The first series post war Commander is from 1947 through 1949. This series was manufactured in the post war seller’s market, so after the initial introduction very few modifications were made year to year, as just about anything that had four wheels would sell. For 1949 however, chrome molding was added to the grille and the front fender ornaments became standard where in prior years it was an extra cost. There were a number of other exterior, interior and mechanical changes as well. Thanks to rrvcsdc.org
For consignment, one of 1,702 Studebaker Commander Regal Deluxe convertibles produced in 1949. Half were produced in South Bend, Indiana while the other half in Los Angeles. This is a South Bend car and was the top of the line. It’s a stunning automobile, regal, indeed. Our consignor tells us about some new items added such as the battery, brakes and tires. Unless you’re at a Studebaker meet, you’re unlikely to encounter another at car shows or anywhere else for that matter.
Exterior
Velvet Black paint covers the extent of this large car, and the grille does show the extra shine with molding between the slots and the large rectangular piece in the center. The wraparound bumper with large bumper guards sits further outboard than in previous years and stainless steel rocker panel moldings and gravel guards were specific to the Regal Deluxe. Fender ornaments with lights leading the way are beautifully streamlined and designed. The hood ornament resembles a bomb while the Studebaker crest sits boldly on the nose. Everything is in wonderful condition. The front fenders also feature a vent behind decorative slats and the rear fender includes skirts over the rear wheels. The ivory canvas top has a bit of discoloration, a few loose threads, and a small hole or two, but is in good condition with its glass window in place. The rear taillights have distinctive four segments that helped differentiate it from the Studebaker Champion. We note a scratch near one of the skirts as the only defect worthy of documentation.
Interior
Oxblood, our favorite interior color, colors the vinyl that is stretched over the door panel in a simple, smooth design. The large split bench seat is gleaming and smooth as well and the rear bench which is narrower due to the soft top hardware, is in beautiful condition. The ivory colored Deluxe Regal steering wheel is stunning, three spokes with a horn ring floating inside the larger circle. Three large gauges with black faces and ivory art deco style lettering reside in a machined metal backing, (Trans Am owners take note!), below which we find knobs and buttons for various functions and simply labeled. The center area with a metal slatted speaker face is on top of an AM radio with a wonderful and robust metal face. The black painted dash contrasts with the red low pile carpet piece that covers the floor. The large trunk is clean and partially covered with a gray mat and home to a spare tire mounted upright.
Drivetrain
The car is equipped with a 226ci L-head inline 6 cylinder engine rated at 94 horsepower and mated to a Borg Warner T86E 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive which our consignor states works! Power is transferred to the rear wheels where 4.55 gears make the spin work. Drum brakes are found at each corner. The engine bay appears very original, and the block is painted the original olive green. The glass jar of white lubricant for the working automatic lubricator is a fascinating throwback and rare to find intact.
Undercarriage
For a car that’s 75 years old, it’s remarkably clean and dry underneath. We are not sure of true mileage, but it’s potentially very low, and the underside is evidence of that. We see normal surface rust on untreated metals, but no invasive rust is noted. The single exhaust enters a long stock style muffler and then heads back to exit beyond the rear bumper and a decorative exhaust deflector is on the very end. A transverse leaf spring is used up front while leaf springs in north south configuration are out back.
Drive-Ability
Word in the mall is that this car runs smooth, and the rumors were true. The engine is quiet and smooth and the ride itself is soft and luxurious, all these years later. This model would have been about $2,300 in 1949, a bit more than the other models in the line and was a statement that showed “you’ve arrived”. Well, we arrive back at the garage with smiles because this car and all its functional pieces, is still a mark of success.
Maybe you’re browsing the mall or the mall’s website for a vintage Cadillac, Ford, or Chrysler. And lucky you, you’ve stumbled on this Studebaker and although you’ve never seen one, it strikes you, as it did us, as something special. There’s a large Studebaker fanbase out there and supportive clubs, and only about 11,000 Regal Deluxe convertibles were produced and very few remain, especially the best of the lot, the ’49’s. So, dig in and check this one out. It’s a fine example.
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