Studebaker : Commander Land Cruiser 1948 Studebaker Land Cruiser - LOWERED RESERVE

10% LOWER RESERVE!

Up for auction is a nice '48 Studebaker Land Cruiser. This car was the top-of-the-line model and it belies the fact that Studebaker was a "low priced" car.  This car was as nice as a Buick or Olds and years ahead in styling. The car has the 2 most desirable features of that year: Overdrive Transmission and Hill-holder. Both work perfectly.

HISTORY OF THIS CAR    I purchased this car last spring for temporary use. My other car is being restored and was not ready for this past season. As an officer in our local Studebaker club (and member of the Studebaker Driver's Club), I wanted something to use for club functions and generally have fun with for a while. Now it's time to clear out the garage for the winter. The car was bought on eBay from a gentleman in Palmyra, PA. Until I brought it to NJ, it had never left Palmyra in 61 years. It was purchased new from Palmyra Motors in 1948 and that dealership is still in business, owned by the same family. After Studebaker they sold Datsun (Nissan) and now sell used cars. The fellow I bought it from was, I believe, the 3rd owner; he obtained it about 5 years ago. When he bought it, it had been stored for over 20 years. The storage was dry and car remains rust-free. However, the paint had seen better days and the interior had been invaded by mice. The owner had it stripped and repainted and had the interior restored to a pretty high standard. Mechanically it was refreshed but not rebuilt. I'll describe everything as accuraterly as I can, one area at a time.

BODY AND PAINT    The body is solid as a rock. No indication of rust now or ever; no filler or patch work. Doors, hood and trunk fit well. Glass is good except for some minor delamination starting on the vent glass. The windshield was replaced when the car was re-done. Back glass is perfect. All windows and vent wings work well. Chrome is bright with minor pitting, mostly on the front bumper. Stainless steel (and lots of it) are perfect. The elaborate grill and other front pieces are stainless and look great. The car had incorrect '51 wheel covers when I got it. I replaced them with the correct hub caps/trim rings. All are brand new except 1 cap; that one is still very nice. Paint was done well. The black paint is smooth and shiny except a little orange peel on the front of the hood and the lower trunk. These would rub out fine. There are nicks here and there, but very few. Most rubber was replaced when the car was painted. Door, window and trunk seals are excellent. Overall, a very nice looking car. (The car has been stored inside since restoration but I am including a car cover that I use in the garage).

INTERIOR    Seats, doors and headliner were redone very well. The seat material may not be original pattern, but it looks as good or better and is very high quality. Carpet was replaced at the same time and is excellent. Dash is all original and looks good. Controls function properly. Dome lights do not work; likely a fuse that I can't find. I installed "Studebaker" style front lap belts.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION      Car starts easily and idles quiet and smooth when warmed up. Has a little "growl" at high RPM, but nothing unusual for a 94,000 mile car. With proper shifting and use of overdrive it remains quiet. 3-speed transmission works fine as does the clutch. Overdrive functions as it should. Hill-holder works great and can be a real help. Most electrics have been recently replaced or rebuilt. New wiring harnesses at the time of repaint. Some smaller branches just replaced. Generator just rebuilt. New voltage regulator, plugs and ignition wires. Battery less than 6 months old.

CHASSIS AND TRUNK   Underside and trunk are solid. Suspension is good. Minor play in steering; nothing unusual. Brakes stop well for a heavy car with drums. Straight and true. Tires are nearly new Hankook radials. Not correct appearing but helps the handling considerably and still look good. They were on there when I got it and decided to keep them for the safety.

ACCESSSORIES  / LIGHTS    All exterior lights work fine. Car has turn signals. Wipers work as well as can be expected for a vacuum system. Back-up light functions. Heat appears to work; have not really fooled with it. No radio.

SUMMARY   This is not a "show" car. If it were, the reserve would be thousands higher than my reasonable one. It is way below NADA "average" and not nearly what I have in it. I consider it to be a very nice "driver". It attracts attention wherever it goes and always gets compliments. I have tried to be as detailed and honest as possible in the description. That being said, I recommend seeing and driving the car in person, if possible. In lieu of that please ASK QUESTIONS. I will answer any questions as soon as possible. If you'd like a specific picture, just ask and I'll do my best.

This car is being sold as-is. No warranty is implied or given.  Always ask questions!

Car is being offered for sale locally and seller reserves the right to cancel listing due to prior sale.

Your bid is a contract to buy. $500 deposit required by PayPal within 48 hours of auction end. Balance of payment due within 7 days by certified/cashier's check (mail, FedEx, etc.) or cash (in person).