This 1953 Studebaker Commander Regal Starlight coupe was delivered new to a dealership in Lyndhurst, Ohio. A subsequent body-off refurbishment involving mechanical work and a repaint in red and cream was completed in 2003. Power is provided by a replacement 224ci V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive and a replacement rear axle with 3.31:1 gears. Additional equipment includes an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, an electronic ignition system, wheel covers, whitewall tires, QA1 tubular front control arms and adjustable coilovers, a front sway bar, unassisted rack-and-pinion steering, and front disc brakes as well as beige and red vinyl upholstery, a 12-volt electrical system, air conditioning, a tachometer, a Custom Autosound radio, and LED interior lighting.
The replacement 224ci V8 is a 1955 Pace-setter engine sourced from a Studebaker pickup truck. The powerplant was rebuilt and installed, and is equipped with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor with a manual choke as well as Weiand valve covers, an aluminum radiator, an electronic ignition system, a fuel return line, and electric and mechanical fuel pumps. An electronic rust-protector system have been installed during the refurbishment. An Optima Redtop battery and the starter solenoid are located in the trunk along with a pigtail charging cable for a battery maintainer.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive and a Fairborn Studebaker solid rear axle with 3.31:1 gears. The car is equipped with a 10.5″ Chevrolet clutch and a stainless-steel dual exhaust system.
The car left the factory finished in black, the body was removed from the frame and repainted red with a cream-colored roof and clearcoat. Exterior details include chrome bumpers and trim, V8 badging, a third brake light, and polished exhaust outlets.
Body-color 15″ steel wheels wear chrome covers with amber-tinted centers and are wrapped in 205/75 Diamond Back whitewall tires that were reportedly installed in 2017. The car is fitted with QA1 tubular front control arms and adjustable coilovers as well as a front sway bar and unassisted rack-and-pinion steering from Flaming River. The brake system is filled with DOT 5 fluid, and stopping power is provided by front discs and rear drums with unassisted dual master cylinders.
The cabin features front and rear bench seats upholstered in beige and red vinyl that extends to the door panels. The under-dash air-conditioning system has controls in the glove box, and other equipment includes aftermarket kick-panel and parcel-shelf speakers, a Custom Autosound Secretaudio radio with a remote control, and LED lights under the dash and in the trunk. The car has been converted to a 12-volt electrical system, and a power outlet was added below the dash.
The three-spoke steering wheel has a chrome horn ring and frames a 110-mph speedometer and gauges monitoring amperage, oil pressure, fuel level, and coolant temperature. An Autogage 6k-rpm tachometer is mounted atop the steering column.
The five-digit odometer shows 74k miles, total mileage is unknown.
