There aren’t many cars that have been displayed in the Museum of Modern Art, but here’s one of them.
Styled by industrial architect Robert E Bourke under the supervision of visionary automotive designer Raymond Loewy, the 1953 Studebaker Commander has to be one of the most daring and unusual car designs ever. Not only did it attract the attention of the Museum of Modern Art, but it also won an award from the New York School of Fashion for its avant-garde design, which went on to influence the entire ‘fins and chrome’ excesses of 1950s US car design.
Inspired by the shape of aircraft, it was also one of the first cars to fully embrace the principles of aerodynamics, which were a major influence in the styling, especially of the two-door Starlight Coupé.
It was both dramatic and futuristic – a car that was at once both breath-taking yet strikingly beautiful despite challenging convention.
Yet under the skin, it wasn’t as revolutionary as it looked. Power came from a pair of proven engines – a sturdy in-line six or a more lively 3.8-litre V8, which is what we have here. Leaf springs at the rear and an entirely conventional chassis also mean simple maintenance despite the strikingly futuristic exterior.
This car was restored in 2008 in the USA and has been well-travelled since. The vendor is selling it directly from a private collection, the previous owner having owned it since it was imported here in 2016.
The Studebaker spent the vast majority of its life in Texas so is officially a ‘dry state’ car, which is why it has survived in such sturdy structural condition. It was restored by a specialist in Texas in 2008 and was subsequently sold by a well-regarded US classic car dealer to an enthusiast in Australia, who kept the car for six years before advertising it for sale again, when it attracted the attention of an enthusiast in the UK.
The car arrived here in 2016 and has been part of a private collection of classics since.
There isn’t a huge amount of paperwork with the car from its early life, but it does have a full UK registration document and receipts from its restoration, along with the relevant import paperwork from its arrival here.
Finished in a charming shade of ivory, the Studebaker looks absolutely fabulous – the colour sets off the Robert E Bourke lines beautifully, while the custom-style domed hubcaps and whitewall tyres add further period style.
Although the restoration was carried out almost 13 years ago, the Studebaker is still in exceptional order with only a few minor imperfections on its exterior. The underside is solid and rot-free, and would benefit from thorough undersealing and rustproofing if the car is going to be used all-year round.
All of the chrome is in good order, as is the glass and exterior trim, with a subtle patina rather than looking over-restored. The rear light units have been upgraded to feature LED tail lights and indicator lenses – an easily reversible safety improvement.
When new, the Studebaker Starlight Coupé was one of the best-looking cars ever made. This example is all the proof you need that it still is.
Inside, the copper and beige colour scheme is the perfect complement to the ivory exterior, but is equally as striking.
The styling themes of the exterior continue to the cabin, with a fusion of modern and art-deco influenced features. The main instruments are housed in four hooded shrouds, beneath a chrome strip bearing the Studebaker logo script and a series of toggle switches.
One particularly delightful feature is the integrated radio, complete with Studebaker logo and five preset buttons.
Everything inside the car is in smart and presentable order, with a light patina in places but overall in excellent condition.
Under the bonnet, the Starlight Coupé features Studebaker’s 3,809cc OHV V8, which is quite traditional by modern standards but was actually quite pioneering in its day, as when OHV V8s first sprung to prominence the layout was quite unusual – most US V8s beforehand were sidevalve units.
The engine developed a modest-sounding 120bhp, which was quite impressive for the day and enabled the big coupé to accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 13 seconds, with a top speed of 105mph. That means it’s still entirely usable in modern traffic and never feels out of breath.
The vendor reports that it is in good mechanical order, with an upgraded T 12V ignition and starter system and a three-speed transmission with optional overdrive, which gives it admirable cruising ability.
If you’re in the market for one of the most striking and handsome cars ever made, as well as a car that, despite being unconventional, was also hugely influential then you’ve found it.
The Studebaker Starlight Commander Coupé is one of the best-looking cars ever made, and a real icon of an era where Studebaker had its own studios within Raymond Loewy’s styling organisation. It’s a car that influenced the entire decade of car design that came after it and is also a true rarity in the UK.
It’s not standard – the whitewalls and domed hubcaps give it a mild custom look – but it does look absolutely terrific from any angle.
It’s a wonderful car. Amazing to look at, equally impressive to drive and a guaranteed head turner, as well as an asset that will never depreciate. It’s a fabulous thing.
***Pictures submitted by seller***
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