@boris2873]

When I was about 5 my dad bought a Golden Hawk. I thought it was the fastest car made. Supercharged 289 & a 4 speed with overdrive, speedo went up to 160 mph.

[@samspace81]

Monster. Same setup as an R2 Avanti I believe. Thanks so much for sharing, Kenneth. Appreciate you watching Samspace81

[@boris2873]

@@samspace81 I think it was 1972 when he bought it

[@bertclaassen4649]

Very classy and a nice burble to the echaust

[@samspace81]

Indeed!

[@johndavey72]

Lovely example Sam . So was Mr. Thornton selling the Studebaker . If so , that's rather sad.

[@samspace81]

Yes! His eyesight was getting poor. He has a 50 Champion Convertible for sale now I hear

[@johndavey72]

@@samspace81 oh well , at least someone will become the custodian of these important cars. Guess Mr. Thornton had no one to leave them to . And he's wise enough to know that he's making the right , if regretful , decision. Thankyou Sam. Only another 50 to watch ! 😂

[@mauravirtuoso7013]

Lindo top de linha

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much for the insightful comment & your viewership Maura.

[@glorialondon5054]

That's certainly a Beautifully restored car, with some very nice, non original, upgrades. A very nice, and knowledgeable gentleman. Although he is slightly confused, about the actual number of main berrings?

[@samspace81]

It happens! Lot of knowledge there. I really appreciate your sentiment & viewership of the Samspace81 classic car channel.

[@thegreenhorney6353]

Muy hermoso auto. NÍTIDO 👌 TODA UNA JOYA.👍

[@samspace81]

Thanks so much for watching, The Green Horney!

[@loyddussaultsr4181]

That is one fine Studebaker automobile

[@gopalakrishnandevarajan7363]

There is three version of studibacker cars in India in the early 50S The President The Commander and the studibaker champion All are very prestigious sedans at that time

[@samspace81]

Wonderful, thanks for sharing that interesting info. Appreciate you watching Samspace81

[@robertferrara4529]

I had the same car.mine had a 6cyl. I remember a glass jar on the passenger side.

[@samspace81]

Must have had windshield washers. Thanks for sharing Robert. I appreciate you watching Samspace81

[@robertferrara4529]

@@samspace81 It had misery oil in it.

[@MrPurgetory]

I would take this over any modern vehicle today. Back when cars had character

[@samspace81]

Yes ! The owner & car had character aplenty

[@williameltringham7559]

Beautiful car nothing like plastic junk nowadays

[@samspace81]

Absolutely, no junk here. I really appreciate your viewership on the Samspace81 classic car channel Mr. Eltringham.

[@thetreblerebel]

Line this car up next to a late 50s TBird or Vette, it's in their class but yet it's a roadster. It's a Sports Coupe, a super early 2+2 pony car... The Mustang seems derived from it too..

[@samspace81]

Good stuff, appreciate you watching & commenting Stevie Jo

[@robertweldon7909]

My dad had one of these, two tone green and yellow, yuck. Boy did it go. 3 speed w/ overdrive auto. It was a real good car.

[@samspace81]

Thanks for sharing those memories Robert. I appreciate you watching

[@dickjohnson4268]

Well sir, we about witnessed a tragedy last Friday. A 1952 (?) Stude pickup was being transported along I-80 on a flatbed trailer, when a semi that was entering the highway just had to cut off the towing rig. The driver of the rig with the Stude had already anticipated this idiot's idea of YEILDING to traffic. The Stude was unhurt, and instant Karma hit the semi driver. He was pulled over by the Highway patrol unit that saw the reckless driving.. I hope that you are out cruising in sunny skies!

[@samspace81]

Wow, glad everyone is ok.

[@antoniobatista842]

Quanto é carro?

[@ronaldoscomazzon8345]

Não está a venda.

[@samspace81]

Si venda, $19500. SAM 972-748-6389 cell

[@oieugeniosilva3827]

É um ou outro que se sobressai e consegue alguma coisa a más, na sua maioria o povo brasileiro morre pobre sem deichar herança a seus filhos...pura verdade...

[@samspace81]

Much love from Texas, thanks for watching

[@dickjohnson4268]

I would much rather have a new car than this old stuff. That way I can see what I'm driving coming and going. It's easier to hide our car in a parking lot. Then there's the $635.98 monthly payment for 84 months. Hell, when this fine Stude was built, you could have your new suburban area house paid for in 10 months at that rate. Ray Loewy did it right. There's a '54 Stude pickup around here still doing farm duties on nice days. It's real easy to spot in the Farm-Mahal Superstore parking lot. So is our 1956 Plymouth.

[@samspace81]

Dick, really ahead of its time, looks like a mid 60s car to me. I appreciate your great comment & viewership sir.

[@dickjohnson4268]

@@samspace81 No sir, you have that backwards. I thank you! I bet your Stude doesn't have the aluminum driveshaft problem that the new GM vehicles are having.... while the owner makes payments on his $101,000 Escalade!

[@jimtrook3597]

I noticed the owner said the engine had a 3-main crankshaft..?? Not to my knowledge. I'm almost dead certain that every year Studebaker V-8 had a 5- main crankshaft. Somebody from SDC should be able to verify this.

[@samspace81]

Appreciate you Jim

[@alejandrojimenez4169]

Commeting 23 hours later

[@samspace81]

I appreciate you watching too, thanks so much :)

[@larryg.9187]

... Although I still have my '65 Studebaker Cruiser, and a '47 step side Studebaker trailer... I will always regret selling my 1953 Studebaker Champion Deluxe ... 🇺🇸 ...

[@garynoss818]

I want

[@samspace81]

YOu and me both

[@oieugeniosilva3827]

Pensei que os Brasileiros gostavam de carros, más vejo que os Americanos nos deicharam nós no chinelo... bom EUA tem verdadeiras máquinas né, BRASIL só temos carroças, uma vergonha aqui se trabalha a vida inteira e morremos pobres... nem uma casa descente pra morar conseguimos...

[@samspace81]

Brazil is beautiful, thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@southbend3406]

Lower the music level...

[@samspace81]

Thanks its always a challenge to mix this stuff correctly. I hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for watching Samspace81

[@southbend3406]

@@samspace81 ....yes. Thanks so much.

[@joseantoniomartinsdovale4856]

so do I PAUL

[@samspace81]

Thanks 4 watching