A superb and rare
photo taken in the Studebaker factory.
The Studebaker automobiles produced
by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA) and Studebaker of
Canada Ltd of Walkerville and, later, Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). Studebaker
began using the Commander name in 1927[1]:p258 and continued to use it until
1964, with the exception of 1936 and 1959-63. The model-name was applied to
various positions in the company's product line-up from year to year. Until the
appearance of the 8-cylinder President in January 1928, all Studebaker cars of
the 1920s were sixes. There were three basic models—the Light, the Special and
the Big Six, developing 40 bhp (30 kW; 41 PS), 50 bhp
(37 kW; 51 PS), and 60 bhp (45 kW; 61 PS) respectively
at 2000 rpm. The first Commander, in 1927, was a continuation of the mid-range
Special Six, with a 226 cubic inch (3.7-litre) engine. Their inbuilt durability
and toughness gained them great renown under worldwide conditions. The 1928 GB
Commander was a descendant of the Big Six, being powered with the proven 354 cu
in (5.8 L) engine, modified to deliver 75 bhp (56 kW;
76 PS) at 2400 rpm. In October 1928, three Commander sixes lined up at the
Atlantic City speedway to challenge the 15,000-mile (24,000 km) speed
record (64.25 mph) held by the much higher-priced Auburn
straight-eight Speedster. They not only accomplished that but then went on to
establish new records up to 25,000 miles (40,000 km). The two sports
roadsters averaged better than 65 mph (105 km/h) and the sedan, which had flipped on the
icy boards during one of the night runs and had been hurriedly repaired,
averaged almost 62 mph. After this, the three cars were closely
scrutinised, part by part, and it was established that they were strictly stock
automobiles, identical in every respect to those available at any Studebaker
showroom. These sixes were the last descendants of rugged cars designed for
poor roads in the early 20th century--loaded with torque and strong in
construction. They were less well suited to the higher cruising speeds made
possible by better roads in later years. In 1935, the Commander was dropped
from Studebaker’s product line, only to be reinstated in 1937 when the name was
applied to Studebaker’s least expensive range formerly known as the Studebaker
Dictator. Studebaker introduced the Champion in 1939, and the Commander line
was again repositioned, now as the midrange vehicle. Immediately following
World War II, Studebaker dropped its President models, and the Commander again
was elevated in the lineup. Studebaker also again rolled out an extended
wheelbase model of the Commander, the Land Cruiser. The 1950 Champion differed
from the Commander, which had a distinctive bumper, carried over from 1949,
longer front fenders and large headlight bezels, as well as a distinctive
jet-style hood ornament. In 1955, Studebaker reintroduced the President name
for its premium models and 'Commander' was applied to the mid-range products.
The Commander line was extended with the introduction of a lower-priced Custom
sub-series, being basically a Champion with a V8 engine. Studebaker placed the
name on hiatus at the end of the 1958 model year. In 1963, Studebaker again
resurrected the Commander name for the 1964 model year, applying it to the
next-to-lowest-priced Lark model, the Challenger being below. 1964 Studebaker
Commanders are easily identified by their single headlight arrangement. The
1965 Commander shared the dual-headlight system of the Daytona and Cruiser.
This is a very
nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Studebaker
‘s automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to
own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca.
8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for
framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on
photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright
expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our
archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well
protected in PVC clear files and board backed
envelopes.
We have
photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the
original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and
excellent quality.
After many decades
of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our
archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They
will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a
border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,
restaurant, bar or club!
First come -
first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any
questions before the auction ends.