This 1955 Studebaker President Speedster appears to be a partially restored example of the marques first major repackaging of the ’53 Loewy coupes. Finished in a gaudy–but factory correct–lemon and lime color scheme that seems more appropriate for a retro diner booth than a car, very little hard info is provided but it does look to be in good shape and is said to be a rust free California car. Find it here on eBay in Morgan Hill, California with no reserve beyond an unmet $18,500 starting bid.

The President Speedster was the most sporting, most luxurious derivation of the basic Loewy coupe until the Golden Hawk debuted in ’56, the year after this car was made. While the large, catfish-aping nose may not be too everyone’s taste, the excellent basic proportions of the Champion Starliner remain. The wild color scheme on this example is factory (officially “Hialeah Green” and “Sun Valley Yellow”), while other more subdued–but relatively common–options were pink/gray and gray/white.

All hard-to-find trim appears to be intact and in fairly good condition, chrome and stainless alike. While many Studebakers are not treated with much reverence, Speedsters frequently tend to be almost over-restored. This one’s not perfect, but its seemingly very nice driver condition is a refreshing change of pace.

This photo shows that the car is missing its factory upholstery, though the fabrics that replaced the original quilted materials appear to be in excellent shape. One of the gauges is missing from the fantastic turned metal dash, though fortunately a cache of parts is pictured in the trunk and it may just turn up. Underhood, the Stude 259ci V8 retains all of its factory equipment including the cool offset airbox.

A very cool old sled, we can’t stop imagining it sitting on the grass at a 50’s Detroit gathering with a wooden crate of vintage Squirt bottles in the trunk.