1955 Studebaker president four-door sedan

Today on what it’s like it’s 1955 and this studebaker Four-door sedan could be had at your local Studebaker dealer. Advertisements comparisons even a commercial in this episode enjoyed this one
This car is currently for sale at classic auto Mall Morgantown Pennsylvania for more pictures pertaining to this very car be sure to click the link below after the show
 www.classicautomall.com/vehic...

[@markosborne9558]

In 1972, my brother- in - law ran his 55 president to 110 mph max on a level road, with me scared to death. Loved that car.

[@What.its.like.]

Wow crazy story

[@jerrycallender7604]

The 1955 Studebaker President, with all 1950's and early 1960's Studebakers, were among THE most spectacular American cars ever made.

[@What.its.like.]

It was a stellar car I can’t wait to find a speedster those are really rare

[@jerrycallender7604]

My Mustang was invited to the 2006 Hilton Head Concours and there was a Speedster across the 'promenade' from me, next to the Metropolitan station wagon. @@What.its.like.

[@NeedtoSpeak]

Yes, Yes……that’s it….”Catfish Look” says it all! You are so right….known for rust.

[@lanedexter6303]

Beautiful! You sure can see the similarity to the timeless Raymond Loewy designed 1953 Starliner. I’ve never understood how some Studebakers were timelessly beautify, and some were … stodgy or just strange.

[@ShutterBiscuit]

Studebaker along with DeSoto are two of my favourite brands that no longer exist. The attention to detail and the quality were just incredible. This is one beautiful car.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices totally agree =)

[@5610winston]

5:58 The overdrive transmission was a conventional three-on-the-tree sliding-gear unit with a two-speed planetary gearset attached to the output shaft. The overdrive could be engaged in any of the three forward gears by easing off the throttle briefly and disengaged by flooring the throttle. It only engaged at speeds over about 28 mph, so first-over was of limited use. Second-over was useful for highway acceleration, and third-over was an ideal high-speed cruising gear. The overdrive kick-down was the passing gear. At lower speeds when the overdrive had not engaged, the overdrive had a freewheeling function. The driver could lock the freewheel and disable the overdrive by pulling a tee-type handle under the left side of the dash in Studebakers (other locations in other brands).

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing how that works =)

[@StratKruzer]

My 1950 Champion had that exact setup. Thanks for more information. I didn’t know the freewheel was in the overdrive unit.

[@neildickson5394]

One of my all time favorite Studees. The 55 was the last of the European look. Packard now controlled Studebaker and the 56 models were redesigned in the Packard school of design from it's hooded headlights to it's vertical taillights with integrated tailpipes into the bumper. This was a very low car for 55, ahead it's time. Beautiful inside and out. Best color. I've seen this car on ebay, that red carpet is not correct, and I'd immediately yank that, horrible. I'll never understand a high end car like this with a radio delete. Neanderthals! Druthers: 55: Studebaker President hands down. One of my dream cars.

[@gene978]

Good Stuff Jay! Anyone who picks this car up will more than likely be the ONLY one at a Car show with This make and model.

[@What.its.like.]

Yes and it’s one of the nicest ones I’ve ever seen it’s probably real close to as it would be in from the factory the only difference is the color I’m not sure if this color was offered by Studebaker in this year.. The color was very similar to 57 Chevy teal

[@josephgaviota]

4:00 The _one_ think I like about the '55 is the big "V" with the stylized "S" - that looks nice (to me).

[@susanjoseph2380]

I am so proud to be in the stuabaker family. I was born in 1950. Clement Stuabaker descendent. I wish they'd bring them back

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet Did you get to grow up with some cars like did the family keep anything or did it all go away My grandpa was in the greenhouse business and he had an empire lol not quite to the magnitude of Studebaker any thing like that but once he passed away just about everything that he had is now gone That’s totally awesome so happy that you commented which Studebaker was your favorite

[@Matt_from_Florida]

That *'55 Merc Montclair* is sweet!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah it is =)

[@johnboydTx]

1954 Studebaker is my favorite. And the 55 DeSoto Hemi ❤️❤️ Useless Trivia 😂 Burt Reynolds movie W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings had a Oldsmobile mythical car 😂 a 55 the movie called it a 53 anniversary limited edition that was wrong 🤦🤷 .. Hollywood?? 😂 Great Episode Happy Motoring ✌️🤠

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that trivia sweet choices glad you dig this video =)

[@ronkemperful]

Like the styling of this car. I noted that a 6 tube or 8 tube auto tune radios were offered in the brochure you displayed. I miss the mellow warm sound of the old tube-type radios. Yes,the tubes drew more power, had to be warmed up before anything came out of the speakers, and from time to time a tube had to be replaced, but the sound was so classically smooth. Early rock recordings all were recorded and mixed with tube radios in mind that by the nature of tubes struggled to play higher frequencies so the sound was compensated for them. Maybe that’s why classic rock often sounds tinny and hollow.

[@What.its.like.]

They had a different sound that new radios don’t have.. I often say these old cars are like a rib eye steak at an affordable price were as the stuff they sell today once you get past all the fake luxury it’s like getting a McDonald’s Hamburger at 5 star price everything is so cheap now

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Jay!: The '55 President is a STUNNING car! The '55 is probably my least favorite design of the '53-'55 era, but the one you show is changing my mind! I like the "butter knife" trim on the side of this one. It is really too bad that American car buyers were getting more into glitzy looking cars, not that this one is short on trim, but the sleek styling is so great! Even better, after 1955 Studebaker morphed the two door and coupe dies into the Hawk series, which was available until 1964! So Raymond's design lasted over a decade! The one you have shown is just a great, family car! No road blob here! And a 1955 car with a robe rail is just a hoot! Gotta LOVE Studebaker! WYR#1 HAVE to pick the Stude! #2 Going Mopar on this one with the DeSoto, another interesting design for 1955.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices thank you so much for the insight butter knife fender makers really cool term, I need to get better at making connections like that on the spot.. it’s a 5.5 hour drive out there and then I try and do 15-20 cars while there.. sometimes I get jet lag even tho I didn’t fly idk it’s weird some days/times are better then others I remember one time last year I had a really hard time with even talking this time wasn’t so bad.. when I go back in jan I’m going to try and stay two days I want to go to a museum out there as well

[@robertwatkins364]

My father loved Studebakers with a rabid passion. He was known as "Studebaker George." What I remember about 1955, it was a experimental year for Studebaker. The early cars Had a curved wind sheild and the A pillar laid back. The later 1955 Studebakers had a wrap around windshield, and the A pillar was verticle. I have never seen a 1955 Studebaker President (top model) speedster with a wrap around wind shield. They had two sized V8s the standard 259 with a 3.250 throw crank, and a new 224.with A 2.810 throw crank. The 224 was a 259 engine, with a short throw crank. An old stock car racer told me once the 224 engines were the hot ticket in the late 50s, because they would rev.10 grand! I'm pretty sure the first year for a 289, and a 12 volt system for Studebaker was 1956. My favorite rock song from 1955 was Speedo - Cadillacs

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much for sharing that information stuff like that is hard to find on the internet sometimes I wish there was a place for straight forward information.. I guess that’s what this channel is hahaha but I have to find the information somewhere generally use 3/4 sources and the ads themselves Thank you for sharing all of that

[@Matt_from_Florida]

@@What.its.like. Amazing how much original first-hand Packard knowledge was forever lost with those passing away between 2010 to 2020. The difference between living history and reading about it.

[@What.its.like.]

I agree =) it sucks honestly that’s my biggest fear is this stuff is going to get lost to time

[@charlescarter1529]

Only sedans got the new windshield.

[@49commander]

Studebaker actually built two different series in 1955, the first series used the 53/54 Windshield and used the 224 CID in Commanders and 259 in Presidents. Then part way through they redesigned the Cowl to incorporate a Mini Wrap Around Windshield this also required the front doors to be redesigned. The Ultravista second series used the 259 V-8 in Commanders and the 289 V-8 in Presidents. Even the Automatic Transmission changed from the Studebaker Designed Detroit Gear model to the BorgWarner Flightomatic.

[@49commander]

This is just a summary of what went on in 1955. There were lots of detail changes made through 1955 Year trying to reduce costs etc.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing all that

[@carlmontney7916]

55 Studebaker 55 DeSoto As I've mentioned before. My grandfather said his 28 Studebaker was the best car he ever owned. My Uncle had a late 50's Hawk. Damn shame Studebaker went away. It would be really interesting to see what they would be building nowadays.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree awesome choices 55 was a great year for cars and 56 57 golden hawk is at the top of my 50s short list of cars I’d like to own but honestly would take any of them

[@tedstankunas7142]

I had a 55 President that was blue and white with electric windows, great car. I wish I still had it.

[@What.its.like.]

What did you like the most about it

[@xzombielar]

Call me weird, but this is my dream car. From the teal paint, to the conservative yet whimsical interior, with the red /gray color scheme. This car was a transition from the massive, bulbous tub bodied sedans of the 40s and early 50s and the jet age chrome mobiles. It’s actually ahead of the chevys and fords stylistically. I’d choose this over all of the other 55s.

[@josephgaviota]

Jay, as I've said before, I like these various interesting cars you highlight. For some reason as I was watching this vid, the mid-'60s Citroen came to mind. I wonder if that's a car would ever get to feature.

[@What.its.like.]

I have a good friend with two going to do his in the spring =) there is a wagon at classic auto mall going to cover that if it’s still there in jan

[@josephgaviota]

@@What.its.like. Oooohh! Sounds INTERESTING.

[@onefastcyclist]

The more powerful V8 is a plus, but the original styling of the 53/54's wins my hart hands down

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@kennethanway7979]

I love the commercials!

[@What.its.like.]

Me too =) I love the way they talked back then

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!! 👍👍

[@denislandry7577]

What a beautiful car , big trunk , big glove box , nice hood ornament …… got to love it . Well done Jay , well done ❤

[@What.its.like.]

Happy you dig this episode =)

[@donalddesnoo5303]

Took 259 engine out of a 55wrecked speedster put it in a 51commander convertible w truck floorshift w od.and hollywood top covering rear windows . Lacquer paint blue 💙

[@markw208]

That’s a pretty Studebaker. As you mentioned, having red carpet and beige upholstery in a teal car is odd. The front end on the 54 and 55 look like they were designed in a dentist’s office 😁. The Studebaker hood/grill looks more aerodynamic than the competition. Do the clear pieces on the front fenders light up with the turn signals? That would be cool 😎. The brochure graphics look like they point out some interesting features. I wonder what the articles in the news said about these cars back then?

[@tigre7739]

Great looking automobile! I do totally agree that the front end of the 54 has a cleaner look to it, all the more I look at this one it does seem not altogether bad. I like the '54 dash layout better. These are nice, but I like the Hudson better, and in the second, I'd go with the DeSoto!😎

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@retrobilly1719]

Man these Cars were Fast, Sports Car Performance

[@geebs76]

What a nice example. Other than the wheel covers I like everything else about the styling of the '54 better than the '55. WRY I like the President and the Desoto.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Outside of the reliability issues you cited, this seems like a screaming deal for under $30K equivalent. I mean, a center armrest and attractive cloth? Cool. A lot of these 1950s cars always look like they have seats based on lawn furniture, lol. Not a fan of the bronze, though.

[@What.its.like.]

Stuff has gotten incredibly expensive partly due to the fact that people would buy it if people just start paying absorbent prices the price would come down.. but everyone wants the latest and greatest?? (Sometimes latest isn’t all that great)

[@eddiebennett2994]

1955 is my favorite of the Studebakers in the fifties

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet I love the gauges and the design is nice

[@josephgaviota]

10:06 That visor is nice looking, but with no way for the caught air to get out ... probably a huge drain on the aerodynamics.

[@willgeary6086]

I honestly have to say i personally prefer the 53 and 54, the chrome nose job while is not bad I like the more clean look of the previous model years, As for the first pick it's extremely up in the air between the Stude and the Hudson, maybe a Hudson by a fraction of a hair thanks to brand loyalty. The second choice is the DeSoto I'm a sucker for the 55 and 56 Chrysler product line but the Stude is a close second.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree and great choices =)

[@draggonsgate]

This is another one of those cars that look so much smaller in pics than it really is. It has to be the styling. Nash and Hudson made a huge mistake by not rolling Studebaker and Packard into the family fold. WYR: 1) Hudson, since Merc wasn't an option... lol... 2) Hmmmmm, uhmmmmm.... ;-) yeah, the Montclair, hands down.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices and totally agree and when parked next to the Buick road master it looked small

[@stephenholland5930]

What a beautifully restored Studebaker. Thanks for showing it, Jay. Hope you did the Buick next to it. 😉

[@What.its.like.]

I tried to do the Buick next to it talked about exterior but couldn’t get in it was to close going to try and do it next time

[@sableminer8133]

That song is on my original soundtrack vinyl from American Graffiti, circa '74! I was always weird in that i liked genres from twenty years b4 😅 Sweet tune, i dug😘 I really liked the choices at end, i would take any of those beauties. What an era those days were but i missed really, veing a kid of the 70s😢 See ya bitches❤

[@middleclassretiree]

Thanks jay I look forward daily to your videos. I’ve always liked the 50’s studebaker’s as they were lower and more modern looking imo, sometimes I feel I was born in the wrong time period. For the wyr ill take the studebaker and the mercury and I’d be styling 50’s style and I could cruise my mercury up and down the road while listening to that cool song

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you dig this channel it means the world that you dig the content I can totally relate I was born way to late as well =)

[@5610winston]

15:57 The President sedan rode a four-inch longer wheelbase than the Commander, rear vent windows were not present on the 116-inch wheelbase Commanders and Champions.

[@randyfitz8310]

In the very early 1960s (possibly earlier) Mercedes-Benz cars were sold through Studebaker dealerships in the USA and the Studebaker Lark in 1962 had some very similar styling cues.

[@What.its.like.]

Great information =)

[@avp217]

"Since I Don't Have You" by The Skyliners

[@What.its.like.]

That’s the song and band PS beat you for title

[@alanblanes2876]

Fabulous review, Jay

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome glad you dig this one =)

[@jeffreykurth2703]

The Stud and Mercury.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@andreamills5852]

Beautiful car Jay , you do a great job .

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you it means a lot and you’ve been with us since the early days it’s come along way

[@josephgaviota]

13:04, tall narrow wind wings ... As the Duchess of Windsor said in 1936, [approximately] "You can never be too rich, nor too skinny."

[@josephgaviota]

2:58 The '56 and '57 remind me of Russian cars for the "important" people.

[@5610winston]

3:45 It isn't just you. "Catfish Mouth" is how many observers of the time described the '55 Studebaker grille.

[@What.its.like.]

It was almost like a step backwards in design I was always puzzled why they took the design down this road but the 56/57 front facia looks great

[@5610winston]

@@What.its.like. The grilles on the '53-'54 models were similar in some ways to the '52 Studebaker grilles, low divided air intakes tapering toward the outside. The '56-'57 front ends could have looked better IMO with a design similar to the Hawks, sloping hood flanking an almost rectangular upright grille with small side intakes.

[@josephgaviota]

3:33 I agree with Jay, the '54 on top ... I like it better, too. The '55 "fish mouth" treatment didn't do it for me.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

Nice colors. Mercury, Oldsmobile and DeSoto.

[@What.its.like.]

The De Soto was very interesting colors =) I never saw that color combination before on the car

[@bobmccurdy8881]

Awesome car

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

The styling updates aren't bad for what was already a well used design. Still, the Olds and Mercs are my choices with the Studebakers in a close second.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices the baker was also smaller than those other cars foot print wise or may just look smaller the rear space was huge

[@JamesAllmond]

55 Catfish for me! 54 Dash 55 Stude! 55 Stude

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@DSP1968]

Another great episode, Jay. I have to say I like the interior and exterior styling of the '54 better, though I like the color combination on the '55. I find the front/grille styling of the '55 too heavy handed.I do like the upholstery on the '66, though. BTW, I liked the commercial footage you included. And I'll take the Studebaker and the Mercury.

[@What.its.like.]

I am going to add commercials when I can find commercials I think it adds to the whole experience glad you dig this episode =) Sweet choices

[@chuckkottke]

Lol, I was thinking that as well! A catfish 🐠 appearance in the front, looking quite comical. I'd go with the older look too, but I have to say, driving a catfish car would definitely stand out. 🐟 🐈 55 dashboard, the gauges are easily glanced at, but I like the red accents on the 54.

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@P_RO_]

Q- What do you drive? A- A 55 Studebaker Catfish 🤣 After you mentioned that a could see why. It's still a nice front end, especially for the period. Though 'recycled', the body lines are sweet, and the tailfins not overdone, and the front fender trim with the clear plastic 'wing' is elegant. Same for the rest of the chrome. Glad to see you use "beltline' correctly; it is the 'line' midway separating top and bottom of the lower body, sometimes with trim and sometimes without. The trunk is adequate for holding as many dead bodies (and a shovel) as one might need space for 😛and the taillights a good size to be seen well. Wondering if the gold-tone interior door panels and handles are anodized aluminum? A nice and different touch not seen in older cars. I like the dash layout and the elegant steering wheel too. I like the later Studes better but I'd be more than happy with this one. A lot of styling was going to get crazy in the next 5-7 years with American cars; it was clearly beginning here with the largeness of chrome. WYR As nice as the Stude is, I like that year Olds better. And for the second round it's the Studebaker.

[@What.its.like.]

Articulation is definitely something I need to work on but it is getting better =) Great choices This design to me was almost like a step backwards in a way but I definitely love the 56 and 57 front end design which I guess evolves from this

[@P_RO_]

@@What.its.like. I'm (slightly) known as a writer and storyteller, so finding the right word came naturally to me. You might find one of the numerous places where they have a "word of the day" helpful in expanding your vocabulary, but it's equally important that you be yourself, and that's one of the things which drew me to your channel. No pretensions- just Jay as he is. Too many youtubers ain't at all who they act like. You're doing good.

[@What.its.like.]

That’s one thing I never want to lose doing this so many get big egos and become fake over time..

[@josephgaviota]

13:10 Too bad that Studebaker was parked so close to the 4-holer Buick. You had to get into the car off-camera to avoid giving "parking lot rash" to the Buick.

[@What.its.like.]

I shot that Buick as well but couldn’t get in it which was a downer.. going to see if I can in jan they move stuff around it was a stellar car as well

[@stephenholland5930]

​@@What.its.like.Looking forward to seeing the Buick, Jay.🙂

[@luisvelasco316]

since I don't have you. The Skyliners. WYR: Hudson, DeSoto. I like Studebakers, but the '55 has this odd fish mouth like grill.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices thats the song and band PS beat you for title

[@dennislettich4035]

"Since I Don't Have You" by the Skyliners

[@What.its.like.]

=) great song

[@adamv242]

I'll take the Olds and the DeSoto... I want to like the Studebaker but that overly done front bumper ruins it for me.

[@What.its.like.]

Also the studebaker has a smaller foot print than those cars but agree it’s almost like a step backwards wards in a way love the dash tho

[@garyporter516]

Did you mention the mid-year 1955 change when the went to a wrap-around windshield to replace the old style flat glass.

[@What.its.like.]

No thank you so much for pointing that out

[@josephgaviota]

4:40 Again, I'm going with the '54. TO ME, the '55 is a very "pedestrian" dash ... rather "common" or "nondescript."

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice =)

[@batiusfinkius2923]

Sadly 8pm live show will be early am here, I’ll just have to catch it afterwards.

[@What.its.like.]

Ok it will be up just like the last one

[@livewire2759]

I would rather... '55 Olds... and I guess I'd have to pick the Mercury on the second one... which surprises me a bit! Don't know the song... but someone beat me to it again anyway.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices =)

[@ConradBarrett60]

Mary Martin in drag...Ron DeSantis & Mom's for Liberty would never sit still for this outrageous display nowadays!

[@jerrycallender7604]

Barrett-Jackson has a Speedster in the January auction.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet I wonder what it will go for

[@bobdillaber1195]

Dont like 55 grill. Looks like the car stopped too fast and the motor didn't.

[@karltite128]

Looks like a channel catfish. Olds my choice. 🇺🇸🍺

[@bikabill5182]

Love the Stude but prefer the '54. The front of the '55 definitely looks like a bottom feeder.

[@What.its.like.]

Haha yeah totally agree =)

[@retrobilly1719]

Studebaker ,Mercury

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@robertwatkins364]

Is the song Since I don't have you - skyliners

[@What.its.like.]

That’s the song and band PS beat you for title

[@wonyankeesays5661]

Dad had a 39 or 40 stoody

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@charleshunziker7416]

My birth year

[@garymckee8857]

I concur the 54 has a better design

[@markchandler1130]

1955 Hudson

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@bobmccurdy8881]

Olds- Mercury

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@jfu5222]

I remember seeing a Studebaker Dictator from the 30s, an unusual name for that or any time. Was that higher priced than the President?

[@What.its.like.]

I’m not sure I’m hoping to cover a Studebaker dictator real soon..

[@jfu5222]

@@ericruud9328 That Hitler wasa real jerk!

[@chrisjeffries2322]

I will Drive off in the Oldsmobile.🚓 Thank you.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice =)

[@andreamills5852]

Olds --Merc

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices =)

[@ColtonRMagby]

WYR: All of them. Too many cars? What does that mean?

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha nice =)

[@hcombs0104]

First of all, I'd have to agree that the front end does kind of resemble a catfish. On the other hand, it's a great color and it has impressive storage spaces. That carpeting can't be original. Given the rest of the car, it just doesn't match. Anyhoo for WYR it would be either the Studebaker or the Olds, and the Mercury.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices it is a bit of a weird looking car there is one for sale not far from me it’s a speedster but it needs interior work.. For me the best looking ones are the golden hawks

[@5610winston]

Would you rather? 1: Studebaker. Period. Better looking, better handling, better use of the footprint on the road. Would you rather? 2: Studebaker. Period. Same rationale.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices it sucks studebaker isn’t around anymore

[@wonyankeesays5661]

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyuyuyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@wonyankeesays5661]

@@PS-js9oh I am my own asylum

[@wonyankeesays5661]

@@PS-js9oh I'm in trumptard recovery

[@goldenboy5500]

toss up 1955 Mercury or Desoto

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices

[@retrobilly1719]

Like the President Better

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Oldsmobile

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@jeffdayman8183]

I really like your content about the cars, but I really don't like the 5 or 6 minutes at the start, of high speed yapping about unrelated things and fact snippets. Please keep it on the cars and drop the yapping.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s announcements and intro have to start it somehow most of these cars are for sale or if it was an event people would like to know where even is.. you are the only person in two years to complain about the intro

[@stephenholland5930]

​@@What.its.like.You carry on, Jay. Love the intros.

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha @ Ps yeah it’s hard being a people pleaser and having to explain actions idk I love your comments hopefully you’ll get some yard time at the asylum