Some cars are worthy of being restored, due to value, or personal ambition for that vehicle. While some cars are plainly “just good enough”. This ’51 Studebaker Commander seems to fall into that category. Certainly not perfect, but a nice enough example to enjoy and tinker on to make as nice as what it can be. As the seller has mentioned, this ‘Stude starts, steers, and stops, all for the reasonable price of $3,850. It’s located near Austin, Texas and you can contact Dan via the form below if interested.

The engine has some very minor surface rust present, but would probably clean up well. Power is provided by a 232 cubic inch V8, and an automatic transmission. The drivetrain is functional, but to what extent is not described. Perhaps needing a tune up, and some system checks to be in optimal health. The tail pipe is currently off of the car, but is included in the sale. Having undergone a 12 volt conversion, the fuel system also looks to have been updated with an electric fuel pump.

Although looking rather nice from the outside, the interior is a bit rough. With mangled and torn fabric, the seats desperately need to be reupholstered. As you can see in the photos, the door panels are removed, but the seller has those, as well as the door and window crank hardware. Although included, they are in rough condition as well. The interior looks to be the biggest fault with this Studebaker. Getting past the rough stuff, the dash is very nice, as is the steering wheel. The dash is unmolested, and the seller is including the factory radio.

Even though this is a 4-door, this Commander is still a solid looker that would be a fun and affordable classic. Shiny and green, this is not the original paint color. Looking at the door jambs and engine bay reveals a seafoam type of color. Despite being repainted it is still a nice shade of green and fits the looks of the car nicely. The paint is in fair condition, aside from the areas of surface rust. The worst of the rust concerns look to be in the bottom edge of the trunk with some various bubbling. Peppered with surface rust in various areas, none of the rust looks to be critical, other than a small area on the trunk.

The chrome and trim is complete, but suffers from some corrosion and rust issues. Even though it would be wonderful to restore this Studebaker, it is solid enough to be enjoyed in its current condition. If this car was used as a fair weather cruiser, this condition could be maintained for a very long time. Although I would certainly do something with the mangled interior to add to the overall quality, and enjoyment, of this vehicle. Then negotiate the mechanicals and enjoy taking trips to the local ice cream place and local cruise ins. Would you pick up this bullet nose?

Thanks for listing this one with is Dan! If any of you have a clean classic driver like this that you are thinking about getting rid of, please consider listing it with us as an exclusive.