1989

Studebaker entered the 1929 market with 26 models among its three series of cars. Prices ranged from a 2-passenger Dictator Coupe for $1,045 to the State Limousine at $2,495.

The 1929 cars made their appearance in the fall of 1928, all at different dates so that each would receive its fair share of the debut.

The Dictator cars once again came with the 242 cubicinch 6-cylinder engine of 3-3/8x4.5-inch bore and stroke. The engine developed 67 horsepower at 2800 rpm. The fuel came from a 16-gallon tank. Dictators rode on the same 1I3-inch wheelbase as on the previous year's car. The tire size was 20x5.50 inches. The Dictator model designation was GE for the 1927 through very early 1929 models. These cars were produced from September, 1927, to January, 1929, with a total of 48,339 units sold. Later model Dictators made their appearance starting in June, 1929, and ran through May, 1930. These were the new-style 6-cylinder Dictators called GLs. Beginning in May of 1929 was the arrival of Dictators in 8-cylinder fashion. Known as Model FC, these cars were produced through August, 1930. The total run of these two series amounted to 40,276 cars sold.

Again, because of late model introduction, it is hard to pinpoint models of one year or the other. At any rate, 16 models were available between 6 and 8-cylinder Dictators, ranging in price from $1,000 for a Coupe to $1,395 for the 8-cylinder Dictator Brougham. The wheelbase increased to 115 inches and tire size changed to 19x5.50 inches. Both the Sixes and Eights used a 14-gallon fuel tank. Engine-wise these two versions were not that much apart. Both offered the same 221-cubic inch displacement. The bore and stroke for the 6-cylinder block was 3-3/8x4-1/8 while 8-cylinder models were 3-1I16x3.75. The Six developed 68 horsepower at 3200 rpm, while the Eight came with 70 horsepower at the same rpm.

This 1929 Dictator Tourer, Model GE, apparently has been out for a little "spfu". With its number 7 on the hood, trophy displayed on the fold-down windshield, and non-U.S. license plate, it has apparently taken some honor at an unnamed foreign racing event .. It still wears the 1927-28 Atalanta radiator ornament not used for 1929 CIU"S.

139

The 6-cylinder Commander models began produc in December of 1928 and continued through Apr 1930. The 8-cylinder series also made its debu December, 1928, but lasted through June, 1930. 6-cylinder Commanders developed 74 horsepowe 3000 rpm from their 248 cubic-inch engine while 8-cylinder version offered SO horsepower at 3600 1 from a displacement of 250 cubic-inches. Cornman. used the same tire size as the Dictators. The wheell remained the same as on earlier Commanders - 12: ches. The Commanders used the same 14-gallon reserve as the Dictator models. Total production of ] Commander cars amounted to 40,658 units.

The 1929 Presidents began their 18-month model with Models FE and FH in December, 1928. A he advertising campaign, showing the endurance and Sl records of which these cars were capable, took plac July and August of 1928 when they ran a total of 30, miles in 16 days at an average speed of 68 mph wit! a falter. This was a great plus in Studebaker's sales gram for the year.

The new President models were longer and lower t their predecessors due to a new double-drop frame. E FE and FH cars were powered by an improved Ei that now turned out 115 horsepower at 3200 rpm fJ its displacement of 336 cubic inches. The bore and sti were 3.5x4-3/S inches. The President FH models I on 20x6.00-inch tires and had a 125-inch wheelb while the FE cars came equipped with 19x6.50-j tires. The FE wheelbase was 135 inches. The fuel st ly for President models came from a 16-gallon tal

A total of 12 styles were available, ranging in p from $1,765 for a FH Sport Roadster to $2,495 for FE 7 -passenger State Limousine. Oddly enough, tI were no President Coupes produced in the 1929-1 model run. The Convertible Coupe was as close as factory came to a coupe style. A total of 26,267 FH FE cars were produced during this 18-month model J

140

1985

This 1929 Dictator 5-passenger Tourer, also known as a Phaeton, weighed 2,955 pounds and sold for $1,145. This example rode on a 113-inch wheelbase. Late model GL cars increased the wheelbase to 115 inches. The tire size was 19x5.50 inches. The Dictator models used a 16·gallon fuel tank.

A Cabriolet for two passengers was available early in 1929. Minus the rumble compartment, it wasn't as big a seller as the 4·passenger variety. It sold for $1,125 and was equipped the same as the 4-passenger style, but minus the rumble seat.

Studebakers lowest priced car for 1929 was this Model GE 2'passenger Coupe selling for $1,000. A 4-passenger Rumble Seat Coupe also was available for $1,075. The Dictator Six made its debut as the Model GL in June, 1929, and continued until May, 1930, with a run of 16,359 cars produced. The GE cars were a continuation from 1928 and into early 1929.

This early 1929 Dictator GE Cabriolet for four passengers is equipped with accessory side mounts and wire wheels. The tire size was 20x5.50 inches. It weighed 2,940 pounds and sold for $1,145. The top could not be lowered, and the Landau irons were just a piece of attractive ornamentation.

This was the lowest priced Dictator 4-door Sedan built. It is a very early model called a Touring Sedan for five passengers. It even carries the battery placed on the right front fender similar to the Erskine. It was available for $1,040, but the bumper equipment was additional.

Call it an early station wagon if you wish. Studebaker referred to it as a commercial vehicle, the Standard Dictator 6, Model GN20. It carried a slightly modified body on a 115-ioch wheelbase. Very few were produced in the 1929·1930 model run. The 4-door body had a swing-down tailgate and had two sets of easily removable seats behind the driver's seat. Roll-up windows gave the driver and front passenger weather protection, but roll-up side curtains were used for the rear passengers (or cargo when the seats were removed). The vehicle is shown here with the center seat in place for its furry passenger, while the rear seat has been removed to provide cargo space.

Sitting in the rail yard is one of those late 1929, or possibly early 1930, Dictators. Its a 5-passenger Regal Tomer. This model had minor changes along the way. It came equipped with door handles having a slight curve to them, which earlier models did not have, and the hub caps have a white center around the "S", while earlier models were painted in red. The 242 cubic-inch engine now developed 67 horsepower at 3200 rpm. As a Regal, it sold for $1,265 and weighed 3,075 pounds.

1989

141

An early 1929 GE Dictator Sedan is shown equipped with the e_arly style wire wheels and small hub caps. With this equipment, the car almost resembles an overgrown Model A Ford. In base form this model sold for $1,165. The bore and stroke of these 242 cubic-inch engined cars was 3.75x4.5 inches. Later GL models used the 221 cubic-inch displacement engine which had a bore and stroke of 3.75x4.25 inches.

Another view of an early GE Dictator Six shows the "S" mounted in the headlight bar, while later editions came with a "6" mounted in the circular emblem ring. Very late Dictator 8 Model Fes carried an "8" in the oval ring.

.~ .

.. ----

142

1989

The 1929 GE Dictator Regal Victoria came on the 113-inch wheelbase. This ear also was available as a regular Victoria for $1,165. The Regal name added $100 to the price, going out the door for $1,265 as a 4-passenger vehicle. Most all were equipped with natural wood-spoke wheels and a rear mount spare. However, a few did arrive with side mounts and even fewer' offered the more costly wire wheel set up. The wider contrasting color distinction on the beltline shows this is equipped as a Regal model.

The Regal Dictator 5-passenger Sedan delivered at $1,265 during the 1929 model run, the same as a Regal Victoria. The sidemounts and wire wheels were part of the Regal package along with an upgraded broadcloth interior. This was-also available in Brougham models which sold for $1,295, thus being the most expensive Dictator Six styles available, The 8-cylinder Dictator line delivered the same car for $100 additional.

Studebaker's late season 1929-1930 Model Fe 8-cylinder cars came on 115-inch wheelbases. This model made its appearance in May, 1929, and continued until August, 1930, with a production run of 16,359 cars. It sold for $1,285. There seemed to be a great resemblance of this model with Buicks of the same era.

The 1929-30 Dictator PL 6-cylinder line came out in June, 1929, and was part of tbe overlapping year sales until May, 1930. A total of 17,564 units were manufactured during this time period. It sold for $1,165, the same as early model GEs. In addition to the attractive wire wheels and sidemounts, this version also sports the rare wind wings on the front doors, while the running boards have been fitted with cast aluminum step plates.

19a9

The 1929-30 Dictator Model FC 8-cylinder Regal Sedan was actually overlapping into the Commander line of vehicles, This model weighed 3,230 pounds and sold for $1,395_

Looking the same as the 8-cylinder version is this Commander Six Model GJ Convertible Cabriolet for 1929-30_ This unit, also a 4-passenger vehicle, weighed 3,215 pounds and delivered for $1,545_ This view was taken at a dealership where two other 1929-30 models are displayed, Cabriolets came with the wire wheels and sidemount tires as standard equipment,

143

The headlamp bar tells it all, Most people had to look to tell the difference if it was a "6" or an "8". The caption on the back of the original photo stated "1929 GJ," therefore, this car has 6-cylinders with a horsepower rating of 75 at 3000 rpm.

The 1929 Commander 5-passenger Phaeton came as both a 6 and 8-cylinder vehicle. The Six weighed 3,200 pounds and sold for $1,495. If the Eight were ordered, it weighed 3,250 pounds and left the dealership for $100 additional, or $1,595. The upholstery was imitation leather, unless the owner specified differently.

Here is the 1929 Commander 6-cylinder Model GJ Victoria. The 4-passenger vehicle weighed 3,130 pounds and went out the door for $1,425. This model carried the spare tire mounted on the rear compartment. Natural wood wheels were standard equipment.

1985

144

Here is the 1929·30 Commander FD 8 Roadster that entered the market for an 18·month span. This series began production December, 1928, and lasted until June, 1930. A total of 24,639 Commander 8 vehicles were manufactured in this period. The car continued to use the 2·way windshield, which could either be swung open from the top, or folded flat across the cowl.

What a sleek looking vehicle is this 1929-30 Commander 8 Roadster, Model FD. The 120·inch car weighed 3,040 pounds and sold for $1,595. It appears this vehicle may have been painted a dark green with black fenders and wheels. The fold down windshield still was popular with those not minding the wind in their face. Note the 1930·style wheels on this very late model. The wheel lugs now reside behind the large hub caps, rather than being exposed as they were when the small hub design was used.

-I

None other than the famous Al Jolson is shown behind the wheel of his late 1929 Commander 8 FD Convertible Cabriolet. The 8-cylinder car weighed 3,240 pounds and sold for $1,695. It had seating for four passengers. Unlike the roadster, which had a fairly neat folding top, the Cabriolet top bulked into a substantial pile of material when folded.

_~~ J

- ---_---

1985

145

This view of the 1929 Commander 8 Convertible Cabriolet shows the top in the up position and Landau irons in place. It now gives the appearance of a well tailored, compact looking unit. The golf compartment door led to a handy storage space for things other than clubs, if the owner wasn't a golfer.

This is the 1929 GJ Commander Six. It also sold as an Eight. The prices were $1,345 for a 6-cylinder weighing 3,105 pounds. The 8-cylinder weighed 3,130 pounds and delivered for' $1,495. These figures were for 2-passenger cars. A 4-passenger rumble seat version also was available for $80 additional in each series, This Windsor Fire Department Chief's Car came with non-authentic disc wheels.

This 1929 Victoria is the 8-cylinder version. It is equipped with extra cost wire wheels and side mounted spares. The FD model came with mohair or Bedford Cord upholstery, which the purchaser had his choice of when ordering. The vehicle weighed 3,170 pounds and delivered for $1,513.

The 1929-30 Commander 8 Club Sedan weighed 3,440 pounds and sold for $1,695. A like model in the Dictator 8 line sold for $1,395. Appearing exactly the same except for the oval ring showing a "6" was a Commander Club Sedan that weighed 3,390 pounds and carried a $1,575 price tag. As a 6-cylinder Dictator it weighed in at 3,250 pounds and delivered for $1,295. A 1I5-inch wheelbase was employed on all the Dictators, while the Commander came on a 120·inch chassis.

146

1989

A 1929 Commander Brougham was available in both 6 and 8-cylinder versions. Most buyers ordered the 8-cylinder variety of the 5-passenger intimate sedan. Brougham models came with side mounts, wire wheels and a rear-mounted trunk as standard equipment. The Sixes weighed 3,390 pounds and sold for $1,575. The Eight, equipped the same, weighed 3,240 pounds and delivered for $1,695. This example came with aspecial leather clothed top at extra cost, and sports very unusual visors over each door window.

A very late season FD Commander 8 Brougham was available with Regal styling that wasn't available on the 6-cylinder car. This special model. besides having an extra plush interior, also came with nickel plated windshield frames, as this model shows. The few small deluxe appointments added a little more to its cost, selling for $1,725. A total of 24,639 Model FD Commanders were produced during this 18-month stay.

The great Scotsman Harry Lauder stands beside a 1929·30 Commander Sedan, Model FD, which was given to him for his use while making one of his many tours of the United States during 1929-30. Being that Scots are supposedly very thrifty people. I bet that's why Studebaker chose the tie-in of its thriftiness with the reputation of the famed Scottish singer and comedian.

Here in front of the Studebaker administration building, once again, are two gentlemen who don't believe in taking their hands out of their pockets. The vehicle is the late Model FD Regal Commander Sedan. This model saw production from December, 1928, until Jnne, 1930. The options. at extra cost, are side mounts and the wire wheels. The 120-inch car weighed 3,385 pounds and sold for $1,695.

19a9

147

This is a 1929-30 Model FD Commander on the same 12IJ..inch wheelbase as the 5-passenger Sedan. However, this example is the Regal 7'passenger Sedan. It was the most expensive model in the Commander line, selling for $1,845. Wire wheels and sidemounts were considered standard equipment for this vehicle.

-

1

(

f

This 1929 President 8 Roadster stopped by for a little Texaco soup before going on for the rest of some unidentified race. Being stripped down added a few more miles per hour for the President and its driver. The headlights have been replaced by two small spotlights mounted on the cowl, in the remains of the windshield stantion.

Stripped for sure is this 1929 President Roadster with all unnecessary hardware removed. These were great cars during the 1929·30 race season. The cars broke scores of records, never had an engine seal broken, and averaged speeds of 70 m.p.h, Ab Jenkins and his team set 12 records in this time period.

-

Number 7 was the famous roadster that set the endurance run at Atlantic City for the July event of 1929. It averaged better than a mile a minute for 19 nights and 18 days.

148

1989

This was the President Model FB that came on the 121-inch wheelbase. The car used 20 x 6_00-inch tires and weighed in at approximately 3700 pounds. The model delivered for $1,885. Notice the unique 2-tone paint scheme that was used on many roadster models this year. Fenders, hood, cowl, and rear panel were in one color (usually dark] while the wheels, doors, and body were in a secondary color.

The Model FB President State Roadster was one of the new model designations for 1928-1929. This example, along with the President FA and the Commander GH cars classed as 1929s, were discontinued before the end of 1928. Only 13,186 of the FB 121-inch wheelbase cars were produced for the 1928-1929 model run.

The sporty President Model FH Sport Roadster for 1929, or it might be considered by some to be a 1930, came with five wire wheels. These FH cars came with a radiator having thermostatically controlled shutters, narrow bead fenders, and larger hub caps. The FH cars had a 115 horsepower engine, rated at 3200 rpm. The wheelbase was 125 inches. No lightweight, the vehicle weighed 4,050 pounds.

The 1929 Model FB Roadster received a few changes in its transitional late 1928 period. These included new fenders with more crown, a flat radiator cap, redesigned head and cowl lights, and new spring shackels, The unusual two-tone paint combinations proved to be quite popular, considering the limited appeal of this attractive car, and were used exclusively on this model.

Look at that plush leather upholstery this 1929 President Roadster came equipped with. Note how the front portion of the rumble compartment opens forward making it easier for rear seat passengers to be comfortably "trapped." Once the passengers were seated, the forward panel would be pulled down, and thus provide lap protection for the rear occupants.

1989

149

Another celebrity is shown in the passenger seat of this 1929 President Roadster. The gentleman is none other than, at that time, General Eisenhower. This unit was one of those coming with hood painted the same color as fenders while the body is finished in a contrasting color.

Another timed record event occurred for Studebaker. This 1929 President Roadster has Peter Auseklis, the StudebakerErskine dealer from Latvia, at the wheel with a Dr. Intlemann. The pair set a new record between Riga and Koenigsberg with a Studebaker Roadster. The time for the event was officially recognized by the International Association of Paris at 4 hours and 50 minutes.

This restored handsome looking President Roadster, MOl FH, probably looks better now than when new. It origina came only with a rear mounted spare and wire wheels, b check out all the right accessories for that era; radiator sto guard, spotlights, fender mounted side mirror, Trip driving lights, and those whitewalls that add the final tOUI

A 1929 President FH Cabriolet came with a raised panel by the splash pan. It's beltline was straight, making it a different vehicle from previous convertible models. This Cabriolet was also one inch shorter than the Cabriolet of a year earlier.

~ -- - -

~ -- ----'-----

L50

1989

This 1929 President 8, shown at the famed Brookland's Race Track in Brookland, England, wears an attractive British custom touring body by an unidentified builder. The team was ready to go ... and did they go with another win under their belt for Studebaker. This time it was in an endurance run consisting of several consecutive races at the famous track west of London.

I'his 1929·30 Studebaker FH President Cabriolet, equipped vith an Aerocar passenger trailer, was one of 11 used by I'ranscontlnental Air Transport in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Railroad. How it worked was like this: If one Nere to travel, say from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, it .ould take four days if going by train. To make the trip much easier, a passenger could leave Pennsylvania by air in the lay time; travel until dark (planes didn't fly at night); arrive it an airport and be picked up in the President with the .railer that accommodated eleven passengers, and then go ;0 that city's train depot and travel by train through the light. The next morning a new StudebakerlAerocar would meet the passengers, take them to the local air terminal, and mee more they'd fly during daylight hours, hopefully teaching Los Angeles in two days of travel time rather than four. Sounds a bit complicated, but that was how it was done for a "fast" trip in 1929.

These are the two President Eights whicb did honors for themselves in the 1929 Double Twelve Endurance Run at Brookland's track. The chassis were strictly stock, while the touring bodies were English built. The Double Twelve event consisted of two consecutive twelve-hour daytime races. In other words, the cars went for 24 hours of participation during the two-day endurance trial.

·k

,L ~ '-.

,,'

'"

Jdl . .I " f'

This was the FH Short wheelbased President 8 State Victoria for 1929-30. It rode on the 125-inch wheelbase and was powered by the improved straight eight engine that turned out 115 horsepower. This vehicle weighed 4,015 pounds and sold for $1,975. As the State Victoria in the FE series it tipped the scale at 4,360 pounds and delivered for

.... $2,295. Its wheelbase was 135 inches. Both were impressive looking cars, but the price a little bigh and thus not many were sold.

19a9

151

The Flagship of the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company's Silver Fleet was this 1929 President Straight Eight Sedan. It was part of a cavalcade of automobiles that made a tour of the U.s. telling all of the great features B. F. Goodrich Tires offered. Note the rubber company's door logo and the windshield placard telling it's the "Flagship."

Demonstrating the power the new President FH had to offer, this dealer took a sedan on a rather wild hillclimb. On the outside are seven men, while how many more are on the inside nobody knows. This event is similar to one performed on an Erskine a short time before at Stone Mountain, near Atlanta, Georgia, which is said to be the world's largest rock.

Looking very similar to the FE President is this FH model. The basic difference in their appearance was the wheelbase. This example rode on a ten inch shorter chassis of 125 inches. It delivered for $1,765 and weighed 4,045 pounds. The car is shown here with the extra cost spare tire. Note the. interesting two tone treatment, with the fenders, apron, and beltline done in a light shade and the body and hood in a dark hue.

This 1929 Model FH Studebaker State 5·passenger Sedan obviously is equipped with products supplied by United Motors services. They would include A.C. Delco batteries, a Harrison car heater, and a North East speedometer. The sedan is also equipped with a factory spotlight, wind wings, step plate, aftermarket trunk, and extended horns which appear to protrude out to the bumper. It looks as if some sort of loud speaker has been installed in place of the rear quarter window.

152

1989

Basically the same car, appearance-wise, as the wooden spoked, rear mounted spare version, is this FH President short wheelbased sedan. This example was the Regal Sedan. The sidemounts and wire wheels were part of the package for Regal models. This example weighed 4,160 pounds and sold for $1,975_

The 1929 President Regal State Sedan looks the same as the regular Regal Sedan, except for a few higher-priced appointments. Some of these cars even came with leather tops, as this example shows. Very few ever got off the production line and price was never divulged. This right hand drive model was an export car. The chauffeur was not included.

This 1929 President 8, 7-passenger Phaeton was photographed by Honigsberg and Son, the distributors of Studebaker and Erskine in Shanghai. The chief of the Shanghai Fire Department sits proudly in his new President. Not too long after this photo was made, Shanghai became involved in China's vicious civil war, and it is anybody's guess what happened to this beautiful car.

When the symphonic band of the Royal Belgian Guard arrived in New York City, it was escorted to City Hall in Studebakers. After the official welcome, the band started on tour of the country. Captain Prevost, leader of the band, is standing in the rear of the 7-passenger President Phaeton that led the procession.

1989

153

This is a Model FE President Tourer for 1929-30. This vehicle was the first President sold in Calcutta, India for 1929. The vehicle was sold through The Great Indian Motor Works Ltd. to P.D. Mullick, one of the richest landowners in the city, shown beside the driver. Note the older style Studebaker script nameplate mounted on the radiator and its right hand drive steering wheeL

The 1929·30 Model FE style Ll was a Touret for seven passengers. This car came with a rear mounted spare and wood-spoke wheels, and demountable rims. It was an elegant open car, but evidently it was produced in limited quantity, as few have survived. The vehicle weighed 4,065 pounds and sold for $1,845. The L2 version of the car was referred to as a State Tomer. It weighed 4,210 pounds and the 135·inch wheelbase beauty delivered for $2,145.

A nice side view shows off the 1929 FE President Stat Brougham for five passengers. This example only came 0 the 135-inch wheelbase. It was available with a leather to with either broadcloth or mohair upholstery, or with Burbank top witb a Broadcloth interior. In base form, th 4,360-pound car delivered for $2,295. The landau irons wet strictly decorative. The trunk, demountable from a foldin rack, was finished in the same material as used on the to]

Imagine having a vehicle like this out on the green ... it sure doesn't look like a golf cart. It's one sharp looking 1929 President State Tomer. This version weighed 4,210 pounds. The 7'passenger car came on a 135-inch wheelbase, delivering for $1,845. A regular Tomer also was available for $1,245. It also as a 7-passenger car and weighed 4,065 pounds. The regular Tomer was equipped with a rear mounted spare and wood-spoke wheels.

154

1985

Many manufacturers referred to this body style as a Club Sedan, but not Studebaker. A Club Sedan to them meant a 2-door Sedan. Studebaker thought of this style as a Brougham. This body style with its enclosed rear quarter panel, padded top, and decorative landau irons, came in each series from Dictator Six to President 8. This one is even equipped with a spot light.

The 1929 FE President State 7 -passenger Sedan weighed 4,310 pounds and sold for $2,245. The vehicle rode on the 135·inch wheelbase. The tire size was 6.50x19 inches as on all FE models. These President cars came with a 16-gallon fuel tank.

The long wheelbased 7·passenger President FE in regular fashion came with demountable rims, a rear mounted spare, and wooden artillery wheels. The sedan weighed 4,210 pounds and delivered for $1,995 F.O.B. The interior was done in either top grade mohair or Bedford cord, at the owner's choice. A spare tire was still at extra cost as this model shows, hut the spare rim was supplied with the car. This series offered a larger rear quarter window than those of early examples for the year.

This car is the long wheelbased 1929 regular President Sedan for 7-passengers. The event shown here was a welcome mat reception for the famous marching band leader John Phillip Sousa. He is shown exiting from the rear compartment.

19as

155

He's right in style with his 1929 President Model FE long wheelbase 7-passenger Sedan. This unit weighed 4,235 pounds and carried a price tag of $1,995 which was probably one great value for its day. This model differed somewhat from other 7-passenger sedans in that the interior appointments were not quite as luxurious as the Limousine models.

This is the FE President State owner-driver Limousine for 1929. The model rode on a l35-inch wheelbase. It was called an X-2 in the FE lineup. The car weighed 4,370 pounds and sold for $2,295. This example wore a top quality Bedford cloth interior throughout since the division window was excluded from this model.

The 1929 FE President seven-passenger Limousine had a leather front compartment. It could be ordered with or without a division window between compartments. However, the speaker tube right behind the chauffeur would indicate that this car did have the divider glass. It carried all the same components as the owner driven Limousine right down to weight and price. Note this unit is headed for overseas, with the chauffeur manipulating the right-hand steering wheeL

,.

. "

The most expensive Studebaker for the model run was this Model FE President State Limousine for 7-passengers, coming with enclosed drive compartment. The front seating was done in leather while rear compartment carried the Broadcloth upholstery. The vehicle weighed 4,400 pounds and sold for $2,495.

- '.

-

- --

156

1985

The 1929 President Eight Limousine which was on display at the Grand Salon de Automobile of Paris was a real eyecatcher. The exterior of the vehicle was done in San Marco blue and lustrous black, with all bright work and hardware in gold and the roof in gold lacquer. The door beltline was in golden scroll on a black lacquered belt with the" double L" crest on the door panel, characteristic of the Louis XIV period. This was a one off vehicle.

How would you like to have this on your property to take care of the premises? Well, that's just how this vehicle was used. A retired capitalist, by the name of Noel Arnold, of Pasadena, California, purchased this unit to be put in service :10 his estate. He felt there was no need to hide it from guests :IS it commanded many admiring glances, besides rendering efficient service in a variety of capacities. Studebaker, in :heir dealer bulletins, often mentioned service vehicles of .his type being used on large estates throughout this zountry,

An interior view of 1929 Limousine shows off the exquisite fittings of the era. The rear was fitted with parquet flooring under a heavy bearskin rug. Richly upholstered hassocks were used in place of conventional foot rests. The seating area was doeskin broadcloth with Louis XIV Grand Medallion needlepoint lace on the upholstered arm rest, which could be folded into the seat back. All interior cabinet work was hand carved walnut, and the hardware was finished in gold.

This is the 1929-30 President Funeral Service Car. It came on a 135-inch wheelbase in the FE lineup of vehicles. The Superior Coach Corp. of Lima. Ohio, were the chief producers of Studebaker funeral vehicles and very likely were the craftsmen for this vehicle. Funeral service cars were essentially deluxe panel trucks, outfitted to carry a funeral director's equipment to the funeral site, or to carry a body in a non-hearse transportation role.

1985

The 1929 Erskine Six, Model 52, came with smart new body styles, a longer wheelbase of 109 inches, and increased roominess and comfort. Mechanically, the cars were basically the same as offered in 1928. The changes did consist of hydraulic shock absorbers, long chrome vanadium rear springs and well-shaped deeply cushioned seats which did make the Erskine an exceptionally smooth riding car for its size. Tire size for the 1929 models was 20x4.75 inches. This year saw the company offering five models with a 2-door Club Sedan being the lowest priced model for the year, selling at $775. It was followed by Cabriolets available both as 2 or 4 passenger units and two 4-door Sedans referred to as a 5-passenger Sedan and the Royal Sedan for 5-passengers coming in an enclosed rear quarter window version. Both sedans tipped the scale at 2,600 pounds. The fuel supply for the 1929 models continued to come from a 10-gallon tank.

Sales continued to slip badly for Erskine. According to MOTOR ANNUAL, the company finished in 30th position for the year with 7,261 units sold.

-~~~ ........ ~g

The Erskine for 1929 offered the Cabriolet as both a regular and a Sport model. This example was the regular, with a stationary top. The Landau irons for this model was fake. This example weighed 2,520 pounds. It is shown here equipped with extra cost bumpers, spare tire, and the oil doth spare tire cover.

One of the late 1929 Erskine Cabriolets was this model, available as either a 2 or 4-passenger unit. This example happened to be a 4-passenger, as indicated by the rear fender step pad. Some authorities also believed it to be classed as a Royal since it is equipped with the sporty wire wheels and sldemounts. The Cabriolets delivered in the $875 range but, with the depression doing its thing, these 2 and 4·passenger models were not big sellers.

Erskine's Detroit body production line is where this 1929 Cabriolet (in the foreground] is being assembled. It appears a few more man hours took place on each car's assembly, than is seen today.

Seen here is a 1929 Cabriolet Model 52 in 2'passenger version. Note the tilt to the spare tire. This was the beginning of Studebaker's famous "extended look" which gave the cars a longer appearance from the rear. Since there is no rumble seat, there isn't any need for step pads on the rear fender. The deck lid opened from the bottom. This example also has optional wire wheels for that touch of class.

il' I .

_j;-

158

19a9

The 1929 Erskine Club Sedan or, as some preferred to call it, the Coach, Model 52, was the lowest priced car Erskine offered for 1929. It delivered for $775.

Erskine's best seller for 1929 was this 4-door Sedan that delivered for $845. The Sedan versions weighed 2,600 pounds. I'hey, like each Erskine, came with a 10-gallon fuel tank

A left side view of the 1929 Erskine Club Sedan shows how the rear side window could be lowered about half way down. The vehicle was mechanically about the same as the previous year, except for hydraulic shock absorbers being introduced. Also, the wheelbase was increased to 109 inches.

Even though sales were better than in the two previous years, with 25,565 units delivered, the company finished lower on the sales ladder than in its years before. Now, it ranked in the 30th position. That sweep at the bottom of the cowl was a Dietrich touch, for which he was noted.

1989

159

The wire wheels and sidemounts were basically seen on the Royal models. This, however, is II Custom 4.-door Sedan selling for more than the regular 4.-door by $15. It went out the door for $860, without the wire wheels,

Seen in an overseas setting is one of those models that Erskine himself had hoped would flood the market in Europe. Unfortunately, it never happened. This right-hand drive vehicle also is equipped with rare lights beneath the headlamps, and has a special extra light mounted on the left in place of the parking light.

The greatest Erskine creation came in 1929 with this example that Studebaker displayed along with a President Eight Limousine at the annual Salon de Automobile in Paris. This Erskine, with richly patterned tapestry upholstery and bronze lacquered hardware, was the ultimate for II low-priced car on display at the. Salon. The exterior was done in three shades of French violet, with black upperworks, silver roof and window reveals, and running board shields and belt in a futuristic pattern emphasizing the modern art motif that Erskine was trying to create. Only one example was ever produced.

The 1929 Erskine Panel Delivery was a dependable little livery uuit for such things as it's doing - delivering baked goods and groceries. This was classed as a half-ton delivery unit, selling for $850. It used the passenger car mechanical components and from the cowl forward used all the passenger car ingredients.

160

1985

A nicely restored 1929 Pierce Arrow Roadster represents the company's lowest-priced car for the year. It sold ~or $2,875. This was classed as Model 133, a number which referred to its 133-inch wheelbase.

One of Pierce-Arrow's best years was 1929. This fact was chiefly due to the new 8-cylinder engine that developed 125 horsepower at 3200 rpm. This example, a 5-passenger Sedan, delivered for $2,975. Pierce Arrow produced 9,840 vehicles for the model year run, to the great delight of those Studebaker executives who had been in favor of the acquisition. Sadly, the days of glory were to end very quickly.

This beautiful 1930 Model "A-144" 7-passenger Touring weighed 4,700 pounds and delivered for $3,750 F_?B. Buffalo, New York. Being Model 144, it rode on a 144-mch wheelbase. Incidentally, talk about depreciation. This car was purchased used in 1933 following a trade-in on a new Lincoln. It left the used car lot for $500. What a steal!