Studebaker Speedster
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Studebaker Speedster | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Studebaker |
| Model years | 1955 |
| Assembly | Studebaker Automotive Plant, South Bend, Indiana, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Personal luxury car |
| Body style | 2-door hardtop coupé |
| Platform | Studebaker President |
| Related | Studebaker President |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 259 cu in (4.2 L) V8[1][2] |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 120.5 in (3,061 mm)[3] |
| Length | 204.4 in (5,192 mm)[4] |
| Width | 70.4 in (1,788 mm)[4] |
| Height | 56.3 in (1,430 mm)[4] |
| Curb weight | 3,301 lb (1,497 kg)[3] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Studebaker Champion Starliner |
| Successor | Studebaker Golden Hawk |
The Studebaker Speedster was an automobile produced by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana during the 1955 model year. The vehicle was considered Studebaker's halo model for the 1955 season.[2] Studebaker had previously used the Speedster name in the early 1920s, and was a marketing strategy revival of the President during that time.
The Speedster was a member of the President series, and was based on President hardtop coupe. For 1955, the company heavily restyled its models to incorporate a larger front bumper and a massive chrome grille more in keeping with American cars of the era.[5]
An initial run of twenty Speedsters was made to be displayed at car shows for the 1955 model year.[5][6] Reaction to the show cars caused Studebaker's management to put the car into production mid-year and offer it for the rest of the model year,[5] after which it was replaced by the previously planned Hawk series.[1][2] It allowed the company to offer a competitor to the Ford Thunderbird and Chrysler 300.
Power came from Studebaker's 259 cu in (4.2 L) V8 engine producing 185 horsepower (138 kW) and 258 pound-feet (350 N⋅m) of torque.[4]