Few people remember it today, but in 1928, Studebaker became the owner of Pierce Arrow. Thanks to the acquisition of the manufacturer of one of the most luxurious cars in America, Studebaker took a place at the very top of the automobile world. A little later, – in 33rd, the world saw a magnificent Silver – Arrow, unfortunately produced in quantity of only 5 copies.
But Studebaker itself also produced great cars, one of which was the President. It was the flagship of the company initially equipped with an in-line, six, and a little later – eight-cylinder engine. The then president of the company, Albert Erskine, wanted to market a better, eight-cylinder car. Unfortunately, this man ended his life by suicide, but under him such, a great car was created. Barney Roos worked on the inline eight-cylinder engine.
In June of ’28, two roadsters and two sedans, over a 20-day period, drove 30,000 kilometers at the Atlantic City Speedway in New Jersey. The average speed during this test was 100 – 100 kilometers per hour, and from repair and maintenance the cars needed only replacement of spark plugs and alternator belt. The car turned out to be fast and reliable.
Gathering information for this post I came across a video in youtube, where white – red President drove on the roads of New Zealand. It’s a majestic car. While it wasn’t cheap, it was clearly more affordable than a Cadillac.
Price and Value of the 1927 Studebaker President.
A new Studebaker President could be purchased for $1,875, which was the equivalent of $40,000 today. Some modifications were priced at $1,400.
Appearance and photos.
For the first generation of Studebaker President there were different body variants, characteristic for those years. Of course, the basis of the body was a metal frame. In 1928 the body of the President was deprived of wooden elements and became completely metal. The cars of the first years were equipped with wooden, artillery type rims.
Some cars were equipped with unusual telescopic turn indicators. This system was operated by compressed air, but the engine had to be running for it to function. These indicators were mounted above the windshield and look like a suspended traffic light.
Studebaker President produced since 1931 can be recognized by the oval-shaped headlights. This element allowed to easily and quickly identify the car. Very wide running boards were typical for cars of that time.
The Studebaker lettering can be seen above the right rear light, and just behind the left light is the gas tank cap. A duffel box could be installed in the rear of the President.
Interior and equipment.
The rear doors of the President opened counterclockwise, the front doors opened forward. The Studebaker interior is finished with a lot of walnut wood. Initially, the instruments were square-shaped, and later – round. Above the gauges, mounted in the middle of the front panel is a nameplate – President, and to the right of the gauges – Studebaker. Among the instruments there is a clock, and the speedometer was a ribbon speedometer.
The windshield could be raised for better interior ventilation. The seven-seat sedan was equipped with two, additional seats. Perhaps such modification could choose American politicians of not the highest rank. After all, everyone knows about the love of the American elite to Packard.
The rear sofa is equipped with an armrest not only in the middle, but also on the sides. Side windows are equipped with curtains, and the rear – side glass is sliding with the help of a special mechanism. On the back of the front sofa is fixed handle. Also for those sitting in the back there are lighting plafonds.
Engine and specifications of the 1927 Studebaker President.
The Studebaker President was originally equipped with an in-line, six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5801 cubic centimeters. The power output of this engine was 75 horsepower.
I tried to show it on the photo, – next to the spark plugs there are special devices through which you can pour gasoline into the combustion chambers, to facilitate starting the engine in winter. The fuse box is located on the right side of the engine, and the wires going to the fuse box are laid through a special metal corrugation.
For draining the engine oil there is a special lever, which can be turned to drain 10 liters of oil. There is a special float next to this lever, – oil level indicator (no dipstick here). The starter drive is made by chain, and the fan drive is made by leather belt. As you can see, this engine has a lot of unusual today, technical solutions.
In 1928, an inline eight-cylinder engine was introduced. Though its volume was a little less than the previous, big six, but the power is higher – 100 hp. In the same year an electric fuel pump appeared, and in the middle of the year the engine displacement was increased to 5522 cubic centimeters, and the power to 109 horsepower.
In 1931 the crankshaft received 9 main bearings, up to this point they were 5. Power increased to 122 horsepower.
The transmission was a 3-speed manual. Both axles had leaf spring suspension and drum brakes.
The Studebaker lacked some of the sophistication of the Pierce-Arrow and lacked the luxury of the Cadillac, or Packard, but the President was a great car for fairly affluent Americans.
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