| Studebaker's Dictator
The Dictator series started in 1927 when Studebaker, for reasons unknown, determined to rename it's entire line-up of car. The Model ES Big Six President (later models would become the "President" line) is released, the Model EW Big Six Commander (later models would become the "Commander" line) is released, and the EU Standard Six is renamed to "Dictator". While the Dictator name had a positive connotation in 1927, who would of thought that by 1937 there would be a guy named "Hitler" to end the use of this Studebaker name.
 The Studebaker Dictator was in production during one of the most prolific changes the automobile industry would ever see. When we look at the photo on the left, of a 1927 very utilitarian box, to the swoopy looks of the 1937 coupe photo on the right, it is very evident the level of change automobile styling is going through. With the creation of the 1927 LaSalle, Harley Earl would go on the create the first styling studio, the General Motors Art & Colour Section. The race was on and Studebaker would do a very good job of keeping up, retaining Loewy and Associates for design consultation in 1936 and using Helen Dryden to do the interior designs for the 1936 Studebakers.
Dictator Specifications:
|
The first nine columns are from STCS (Studbaker the Complete Story).
Grey: Model Production is calculated from the serial number allocation (when available), however there is no guarantee that every serial number was actually produced.
Blue: The author does not know the source of SCAC (Standard Catalog of American Cars) production numbers, but in most cases the numbers somewhat match the serial number allocation.
Green: The Italic Serial Numbers,Model Production and Total Production numbers for 1929 and 1930 are taken from the Turning Wheels feature article written by Fred Fox (November 2007). |
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| 1927 |
EU |
6 |
3 3/8 x 4 ½ |
241.6 |
50 |
113 |
1,345,101 – 1,410,000 |
EU-1 TO 65,800 |
64,900 |
65,333 |
| 1928 |
GE |
6 |
3 3/8 x 4 ½ |
241.6 |
67 |
113 |
1,410,001 – 1,416,322 SB |
GE-1 TO 49,700 |
6,322 |
48,339 |
| 1,956,301 – 1,956,391 CA |
91 |
| 1,416,323 – 1,437,600 SB |
21,278 |
| 1,956,392 – 1,957,000 CA |
27,600 |
| 1929 |
GE |
6 |
3 3/8 x 4 ½ |
241.6 |
67 |
113 |
1,437,601 – 1,457,478 SB |
19,878 |
| 1,957,001 – 1,957,231 CA |
231 |
| 1930 |
GL |
6 |
3 3/8 x 4 1/8 |
221.4 |
68 |
115 |
1,460,001 – 1,477,300 |
GL-1 TO 18,200 |
17,300 |
17,561 |
| 1930 |
FC |
8 |
3 1/16 x 3 ¾ |
221 |
70 |
115 |
2,120,001 – up |
FC-1 -up |
|
16,359 |
| 1931 |
61 |
8 |
3 1/16 x 3 ¾ |
221 |
81 |
114 |
9,000,001 – 9,015,000 |
A-101 – up |
15,000 |
14,144 |
| 1932 |
62 |
8 |
3 1/16 x 3 ¾ |
221 |
85 |
117 |
9,015,001 – 9,021,000 |
A-16,101 – up |
6,000 |
6,021 |
| 1934 |
A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 1/8 |
205.3 |
88 |
114 |
5,145,001 – up |
D-101 and DS-1 up |
|
45,841 |
| 1935 |
1A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 1/8 |
205.3 |
88 |
114 |
5,500,001 – 5,512,000 |
D-27,501 up |
12,000 |
35,292 |
| 1935 |
2A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 1/8 |
205.3 |
88 |
114 |
5,212,001 – 5,235,000 |
33,000 |
| 1936 |
3A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 3/8 |
217.8 |
90 |
116 |
5,512,001 – 5,536,000 SB |
D-63,001 up |
34,000 |
26,634 |
| 5,850,001 – 5,852,800 LA |
2,800 |
| 5,960,801 – 5,961,300 CA |
500 |
| 1936 |
4A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 3/8 |
217.8 |
90 |
116 |
5,235,001 – 5,255,000 SB |
20,000 |
22,029 |
| 5,800,001 – 5,802,500 LA |
2,500 |
| 5,955,801 – 5,956,100 CA |
300 |
| 1937 |
5A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 3/8 |
217.8 |
90 |
116 |
5,536,001 – up SB |
D-112,601 up |
|
50,001 |
| 5,852,801 – up LA |
|
| 1937 |
6A |
6 |
3 ¼ x 4 3/8 |
217.8 |
90 |
116 |
5,255,001 – up SB |
|
39,001 |
| 5,802,501 – up LA |
|
Prelude:
The sources used
for preparing these pages for the Studebaker Dictator are “Studebaker
the Complete Story” (STCS) by William A. Cannon and Fred K. Fox;
The online “Classic Car Database” (CCD); the SCAC (Standard
Calalog of American Cars); and Crestline's “Studebaker Cars”
(CSC) by James H. Moloney. Also, several Turning Wheel articles
written by feature writer Fred Fox. Source references (STCS),
(CCD), (SCAC) and (CSC) will be used.
All the data contained in the charts that follow for each year are copied from the Classic Car Database.
The * foot note data comes from STCS (Studebaker the Complete Story) & SCAC (The Standard Catalog of American Cars).
→ Information found between the arrows is from Turning Wheels feature articles written by Fred Fox ←
What we can be fairly sure of is that the same body styles were called by a different names, depending on the source. |
The Dictator of 1927 was for the most
part, just a continuation of the Standard Six (re-named). The
Dictator name came into use sometime in June of 1927. 1927 was the
first year for, four wheel brakes, on all Studebaker cars. Thus, the
use of disc wheels on all models. The existing axle design, with the
new front brakes, would not allow for wire or spoke wheels to be used. This problem was remedied with an axle redesign in 1928. Disc
Wheels, bullet shaped headlights, double bar fluted nickel plated
bumpers, and the Atalanta radiator mascot are distinguishing features
of 1927 Dicators. Early model EU Standard Sixes ran on 32x6.00
rubber, while the later Dictator's run on 31x5.25 rubber. Also, the
Dictator's used six bolt demountable rims, where as the Commander's
used five bolts. STCS indicated seven body styles were available
tor 1927, CCD lists eight, and while CSC states seven models
initially, they also indicate two body styles were added at the
change (to Dictator), a five passenger Tourer and a seven passenger Tourer.
The photo to the left is a 1927 EU Dictator Custom Victoria, note the disk wheels, double fluted two bar bumpers, bullet style head lights, Atalanta mascot, and the six bolts on the rims. Just barely visible are the embosed crowned fenders, a better view is shown in the photo below.
| Body Style |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1927 Model EU Dictator |
| Coach |
2 |
5 |
$1,230.00 |
| Country Club |
2 |
3 |
$1,295.00 |
| Custom Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,385.00 |
| Custom Victoria |
|
4 |
$1,335.00 |
| Duplex Phaeton |
|
5 |
$1,180.00 |
| Duplex Roadster |
2 |
3 |
$1,160.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,330.00 |
| Sport Roadster |
2 |
3 |
$1,250.00 |
| * The EU Model started life in June of 1926 as the Standard Six and finished it's life in September of 1927 as the Dictator. Studebaker assigned 64,900 serial numbers to the EU, but other sources place total units built at 65,333. |
Back to the Top
The GE model Dictator was introduced
sometime in September of 1927 and remained in production until
October of 1928 (there would be no Dictator's assembled for the next
six months). Several mechanical improvements were introduced at the
start of GE production. The front axle was redesigned which again
allowed for the use of wooden spoke wheels (disc and wire were
optional). The braking system was redesigned and a fuel pump
replaced the vacuum tank. The early Dictator's were referred to as “First” design models,and the bodies
were nearly identical to the EU Dictator's . Over time Studebaker
was gradually adding full crowned fenders, new smooth two-bar bumpers, and
a new body trapezoidal belt line treatments, similar to the
Commanders and Presidents. These running changes and were not
implemented at the same time on on all body styles. These modified
car are referred to as “Second” design. This makes today's
identification of these early GE models very difficult, but they are
generally all referred to as 1928 models. The “Third” design
models started with Studebaker's 1928 mid-year face lift (August of
1928) of all the lines, and at this time Fafnir ball bearings were
added to spring shackles ( Dictator's, one year only). Presidents,
Commander's, and Erskin's acquired new model designations, but the
Dictator's remained as the GE. However most reference the “Third”
design as 1929 models. The following indicators help in
identification of the varies GE versions.
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First design car resemble the 1927
EU with embossed crown fenders and fluted two-bar bumpers. (Ref. the earlier EU Custom Victoria)
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Second design car have full crown
fenders, smooth bumpers, and different belt line panels.
-
Third design cars have
“polo cap” visor, a new flater radiator shell, and Fafnir ball
bearing shackles. It is also at this time that the “Winged”
motif radiator cap replaced the Atalanta cap. The winged motif,
also carried over on the top of the headlights and cowl lights. The
“Third” design car also had an emblem bar between the
headlights, the early cars carried an “S”, while the laster car
had a “6”. Even though we know that all the “Third” design
cars were actually assembled in 1928, it is believed that most were
registerd in 1929, thus many have come to call these “Third”
design cars 1929 models.
 The photo to the left is a "Third" design 1929 Two Door Sedan, some but not all the design changes are noted.
STCS did not elaborate on body styles
for 1927 other then to mention the three trim levels (Royal – Regal
– State) introduced this year, CCD lists ten, and CSC states nine
body styles were available, and SCAC listed ten as well.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1928 – 1929 Model GE Dictator |
| Business Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$1,265.00 |
| Club Sedan |
2 |
5 |
$1,185.00 |
| Royal Coupe |
2 |
4 |
$1,395.00 |
| Royal Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,395.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,265.00 |
| Touring |
4 |
5 |
$1,265.00 |
| Touring |
4 |
7 |
$1,325.00 |
| Royal Victoria |
2 |
4 |
$1,345.00 |
| * Models added in 1929 |
| Cabriolet * |
2 |
4 |
$1,395.00 |
| Victoria Sedan * |
4 |
5 |
$1,345.00 |
| * The GE Dictator started production in October of 1927 and finished it's run October of 1928, although new models would not come until May of 1929. Studebaker assigned 50,000 serial numbers to this model, but other sources place total units built at 48,339. In addition to the models listed above from CCD, SCAC listed a 2 Door 5 Passenger Royal Roadster, a 4 Door 5&7 Passenger Royal Tourer, a 2 Door 4 Passenger Royal Cabriolet, and a 4 Door 5 Passenger Duplex Tourer. → Note that were CCD calles Royal Coupe, Fox calls it a Sports Coupe and when SCAC said Royal Roadster, Fox calls it a Sports Roadster. Where SCAC says Royal Cabriolets, Fox call them Cabriolets. Where SCAC says Duplex Tourer, Fox call it a Duplex Phaeton ← |
1930 GL Dictator
The 1930 GL Dictator's started
production in June of 1929 and finished in May of 1930. The GL and
FC Dictator's wheelbase is increased to 115 inches and the cars were
much lower by virtue of the new double-drop frames. The drum
emergency brake behind the transmission is removed in favor of a
cable now attached to the same cross shaft that services the four
wheel brakes. The GL engine is de-stroked from 4/1/2 inches to 4 1/8,
however HP increased from 67 to 68. The GL would be the last Six
Dictator model built until 1934. Tell's for the 1930 GL and FC are
hood louvers, seven sets of three each and the winged radiator cap is
still present. The polo cap has disappeared, the headlight tie bar
emblem was eliminated from the GL's, and some early FC's (then on the FC's it was resumed). STCS stated there were two Sedans, two Coupes, a Club
Sedan, and a Tourer. No Roadster or Cabriolets were built. However,
a Brougham and a Royal Tourer appeared late in the run. This agrees
with CCD's listing of eight cars in each model. CSC did not provide
any body style information for the GL or FC models, however SCAC also
listed eight body styles.
The photo to the left is of a 1930 Regal Sedan, most likely an FC as opposed to the GL as the GL should not have the headlight emblem bar.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1930 Model GL Dictator |
| Brougham |
4 |
5 |
$1,295.00 |
| Business Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$1,135.00 |
| Club Sedan |
2 |
5 |
$1,095.00 |
| Regal Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,295.00 |
| Regal Tourer |
4 |
5 |
$1,265.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,195.00 |
| Sport Coupe |
2 |
4 |
$1,195.00 |
| Tourer |
4 |
5 |
$1,145.00 |
| * GL models began production in June of 1929 and finished production May of 1930. Studebaker assigned 17,000 serial numbers to this model, but other sources place total units built at 17,561. In addition to the models listed above from CCD, SCAC listed a 2 Door 5 Passenger Regal Brougham. |
The 1930 FC dictator's started
production in May of 1929 and finished their run in August of 1930. Design changes for the GL and FC models have already been covered in
the 1930 GL section, with the exception of the new eight cylinder FC
engine. This engine was an all new design patterned after the
Commander's eight, except with a shorter stroke. It has an almost
identical displacement as the GL's six and only made two more HP at
70. In general the FC's cost about $200.00 more then a GL. All
sources agree that the FC came in all the same body styles as the GL.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1930 Model FC Dictator |
| Brougham |
4 |
5 |
$1,395.00 |
| Business Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$1,235.00 |
| Club Sedan |
2 |
5 |
$1,195.00 |
| Regal Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,395.00 |
| Regal Tourer |
4 |
5 |
$1,385.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,285.00 |
| Sport Coupe |
2 |
4 |
$1,285.00 |
| Tourer |
4 |
5 |
$1,285.00 |
| FC models began production in May of 1929 and finished it's run in August of 1930. Studebaker started the FC model serial number at 2,120,001, but does not define ending serial number. However other sources place total units built at 16,359. In addition to the models listed above from CCD, SCAC listed a 2 Door 5 Passenger Regal Brougham. |
1931 61 Dictator
The 1931 Dictator's was only available
as an eight-cylinder now rated at 81 HP. This HP was achieved by
using a new duel-throat carburetor and improving the manifold design. The wheel base is one inch shorter at 114 inches. Other new
features are free-wheeling, a new steering gear, and a new brake
design. The body lines are very similar to the Commander and
President, except the Dictator did not use the oval headlights. The
winged radiator cap is gone and a round plain cap replaced it. Optionally, La Gioconda (AC-68) or Faust Diablo (AC-67) could be had. STCS indicates that only coupes (2) and sedans (4) were available. CCD only lists (2) coupes and (2) sedans. CSC does not mention the
body style line-up, but only four photo's were shown, a Coupe, a
sports Coupe, a 5 Passenger Sedan, and the Regal Sedan, SCAC lists
eight body styles (several in Regal Trim). The limited selection of
Dictator's probably came as the result of the Erskine 53 being
renamed to the “Studebaker Six” Model 53. It (the Studebaker
Six) filled the six cylinder void left when the Dictator became only
available as an eight. It continued in production until 1933.
The photo to the left is supposedly a 1931 Dictator Model 61 Four Door Sedan filched from the internet. It maybe a President or Commander as it has oval headlights which the Dictator did not. However, the Dictator's in 1931 looked just like the Presidents and Commanders.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1931 Model 61 Dictator |
| Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$1,095.00 |
| Sports Coupe |
2 |
4 |
$1,150.00 |
| Regal Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,250.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,150.00 |
| 61 model production began in August of 1930 and finished it's run in September of 1931. Studebaker assigned 15,000 to this model. However other sources place total units built at 14,144. |
1932 62 Dictator
The 1932 Dictator's were some of the
best low end cars Studebaker would ever produce for the price. They
rode on a wheelbase increased by three inches to 117. The engine was
now making 85 HP and the Dictator's featured synchromesh
free-wheeling transmissions and Startix automatic starting systems. New steel spoke artillery wheels were standard equipment. The new
windshield was slanted; the cars were without external visor; and new
safety glass was standard all around. The famous bird mascot was
introduced and was standard on all Regal and State trim models,
optional extra cost on others. STCS indicated that a completely new
St. Regis Brougham, Convertible Sedan, and Convertible Roadster, body
styles were available, along with all the previous years body styles. CCD lists 12 body styles, however six of those are the same body
styles in Regal trim. CSC does not mention any particular body
styles but had photo's of two Coupe's, a Sedan, Convertible Sedan,
Convertible Roadster, and a St. Regis Brougham. Several in Regal
trim with chromium wheels, accessory white side walls, and trumpet
horns. SCAC listed twelve body styles. Very few of these 1932
Dictator's survive today as only about 6,000 were manufactured.
The photo to the left is supposely a 1932 Dictator Regal Coupe all decked out with several opional features like white side walls, trumphet horns, and chrome wheels. Artillery wheels are standard for 1932. While there is no mention in any of the publications about the change from round to oval headlights on 1932 Dictator's, all the photo's from for Dictator's from (CSC) had oval lights.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1932 Model 62 Dictator |
| Convertible Roadster |
2 |
2-4 |
$1,030.00 |
| Convertible Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,095.00 |
| Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$980.00 |
| Sports Coupe |
2 |
2-4 |
$1,030.00 |
| Regal Convertible Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,200.00 |
| Regal Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$1,085.00 |
| Regal Sports Coupe |
2 |
2-4 |
$1,135.00 |
| Regal Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,135.00 |
| Regal St Regis Brougham |
2 |
2-4 |
$1,135.00 |
| Regal St Regis Brougham |
2 |
5 |
$1,135.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$1,030.00 |
| St. Regis Brougham |
2 |
5 |
$1,030.00 |
| * 62 model production began in November of 1931 and finished it's run in November of 1932. Studebaker assigned 6,000 serial numbers to this model. Other sources place actual production units at 6,021. In addition to the models listed above from CCD, SCAC listed a 2 Door 2/4 Passenger Regal Roadster Convertible. |
1934 A & Special A Dictator
In 1932 Studebaker lost
money on total sales of $46 million. The largest sales loss was in
the eight cylinder cars, thus for 1933 at least one of the lines had
to go, hence no Dictotor's were produced in 1933. In 1934, in a bold
move, all the lines received all new body designs. Considering the
receivership, this was quite remarkable. The Studebaker Six and
Rockne are gone, so the Dictator is brought back as a six cylinder
model, using the power plant from last years Rockne, with a ½ inch
larger bore, developing 88 HP. In addition to streamlining the
bodies, many interior changes are made, added are ash trays, hand
grips, concealed rear curtains, adjustable interior visors, and a new
instrument panel design with provisions for a clock and a radio. The
steering wheel was finished to match the interior trim. Front vent
window appeared, along with outward swinging rear side windows, outward
swinging windshield, and large cowl ventilators, creating an all new
ventilation system. Headlights were improved and a rather
unconventional Midland Steeldraulic braking system was standard on
Dictator's. In June, Studebaker announced a new “Year Ahead”
series in all it's lines. The cars were slightly restyled and the
Dictator's were fitted with power-boosted brakes, of the type already
used on the Commander's and Presidents. A new Land Cruiser Dictator
was added, which featured swept back styling, with full-skirted rear
fenders, and rear window treatments similar to the Pierce-Arrow
Silver Arrow. STCS did not mention body styles (other then the
Land-Cruiser). The famous bird mascot introduced in 1932 is now
standard on all Studebaker lines. CCD listed seven body styles for
1934. CSC did not mention any body styles, but photo's of a
Roadster, Regal Roadster, St. Regis Brougham, Coupe, Sedan, Regal
Sedan, and Land-Cruiser were shown. SCAC listed five body styles for
the A models and ten after the Special A (Year Ahead) was released.
The photo to the left is a 1934 Studebaker Dictator Model A Four Door Sedan.
Note: The suiside front door, (opens from the front). While in the past some coupes, convertibles, and roadsters had suiside front doors, in 1934 every model appears to have suiside front doors and conventional opening back doors.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1934 Model A Dictator |
| Brougham |
2 |
5 |
$715.00 |
| Coupe |
2 |
2 |
$685.00 |
| Coupe |
2 |
4 |
$745.00 |
| Roadster |
2 |
4 |
$745.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$745.00 |
| * CCD lists two series for 1934. Series A and Special Series A |
| * Coupe |
2 |
2-4 |
$665.00 |
| * Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$715.00 |
| * A model production began in September of 1933 and finished it's run in December of 1933. A “Year Ahead” Special A was introduced in January of 1934 and finished it's run in October of 1934. Studebaker started the A & Special A model serial number at 5,145,001, but does not define ending serial number. Other sources place actual production units at 45,841. SCAC listed as Sedan, Regal Sedan, Regal Coupe, St. Regis Sedan, and Custom St. Regis Sedan a A models. They also listed a Coupe 2 Pass, Regal Coupe 2 Pass, Coupe 4 Pass, Regal St. Regis Sedan, and a Custom Sedan. A quite different line-up then CCD listed. |
1935 1A & 2A Dictator
The HP and wheelbase of the
1935 Dictator 1A and 2A were identical, the difference was in the
front axle. The 1A has the conventional rigid front axle, where the
2A has the new Planar front suspension. The Planar suspension is
nearly identical to the Presidents and Commander's, except there are
14 rather then 18 leaves in the front transverse spring. The Planar
equipped Dictator's cost an additional twenty-five dollars. All
Studebaker 1935 lines have new hydraulic brakes, with a single
cylinders on each wheel. The front cylinder is larger then the back
ones, called “compound action hydraulics”. Down draft
carburation is standard, however free-wheeling and Startex are extra
cost options. A distinctively narrower slanted vertical grill, horizonal side grills, topped off with the new “Bird in Flight” mascot, are tells for
the 1935 models. An interesting feature this year is the radio
speaker above the windshield header, said to be acoustically superior
to a dash location. By 1935 more then half the cars sold were
equipped with a radio. STCS does not mention what body styles were
available, but CCD listed a whopping 14 body styles. CSC indicated
13 Dictator body styles were available, from the 3-passenger coupe to
the Land-Cruiser. CSC showed photos for three and five passenger
coupes, St. Regis Brougham, Custom St. Regis Brougham, Sedan, Custom
Sedan, and Regal Roadster. SCAC lists fourteen body styles as well.
The left photo is of a 1935 Dictator Custom Sedan and the photo above is a 1935 Dictator Rumble Seat Four Passenger Roadster.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1935 Model 1A & 2A Dictator |
| Coupe |
2 |
3 |
$695.00 |
| Coupe |
2 |
5 |
$745.00 |
| Custom Sedan |
4 |
6 |
$770.00 |
| Limousine Cabriolet |
4 |
|
$880.00 |
| Regal Coupe |
2 |
3 |
$725.00 |
| Regal Coupe |
2 |
5 |
$775.00 |
| Regal Land Cruiser |
4 |
|
$895.00 |
| Regal Roadster |
2 |
5 |
$775.00 |
| Regal Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$785.00 |
| Roadster |
2 |
5 |
$745.00 |
| Sedan |
4 |
6 |
$745.00 |
| St. Regis Custom Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$740.00 |
| St. Regis Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$715.00 |
| St. Regis Sedan Regal |
4 |
5 |
$755.00 |
| * 1A production began in December of 1934 and finished it's run in September of 1935 and 2A model production began in November of 1934 and finished it's run in November of 1935. Studebaker assigned 12,000 serial number to the 1A model and 33,000 serial numbers to the 2A model. Other sources place actual production of 1A at 11,742 and 2A at 28,930 units. |
1936 3A & 4A Dictator
This year the Commander line
is dropped. The Dictator's have a larger 90-HP engine. New styling
is emphasized. Tells are the long hood with slim louvers, a
pronounced more sloped windshield (now two pieces), tops are all
steel, and trunks are integral parts of the body design. The
Dictator's engine is moved four inches forward in order to move the
back seat in front of the rear axle. The engines are now mounted on
rubber and the clutch and brake petals are mounted to the frame. The
“Hill-holder” is released this year and is a extra cost option on
Dictator's. Other extra cost option are Startix, Planar Suspension,
and Free-Wheeling Overdrive. The “Bird in Flight”, is still
present on 1936 models, but because the radiator cap is now below the
radiator shell, it has become a radiator shell ornament. STCS did not
mention anything about body styles. CCD listed seven body styles
which match exactly with Fred Fox's feature article published in
Turning Wheels (December 2009). CSC only mentioned that there were
no longer any open body styles offered. Photo's from CSC for the
Dictator line are three and five passenger Coupes, Cruising St. Regis
Brougham, Custom St. Regis Brougham, two door Sedan, four door Sedan,
St. Regis Brougham Sedan, Custom Sedan. SCAC listed seven body
styles as well.
The photo to the left is the famous 1936 "Bat-Wing" Coupe. Note that on the 1936 models the rear window opened, where as 1937 model did not. The photo to the right is of a 1936 Four Door Sedan. While not clearly evident in the Sedan photo, this was the first year for the new round red grill badge with the lazy "S", designed by Raymound Loewy.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1936 Model 3A & 4A Dictator |
| Business Coupe |
2 |
3 |
$665.00 |
| Custom Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$755.00 |
| Cruising Sedan |
4 |
5 |
$775.00 |
| Custom Coupe |
2 |
3 |
$695.00 |
| Custom Coupe |
2 |
5 |
$720.00 |
| St. Regis Cruising Sedan |
2 |
5 |
$745.00 |
| St. Regis Custom Sedan |
2 |
5 |
$725.00 |
* 3A & 4A model production began in October of 1935 and finished it's run in June of 1936. Studebaker assigned 35,800 serial number to the 3A model and 22,500 serial numbers to the 4A model. Other sources place actual production of 3A and 4A at 28,930 units.
→ Safety glass and Hill Holder cost $10.00 extra each. The standard Accesory Group A-5 was an additional $44.50 and included front and rear bumpers, metal spring covers, extra windshield wiper, and a spare tire and tube. ←
The information between the arrows comes from Fred Fox's feature article Turning Wheels (December 2009), |
All 1937 Studebaker's began
to use the hypoid rear axle, this allowed the for a lower floor,
providing greater leg room in the rear companrtment of sedans. The
body style modifications were primairy the radiator grill and
louvers. The hood now opened from the front, using an alligator
style hood, and a new hood ornament was used, doubling as a hood
release lever. A Station Wagon was now available. STCS did not
mention anything about body styles other then a Station Wagon. CCD
listed seven body styles, CSC stated there were seven body styles and
photos of a Business coupe, Custom 2-door Sedan, 2-door Sedan, 4-door
Sedan, 4-door St. Regis Sedan, and a 4-door Cruising Sedan were
shown. SCAC also listed seven body styles. Interesting is that none
of the non-Studebaker sources list the Station Wagon.
The photo to the left is of the 1937 Dictator Bat Wing Coupe. No open models were produced for 1936 and 1937, so if you wanted to be seen in that sporty ride, this was the pick.
| Model |
Doors |
Passenger |
Price |
| 1937 Model 5A & 6A Dictator |
| Business Coupe |
2 |
3 |
$765.00 |
| Custom Coupe |
2 |
3 |
$820.00 |
| Custom Coupe |
2 |
5 |
$845.00 |
| Sedan Custom |
4 |
6 |
$880.00 |
| Sedan, Cruising |
4 |
6 |
$900.00 |
| St. Regis Cruising Sedan |
2 |
6 |
$870.00 |
| St. Regis Custom Sedan |
2 |
6 |
$850.00 |
| * 5A & 6A model production began August of 1936 and finished it's run in July of 1937. Studebaker assigned 12,000 serial number to the 1A model and 33,000 serial numbers to the 2A model. Other sources place actual production of 1A at 11,742 and 2A at 28,930 units. |
Most of the photo's used in this presentation were captured from the internet, if you find your car on these pages, and would like us to remove it, use the "Contact Us" page to make the request. In addition, we would be happy to add credit for any photos we used if the author provides the necessary information.
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