When data was available from TW or STCS (Studebaker the Complete Story) it is used. Else, TCCD (The Classic Car Database) & SCAC (The Standard Catalog of American Cars) is used. →Information found between the arrows is from Turning Wheel feature articles written by Fred Fox← What we can be fairly sure of is that the same body styles, depending on the source, were sometimes listed in different terms. SB= South Bend, LA= Los Angles, and CAN= Canada

Model	Doors	Passenger	Price
1927 Model EW Commander
Sedan 5-Passenger (W)	4	5	$1,585.00
Regal Sedan 5-Passenger (W)	4	5	$1,785.00
Victoria 5-Passenger (C-R)	2	5	$1,575.00
Regal Victoria 5-Passenger (C-R)	2	5	$1,645.00
Coupe (Q)	2	2	$1,545.00
Coupe w/rumble seat (E)	2	4	$1,645.00
Sport Roadster w/rumble seat (J)	2	4	$1,675.00
→The EW Model started production in January of 1927 and finished production sometime in October. Studebaker assigned 39,800 SB serial numbers and 991 and CAN serial number to the Model EW. According to Fred Foxes article in TW 40,668 were manufactured, close to the 40,791 serial numbers assigned. Engine Serial Numbers EW-1 up. All the data in this chart comes from Foxes article in TW. April 2004.← In an article from “The Antique Studebaker Review” Bill Cannon names Custom Coupe, Custom Coupe w/rumble seat, and Chancellor Victoria. The term “Custom” may have been used to further denote the car was not in Regal trim, and the Chancellor Victoria and Regal Victoria most likely was the same car. The SCAC and TCCD both mentioned a 2-Door Sports Roadster Duplex and 4-Door Sports Phaeton.

The GB Commander started production sometime in October of 1927 and ended with the release of the GH Commander's in June of 1928.   The GB Commander was almost identical to the EW, except that as the front axle had now been redesigned, wooden spoke wheels were standard with wire wheels or disc wheels, optional at extra cost.   A number of mechanical changes were made as follows.

1. The spark, throttle, and light switch levers were mounted in the steering wheel hub.

2. The steering wheel lock was redesigned, so it could not be engaged when ignition was on.

3. The intake manifold heater was controlled by a button in the dash marked “H”.

4. The brakes were now Bendix-Perrot three-shoe expanding, both front and rear.

5. Both the front and rear axles were redesigned,

6. A Ross cam and lever steering gear was used.

7. The tire size changed to 5.50 x 20 inches

8. Adjustment and lubrication of the fan was improved.

9. Fuses were eliminated in favor of a buzzer type alarm, mounted behind the instrument panel.

GB Commander body styles were Regular and Regal Sedans, Business Coupe, Sports Coupe w/rumble seat, Regular and Regal Victoria, and Sports Roadster.

After about 5,000 GB were produced new bodies were introduced, with longer and more sweeping, fullcrown, front fenders.  A new “World Champion” emblem was add to the headlight support cross bar, a contrasting trapezoidal belt line was added, and a new instrument panel design was introduced.  Mechanical changes were minor, but Monroe hydraulic shock absorbers replace the Wahl spring brakes.  These new GB are referred to as 2^nd design in the parts books, where the first GB's are referred to as 1^st design cars.  There were no Coupes or Sports Roadsters produced in this 2^nd design.  But, a new Cabriolet and two door Club Sedan were introduced.

Tell's for 1928 GB: 1^st design, wooden spoke wheels and screw on Atalanta radiator cap. 2^nd design; new trapezoidal belt line treatment and full crowned sweeping fenders.   The “Commander World's Champion” emblem, is on the headlamp support bar, and Eaton oval bar bumper are used.

Side Bar: The Club Sedan, was essentially the same as the Victoria, in that it was a two door car. However, the rear window was much larger and the car was more stretched out. Considering it was suppose to be the lowest price ever Commander at release, we can assume it was quite spartan in comparison to the Victoria's very fine appointments.

Ref: “The Prewar Commanders, 1927 – 1942 Part 2: Model; GB/GH” [ASR, William Cannon].

 

The GH Commander started production sometime in June of 1928 and ended in October of 1928.   The bodies were extensively redesigned, as was the entire Studebaker line, few changes were made to the chassis.  The GH Commander's ran on a 121 inch wheel base and Fafnir ball bearing spring shackles were introduced.   Newer and lighter six and eight engine designs were in the works, consequently the GH Model was only in production for about five months.

Only two body styles were produced, Sedan and Victoria, in Standard and Regal form.  With the end of GH production, the famous Big Six engine production would reach an end.

Tell's for 1928 GH: The “Commander World's Champion” emblem is relocated to the headlamp tie bar. The Atalanta is gone, in favor of a new winged-motif radiator cap, which was also extended to the tops of the headlights. The roof extension visor is replaced by a much shorter “Polo Cap”.

Ref: “The Prewar Commanders, 1927 – 1942 Part 2: Model; GB/GH” [ASR, William Cannon].

Model	Doors	Passenger	Price
1928 ½ Model GH Commander
Regular Sedan (W3)	4	5	$1,495.00
Regal Sedan (W1,2)	4	5	$1,665.00
Victoria (C)	2	4	$1,545.00
Regal Victoria (C)	2	4	$1,625.00
→ The GH Model started production sometime in June of 1928 and finished production in October of 1928. Studebaker assigned 8,300 SB serial numbers and 200 and CAN serial number to the Model GH. According to Fred Foxes article in TW 8,428 were manufactured, close to the 8,500 serial numbers assigned. Engine Serial Numbers GH-1 up. All the data in this chart comes from Foxes article in TW. April 2004.← In an article from “The Antique Studebaker Review” Bill Cannon did not list the Regal Victoria. SCAC and TCCD agreed with Cannon and did not list the Regal Victoria. Note: When two numbers are listed as for example (W1,2), they were used to differentiate trim differences, however we do not know what those may have been.

The GJ Commander's has a new six cylinder engine, a stroked version of the Dictator Six (248.3 cu. in.).   The new motor puts out 75 HP, but is 200 pounds lighter.   Couple that with an additional 200 pounds of weight reduction in the rest of the car and the performance is equal to or better then it was with the previous 85 HP “Big Six” engine.   The styling is very similar to the GH ½ Commander's, but the bodies are slightly wider and lower, sitting on a new double-drop frame.  The belt line is changed, the “A” pillar is curved instead of vertical, and the wheel base is back to 120 inches.  The GJ Six and the FD Eight are identical, other then the motors, using the same transmission, clutch, and drive train.   The only external sign is the emblem found on the headlight cross-bar, using an “8” for the FD and a “6” for the GJ.  Otherwise you cannot tell the difference, unless you open the hood.  The windshields now have safety glass.

Body styles are Sedan, Brougham (Mohair B2 or Broadcloth B4), Victoria, Convertible Cabriolet, Business Coupe, Coupe w/rumble seat, Roadster, and Tourer.  The Brougham and Convertible were only offered in Regal trim.   The coupes were added in March 1929 in regular trim as either GJ or FD models.  Any regular Coupe, Sedan, Victoria, Roadster, or Tourer could be switched to five wire wheels for $60.00.   In April 1929 the 5 Passenger and 7 Passenger Tourer, in Regular and Regal trim, were added, very few were made.  The only GJ model to lack the polo cap style visor was the Brougham with it's “French Front”.

Tells for GJ & FD: Curved rather then straight “A” pillar, the trapezoidal belt line was gone, replaced by a belt line that was squared off in the back and finished with a point at the cowl.  New 6 & 8 emblems on the headlight bar and a much lower stance.

Ref: TW Nov. 2008 Feature Article “Studebaker's 1929-30 GJ & FD Commander's” by Fred Fox

The FD Commander's has a new eight cylinder engine with nine main bearings (250.4 cu. in.).  The new motor puts out 80 HP. The styling is very similar to the GH ½ Commander's, but the bodies are slightly wider and lower, sitting on a new double-drop frame.  The belt line is changed, the “A” pillar is curved instead of vertical, and the wheel base is back to 120 inches.  The FD Eight and GJ Six are identical, other then the motors, using the same transmission, clutch, and drive train, except the rear gear ratio.   The only external sign is the emblem found on the headlight cross-bar, using an “8” for the FD and a “6” for the GJ. Otherwise you cannot tell the difference, unless you open the hood.  The windshields now have safety glass. 

Body styles are Sedan, Brougham (Mohair B2 or Broadcloth B4), Victoria, Convertible Cabriolet, Business Coupe, Coupe w/rumble seat, Roadster, and Tourer.  The Brougham and Convertible were only offered in Regal trim.   The coupes were added in March 1929 and could be had only in regular trim.   Any regular Coupe, Sedan, Victoria, Roadster, or Tourer could be switched to five wire wheels for $60.00.  In April 1929 the 5 Passenger and 7 Passenger Tourer, in Standard and Regal trim, were added, very few were made.  In late August or early September 1929, Studebaker added a 7 Passenger Sedan to the FD series in both Standard and Regal trim.  Sales of this model must not have been great, as later in 1930 both were dropped.   Where initially the only model to lack the polo cap style visor was the Brougham, after mid 1930, all the FD closed models would adapt the “French Front” (no Polo Cap visor) style.  In January of 1930, chrome spoke wheels were added as an option ($75).   Interior seat upholstery, mohair or broadcloth on Brougham's, Mohair on all other closed models except the two-door coupe.  Genuine leather on the Coupe and all open models.  For the GJ Tourers, the leather color was Blue Bedouin Grain.  For FD regular Tourers, (?) color Bedouin Grain.  For Regal FD Tourers, Black Pinseal. (Tourer upholstery information courtesy of Richard Quinn)

Other mid 1930 FD changes are as follows:

1. Hubcaps change from 5 inch to 8 inch.

2. Thermostat controlled radiator shutters. [Some question if they were used on open cars.]

3. Side window safety glass on Regal trim models.

4. Burgess “power conserving” muffler.

5. Valve spring dampeners (engine number FD-19,761).

6. Fenders bead changes from flat wide to oval (Serial No 8,019,282).

7. White instrument panel face and dials change to black face with black dials (Serial No 8,020,500).

Tells for GJ & FD: Curved rather then straight “A” pillar, the trapezoidal belt line was gone, replaced by a belt line that was squared off in the back and finished with a point at the cowl. New 6 & 8 emblems on the headlight bar and a much lower stance. After mid-year 8 inch hubcaps.

Side Bar: So whats the difference between the Brougham's and the Six Window Sedan's. Just one window each side.  The Brougham's only had four side windows.  Where the third and farthest back pair of windows on a sedan were glass the Brougham's had this same area covered with steel which wrapped around and meet the back window.  The Brougham's which were four-door, five-passenger cars, are not to be confused with the St. Regis Brougham's which would come in 1932, as those cars were close-coupled two-door sedans.

Ref: TW Nov. 2008 Feature Article “Studebaker's 1929-30 GJ & FD Commander's” by Fred Fox

 

We do not have access to any TW articles for the 1931 Commander 70 series and Fox and Cannon did not elaborate much in “Studebaker the Complete Story”, so this is what little information we could scare up.

While the 1931 Commander was almost a entirely new design, the line-up was also greatly simplified.  The six cylinder models were history, only an eight being offered.  The open cars, convertible, roadster, and touring were gone.  Only the Brougham, Coupe, Victoria, Sedan, and Regal Sedan were being offered.  Most of of it's four inch added length came in front of the cowl, making the hood extremely long and very impressive.  A new V-shaped prominent grille and large oval headlights graced the front of the car.  The single bar bumper, with it's V-dip in the center, and fender mounted parking lights were distinctive features.  The polo cap visor reappeared after being absent on some 29/30 models.

Tell’s for 1931:  A new V-shaped radiator shell, flanked by large oval headlights.  Parking lights were placed on top of the front fenders.  A new single bar bumper with  V-shaped dip in the center was used.

Mechanical: A new design silent transmission with helical gears and free-wheeling; larger improved two-shoe Duo-Servo Bendix brakes; new valve spring dampeners; new carburetor air intake filter and silencer; new dual-throat carburetor; new dual intake manifold; and improved torsional vibration dampener were all improved features for 1931.   The manifold, carburetor, and compression increase to 5.2 to 1, increased valve overlap, resulted in the flat-head eight’s HP increase to 101.  The wheelbase is stretched to 124 inches and a kick shackle is added to reduce shimmy and wheel fight.  Tires are 6.00 x 19 and a finer mesh ring and pinion created a quieter rear axle.

Again, we do not have access to a TW articles for the 1932 Commander 71 series.   Fox and Cannon, in “Studebaker the Complete Story” was fairly thin.  So like 1931, this is what little information we could scare up.

1932 Commander line-up was expanded.   Open cars again appeared; Convertible Sedan, Regal Convertible Sedan, Roadster, and Regal Roadster were added .   A new St. Regis Brougham and Regal St. Regis Brougham were also added, as well as a Regal Coupe.  The Regal Brougham and Victoria are gone (see side bar 2 below).  Last years Sedan, Regal Sedan, and Coupe are still in the line-up.  Regal equipment includes six, side mounted, wire or chrome platted artillery spoke wheels; duel trumpet horns; and a luggage rack.  The package could be applied to any standard model at extra cost.  Wire or steel spoke artillery wheels are also available options.  The instrument panel is redesigned with airplane-type round dials.

Tell’s for 1932: It is difficult to tell the 1932 Studebaker from the 1931, however on closed cars, the polo cap is gone and all the windshields began to slope forward.  The gages on the dash inside are round instead of square.  Parking lights still placed on top of the front fenders.  Regal’s have the new art deco “Bird”mascot radiator cap, optional on all other models.

Mechanical: A new synchromesh transmission is introduced and freewheeling is removed from the transmission, placed in a separate unit and bolted on the back of the transmission.  Houdaille automatic-ride shock absorbers replace the Delco-Lovejoy units and Startix automatic starting systems is a new standard items.   A newer style cable-controlled Bendix braking system was used.  The wheelbase increases to 125 inches.

Side Bar 1: The Startix system was an automatic engine starting mechanism.  It automatically started an engine from cold or restarted the engine if stalled.  All you had to do to activate it, was turn on the key.  It was supplied to vehicle manufacturers in the 1930s by Bendix Corporation.

Side Bar 2: The St. Regis Brougham (left) , unlike the former Studebaker Brougham, is a two door close-coupled sedan.  For Studebaker, it was said to combine the luxury features of the former Victoria's with the roominess of a sedan.   Thus, the Victoria's and Brougham's become expendable.  This car has an extremely wide doors (supposedly the longest door Studebaker ever made) which assisted rear passenger access to the back seat.

 

So, what happened to the “72” commander?   Well as is seems, Studebaker was quite concerned about the 1932 sales results, and according to Fox, very close the start of 1933 production a major re-alignment of Studebaker's 1933 models line-up was made.  The 56 Six remained the same, however, the model 63 Dictator replaced the model 72 Commander and was designated the model 73 Commander.   The model 72 Commander became the model 82 President, and the model 92 President became the model 92 Speedway President.   This move allowed Studebaker to offer Commander 8's at Dictator prices and the smaller President 8's at Commander prices.  This apparently is a ploy that had been used often in the automotive industry.

The entire Studebaker line shared the same styling, slightly modified from 1932, with a more radically forward sloping grille.  The front fenders aprons extend further forward and have skirts that hide more of the frame and running gear.   Roof lines blend smoothly into concave rear decks.  Five painted wire wheels are standard, chromed wire wheels are optional at extra cost. Regal's ran standard on plated artillery wheels with 14 spokes.  These wheels were were available as extra cost options on regular models.  Another popular option was white wall tires.   Upholstery material was Bedford Cord (standard) on all closed models and optional on four-door convertible sedans.  Mohair was an extra cost option on all closed models.  Leather was standard on Roadsters and optional on four-door convertible sedans.

Tell’s for 1933: The hood louvers are now slanted, in line with the slanted grille.   Painted wire wheels (Standard, Chrome optional).  Fourteen spoke artillery wheels (Standard on Regals, optional on Regular models --1932's had ten spokes).   Optional chrome artillery wheels.  More slanted grille and windshield.  Front fenders skirtedfor the first time covering more of the chassis and (if equipped) side mount cavities.  No wood spoke wheels (maybe they could be special ordered?).  Mascot, still the art deco bird, now standard on all models.

Mechanical:   The model 73 Commander had a slightly larger (one year only) 236 cubic inch displacement straight eight, making 100 HP and ran on a 8 inch shorter 117 inch wheel base, formally used on the 1932 Dictator's.  The wheels changed from 18 inches to 17 inches.  Down draft carburetors were used in all Studebaker engines for the first time.   Other new innovations were automatic choke, automatic spark advance, and automatic manifold heat.  New Bendix vacuum-boosted power brakes were also standard equipment on all Studebaker's.  The Startix automatic starting system was continued from it's 1932 introduction.

However, all these new features and fanatic styling did little to improve sales.   Studebaker was forced into receivership on March 18^th, 1932.  But as we all know, would rise from this low point and survive until 1966.   Exterior color offering changed almost monthly according to Fred Fox.   The cars were painted in five different areas, lower body, upper body, fenders, wheels, and stripes using all kinds of color combinations.

 

We were unable to find any TW articles for the 1934 Commander B series.  Fox and Cannon did not elaborate much in “Studebaker the Complete Story”, so this section has to rely on other less reliable sources once again.

The entire line of Studebaker cars are redesigned for 1934, however the actual difference is more subtle then one might think.  The general body lines and contours are altered, becoming more aerodynamic.  Thus the sales pitch for 1934 “From the Skyway Comes Their Style”.  The old box design is gone forever.  The headlights are now round bullet-shaped pods, mounted on the fenders near where the parking lights had been since 1931.  The bumpers are now two straight single bar units, mounted in a V pattern, the V-shaped dip in the center is gone.  The belt line which had been so prominent in past years is nearly invisible, simply embossed into the body lines, dropping sharply down near the rear of the cars.  From all the photo's we looked at, it appears that the front doors are now hinged at the back and open from the front, while the rear doors are hinged in the front and open from the back.  The hood louvers are even more slanted, with an embossed line around them.  The grille is deeper and more slanted.  The front fender aprons and the grille panel are significantly extended out the front of the cars.  New tail lights are built into the rear fenders.  Windwings on the front of closed cars roll up and down.  The third window on sedans open, pivoting in the middle.  The interiors are exceptional, with very fine appointments.  The fabric is broadcloth or mohair, the dash panel and steering wheel are new.  The Convertible Sedan's were eliminated this year.

However, there is some evidence that Studebaker did a “Year Ahead” style change in June of 1934 for Regal's and Custom, where the major influenced was a move from vertical to horizontal hood louvers.  Also, at about this same time the new and sensational (Right Above Photo) Land Cruiser in DeLuxe and Regal trim is introduced.

Tell’s for 1934: Thehood louvers are more slanted and have an embossed line around them.   Headlights round bullet-shaped.  Straight single barbumper.  Belt line nearly invisible.  Front door (Suicide).   Tail lights are integral to the rear fenders. Mascot, still the art deco bird, standard on all models.

Mechanical: The model B Commander chassis is new, running on a 119 inch wheelbase.  The engine for the Model B Commander is the same as the earlier Dictator eight with 221 cubic inch displacement.  However a higher compression ratio of 6.3 to 1 and an aluminum cylinder head, boosted the horsepower to 103.  Vacuum powered Bendix brakes were continued.   An innovation was the triple beam headlamps.  A control on the instrument panel allowed the driver to select one of three high beams.

Side Bar: On March 18, 1933 Studebaker was forced into receivership.   Vance and Hoffman of Studebaker and Bean of White Motors are appointed receivers.   By the extraordinary efforts of Vance and Hoffman, Studebaker was out of receivership on March 9^th, 1935.  This action is to complicated to cover here.   It is mentioned here, because through Vance and Hoffman's effort, the Federal Court approved an expenditure of $700,000 to retool a completely new line cars for 1934.

Model	Doors	Passenger	Price
1934 Model B Commander
St. Regis Brougham (C1)	2	5	$915.00
Regal St. Regis Brougham (C2)	2	5	$965.00
Regular two-passenger coupe (Q1)	2	2	$895.00
Regal two-passenger coupe (Q2)	2	2	$925.00
Regular four-pass coupe w/rumble seat (Q3)	2	4	$945.00
Regal four-pass coupe w/rumble seat (Q4)	2	4	$975.00
Regular Roadster w/rumble seat (R1)	2	4	$945.00
Regal Roadster w/rumble seat (R2)	2	4	$975.00
Regular 4dr Sedan (W1)	4	5	$945.00
Regal 4dr Sedan (W2)	4	5	$995.00
DeLuxe Land Cruiser (L3) *	4	5	$1,135.00 *
Regal Land Cruiser (L2) *	4	5	$1,135.00 *
Production starts in September of 1933 and ends in October of 1934 (SACA). According to STCS, the starting SB serial number was 8,045,001 - up. CAN serial numbers started at 8,951,001 to 8,951,200 (200) . Engine Numbers started at C-20,001 – up. The next series of Commander serial numbers, assigned to 1935 Commander 1B starts at 8,103,000. So we clearly do not know the ending serial number for 1934 SB production. TCCD and SCAC both put production at 10,315 units and both list the same models, except for the DeLuxe Land Cruiser, which only Fox listed (See next section). * →In the TW Article “Studebaker's 1934 – 1954 Land Cruiser Models” by Fred Fox, it is stated that both the DeLuxe and Regal (L3 & L2) were produced in the spring or summer of 1934. However, only one price was given. Production of the 1934 Land Cruiser was 203 units. The difference between DeLuxe and Regal Land Cruiser was DeLuxe had a single spare in the trunk and Regal had dual sidemounts.←

The 1935 Commander was just face lifted from 1934.  The headlights are still round but much longer then they were in 1934.  The bumpers are single piece, rounded rather then slanted design.   The center vertical bar grille is way narrow, two shorter horizontal bar side grille are placed next to the main grille.  The hood louvers are horizontal bar and match the side grilles.   A new encircled bird mascot is standard on Commander's.  The interiors are even more luxurious then the 34's.  The model line-up is the same as 1934.

Tell’s for 1935: Thehood louvers are horizontal and flow into the side grilles. The grille is much narrower.   Headlights round, but longer.  Single piece rounded shaped bumper.  Mascot, new encircled bird, standard on Commander's and Dictator's.

Mechanical: The model B1 Commander has a new independent front suspension system called “Planar” by Studebaker.   The engine for the Model B1 Commander is the same 250 cubic inch displacement engine used in the President, but with a 6.0 to 1 compression ratio cast iron head, making 107 HP.  Four wheel hydraulic brakes are used for the first time.   The 1935 Commander would be the last Eight, as the Commander line will be dropped for 1936 and 1937.  It would  return in 1938 as a replacement of the 1937 Dictator, as a Commander Six.

 

Model	Doors	Passenger	Price
1935 Model B1 Commander
St. Regis Brougham (C1)	2	5	$955.00
Regal St. Regis Brougham (C2)	2	5	$970.00
Regular two-passenger coupe (Q1)	2	2	$895.00
Regal two-passenger coupe (Q2)	2	2	$930.00
Regular four-pass coupe w/rumble seat (Q3)	2	4	$950.00
Regal four-pass coupe w/rumble seat (Q4)	2	4	$980.00
Regular Roadster w/rumble seat (R1)	2	4	$950.00
Regal Roadster w/rumble seat (R2)	2	4	$980.00
Regular 4dr Sedan (W1)	4	5	$985.00
Regal 4dr Sedan (W2)	4	5	$1,000.00
Land Cruiser (L3 *)	4	5	$1,115.00 *
Regal Land Cruiser (L2) *	4	5	$1,130.00 *
Limousine Cabriolet **	4	6	$1,185.00
SCAC and TCCD put production at 6,085 units. The data in the chart is from TCCD unless otherwise specified. SCAC listed production from November of 1934 to September of 1935. SCAC listed mostly the same models, but their price was exactly $30 more for model, and they did not list a **Limousine Cabriolet, but did list the Land Cruiser (L3) not listed by TCCD. *→The (L3) & (L2) price comes from the TW Article “Studebaker's 1934 – 1954 Land Cruiser” by Fred Fox.← SCAC listed the Land Cruisers at the same price as Fox. TCCD listed the (L2) at $1,100 and did not even list the (L3). STCS lists the starting Serial Number at 8,951,201 – up for SB and 8,951,201 – up for CAN. Engine numbers started at C-30,501 – up. As 1935 would be the last year for the Commander 8's, it is impossible to know the ending serial numbers by looking at the next year serial numbers.

With 1938 being a new design, the 1939 Commander is simply a face lift from the cowl forward, but the change to the grille is different then anything we have seen before.  The tall vertical grille from the past is gone.  It is replaced by two separate grilles on either side of the now bare nose, inserted into the front fenders just inside the new headlights which are completely faired into the fenders.  The grille section are roughly one half as high and twice as wide, covering two thirds of the front of the car. This shorter wider grille pattern would remain with Studebaker until the end.  We also see new tail lights built into the rear fenders.  The new headlights are slightly oval and not as yet seal beams, although after 1940 there would be a kit available to change the 39 headlights to sealed beams.  Another distinction of 1939 Commander's is the two chrome trim strips on the side panels, below the hood and just below the belt line trim that extends from near the front of the hood to near the back of the car. Note, that the 1940 Commander would have only one strip, while the 1938 had none.

The interior has a new instrument panel and the panel and window moldings are painted in a wood burl pattern.  The interior hardware was finished in plastic, harmonizing with the interior color.  This was an extension of the Lucite speedometer and clock facings used in 1938 Commander's.

Tell’s for 1939: Newtaillights built into the rear-fender.  New ovalheadlights faired into the front fenders.  New lower, wider grille. Two chrome strips under the hood.

Model	Doors	Passenger	Price
1939 Model 9A Commander
Four-door Cruising Sedan w/ trunk spare (W3)	4	5	$965.00
Two-door Club Sedan w/ trunk spare (F3)	2	6	$955.00
Four-door Convertible Sedan w/ trunk spare (S3)	4	6	$1,290.00
Three Passenger Custom Coupe w/ interior spare (Q1)	2	3	$900.00
Three Passenger Business Coupe w/ interior spare (Q1)	2	3	$875.00
Four-door Station Wagon *	4	?	?
Studebaker parts books listed a (W7), (F7), and (Q7) Deluxe Models. What constitutes “Deluxe” is not well defined. 1939 price lists show a “Deluxe Equipment Package” at an additional $30.00. This package included a Phantom Steering Wheel, Horn Ring, Electric Clock, Cigar Lighter, and extra Horn.
Fox indicated that production started in August of 1938 and ended August of 1939 for Commanders. SCAC indicated production started in September of 1938 and ended in August of 1939. →Studebaker assigned 38,500 SB serial numbers and 5,300 LA serial numbers to the Model 9A. Fox reported two sources for 1939 production, the first reports 43,724 for SB and LA combined, the second lists SB at 38,493 and LA at 5,260, 29 more units. The second sources may have included bare chassis sales. Engine Serial Numbers are reported at H-42,501 to H-87,600. For more complete information see TW Oct. 1990← * SCAC listed a Station Wagon (No Price), TCCD did not list the Convertible Sedan or the Station Wagon. They both reported total Commander production at 43,724 as did Fox in source one.

Often the 1940 Commander's are seen as, just a 1939 with Seal Beam headlights.  Actually Studebaker has quite a few changes for 1940 as listed below:

1. New headlights (sealed Beam design).

2. Total glass was increased by 241 square inches, including the windshields.

3. Rear quarter windows, slide instead of swinging out.

4. Door hinges, except the front lower ones are hidden.

5. New gas tank filler door, hides the gas cap and filler tube.

6. Safety glass in all windows.

7. Inside hood release.

8. Rear seating room expanded.

9. Door handles faired into the side trim.

10. Grille changed from vertical bars to mesh.

11. New brushed stainless panels for interior door handles and window regulators, and recessed portions of the instrument panel.

12. Wider rear tread.

13. 6.25 x 16 tires.

14. New shockless steering.  Longer steering Knuckle arms.

15. Rubber mounted rear spring shackles.

16. New transmission design (on the side 1938-39 discontinued).

Models for 1940 Commander's are, four-door Cruising Sedan, two-door Club Sedan, and a Coupe in Regular and DeLuxe trim.  DeLuxe models had upgraded trim and extra items like duel horns.  Regular Commander's came with wool cloth upholstery.   Leather upholstery was an extra cost option offered in several colors.  Many of the Commander paint colors came with a complementary accent color around the side windows.

However, the big news for 1940 was Studebaker's April 1940 release of an all new trim series called the Delux-tone.  These models featured colorful two-tone interiors, standard whitewall tires, Burnt Orange or Maroon wheels, deluxe steering wheels, tenite gear shift knobs, and five different two-tone exterior paint combinations or four solid colors, all for $40 dollars more then regulator models.  The two-toned upholstery used in these models was either two colors of broadcloth or on green models, light green broadcloth and dark green leather.  The following is a listing of colors available on Commander's and Presidents.

Regular Models Exterior Colors
Body Color	Window Reveal Accent Color
Colleen Green Light Metallic	Colleen Green Dark Metallic
Birchleaf Light Metallic	Birchleaf Dark Metallic
Clipper Grey Light Metallic	Clipper Grey Dark Metallic
Santa Anita Beigh Light Metallic	Santa Anita Beigh Dark Metallic
Riviera Blue Metallic	Riviera Blue Grey Metallic
Riviera Blue Metallic	Riviera Blue Metallic
Velvet Black	Velvet Black
California Grapetone Maroon	California Grapetone Maroon
Beverly Blue (1)	Beverly Blue
Studebaker Cream (2)	Studebaker Cream
Delux-Tone Models Exterior Colors
Lower Color	Upper Color
Riviera Blue Metallic (M)	Riviera Blue Grey Metallic
Clipper Grey Dark Metallic (O)	Clipper Grey Light Metallic
Paddock Green Dark (M)	Paddock Green Light
Birchleaf Dark Metallic (O)	Birchleaf Light Metallic
Santa Anita Beigh Dark Metallic (O)	Santa Anita Beigh Light Metallic
Velvet Black	Velvet Black
Tulip Cream	Tulip Cream
California Grapetone Maroon	California Grapetone Maroon
Ruby Red	Ruby Red
(1) Not available LA Plant, (2) Only available LA Plant, (M) Maroon wheels, (O) Burnt Orange wheels. Painted with 12 coats of lacquer.
Upholstery Materials
Regular Models, wool cloth, optional extra cost colored leather.
Delux-Tone
Blue & Grey broadcloth	Riviera Blue, Clipper Grey, and Velvet Black
Light Green broadcloth & dark Green Leather	Paddock Green, Birchleaf
Brown & beige broadcloth	Santa Anita Beige, Tulip Cream, California Grapetone Maroon, Ruby Red
Seat upholstery was pleated on Delux-tone Commander's

Tell’s for 1940: Seal beam headlights.  New meshgrille. A single chrome strip under the hood.  Concealedhinges on all doors.

Mechanical: The Commander's continue with the 90 HP 116.2 cubic inches Six.  Wheel base is 116 ½ inches. Hill-Holder is standard equipment.

All the Studebaker lines came with the new twin belt moldings, unique to all early 1941 Studebaker's (Left Photo, 1941 Commander 4dr Cruising Sedan).  Only the later Commander and President Skyway (Right Photo below) would not have this bright-work.  The bodies for all the Studebaker lines were new for 1941, sharing tail light design, headlight rings, and a new dash design.  Styled by Raymond Loewy’s associates, they were longer and lower, and had a wider grille.  Presidents and Commanders has a new semi-circle bump in the rear fenders. Running boards were eliminated.

Initially, in the senior series, neither a Coupe or Club Sedan were offered.  The Commander 11A came only in two 4-door body styles, the Cruising Sedan and the Land Cruiser.  The Cruising Sedan had rear-hinged “suicide” rear doors, with the rear vent windows in the body.  The Land Cruiser had front hinged rear doors with the vent windows in the rear door.  Land Cruisers also had special front and rear fender trim strips, more bright trim around the window, and a rear seat folding center arm rest.  The Cruising Sedan did not have these features.  Early Commanders came in two trim levels, Custom and Deluxe-tone.  The Custom trim was the basic trim, the Deluxe-tone trim option included two tone paint with color-keyed interiors, standard white wall tires, DeLuxe steering wheel, and more interior bright-work.  The Deluxe-tone trim option was first introduced in mid 1940.  The accent color on 41 Deluxe-tone model two-tones was on the top and between the belt moldings.  The ladder was called a “color belt.”  A contrasting color belt on Custom models was available for an extra $5.  This year the air intake, for the optional Climatizer was moved to a vent door on the left side of the cowl.  A matching fresh air vent door was added on the right side.  In 1947 the purpose of the two vent doors were switched.  These vent doors were used on all Studebaker cars to 1957 and on Hawks to 1964.  Also new for 1941 was a separate heater core for the Climatizer windshield defroster system.

In the spring of 1941 Studebaker introduced a new trim series called the Skyway.  The exterior Skyway trim is considerably different then Custom and Delux-tone models.  Obvious difference was the lack of the dual side moldings.  Other features included, rear fender skirts, front fender top lamps, bright metal trim around the windows, trimmed rear fender stone shields, and rocker panel trim, extending onto the fenders.  The Skyway models were mainly painted two-tone.  The other new introduction for the spring was the Sedan-Coupe ( F body), a delayed replacement for the 1940 Club sedan.  The Sedan-Coupe featured a forward slanting B-pillar and a curved one-piece windshield, the first of its kind for a mass production car.  It was offered in Custom (F3) and and Skyway (F7) trim.

Upholstery Materials for 1941 Commander's
Custom Models
Standard	One-tone beige medium bedford cord
Optional	Brown Canda cloth
Early Delux-tone Models (color-keyed)
Seats (narrow pleats)	Bolster	Bolster Optional
Dark green broadcloth	grey cloth	leather
Light green broadcloth	dark green leather	cloth
Dark brown broadcloth	beige cloth	leather
Late Delux-tone Models (color-keyed)
Seats (wide pleats)	Bolster	Bolster Optional
Grey broadcloth	dark blue leather	cloth
Light green broadcloth	dark green leather	cloth
Beige broadcloth	brown leather	cloth
Skyway Models
Color keyed one-tone (fawn or blue-grey) wide pleated broadcloth

The many exterior paint combinations and colors are more then the author wants to commit to listing here. The following is a list of at least the names of the colors available for the various combinations.

Fall Colors	Spring Colors
Velvet Black	Velvet Black
Tulip Cream	Tulip Cream
Winestone Maroon	Winestone Maroon
Ruby Red	Ruby Red
Beverly Blue	Cloud Grey
Cloud Grey	Alpine Blue
Fern Leaf Green (Dark & Light)	Mountain Green (Dark & Light)
Dawn Grey (Dark & Light)	Sunstar Beige (Dark & Light)
Palm Green (Dark & Light)	Dawn Grey (Dark & Light)
Malibu Beige (Dark & Light)
Panama Blue (Dark & Light)
Sunstar Beige (Dark & Light)
Mountain Green (Dark & Light)

Tell’s for 1941: Twin belt moldings (except Skyway). Wider grille with vertical bars, 1940 had been a mesh pattern. A upper bar is added to the bumper with a center and two side bumper guards standard, end tips are optional extra cost items. Cowl side vent doors.

Mechanical: The compression ratio of the Commander Six is increased from 6.0:1 to 6.5:1, which increases the horsepower from 90 to 94. The wheel-base is increased to 119 inches and additional spring leaves are added to the Planar front suspension. The Hill-Holder is standard equipment on Senior cars. Overdrive is optional and the Commander now has the starter button under the clutch pedal.

As in 1941, there were three trim levels, Custom, Deluxestyle (replacing Delux-tone), and Skyway.   Each series had a Cruising Sedan, a Sedan Coupe, and a Land Cruiser.

The major trim differences are; Skyways have two-toned paint, rear fender skirts, stainless moldings around the windows, and chrome rear-fender gravel shields.  They also sport a “Skyway Commander” badge on the rear lower side of the hood, but do not have the full length belt line molding found on the Deluxestyle and Custom lines,.  Deluxstyle cars have wide stainless moldings below the side windows and black rubber gravel shields.  Custom have no window bright trim and rubber gravel shields.  Both Custom and Deluxestyle belt moldings have “Commander” stamped in the front.

Tells for 1942: 1942 Commanders have a new stainless grille that covered the entire front of the car, with horizontal bars emphasized and the vertical bars as background.  The grill had two round blank spots, below and slightly inboard from the headlights, used for optional fog lights.  Massive new bumpers and bumper guards with built in licence plate holder front and back.  Large new horizontal tail lights, wrapping around the rear fenders, inside large chrome housings, with dual lamps, one for flashing indicators and the other for tail light/brake light.  New hood ornaments, trunk and hood badges, and trunk handle were in place.  Parking lights were found on top of the front fenders in long chromed housings’.  The only bright work, not new for 1942, was the headlight rings.

Instrument panels were redesigned and very attractive.  The finish of the radio grille was clear lucite.  Seat bottoms were wider; upholstery and door panels more luxurious.  Dual sun visors, windshield wipers, and horns were standard on all models. Deluxestyle models had a front seat back garnish trim panel with ashtray and two courtesy lights, as well as three chrome moldings on the inside door panels, and two-tone exterior and interior colors and trim.  Skyway models had bolster type pleated upholstery and Lucite door hardware panels.

Accessories: Directional signals $19.25, radio and steering-wheel radio remote control $70.25, rear-seat radio remote control (foot-activated button mounted on the floor) $5.25.  Just a few of the accessories offered in 1942.

Mechanical: Few changes were made, however Commanders were equipped with Autolite ignition, and the starter button moved from the dash, too under the clutch pedal, like the 1941 Champions.

Side Bar: 1942 Turbo-matic Drive.  This innovation consisted of a fluid coupling, an automatic vacuum-operated clutch, and a conventional three-speed transmission with kickdown overdrive.  The clutch pedal was eliminated, and gear shifting was reduced to a minimum.  Only six cars were actually equipped with a Turbo-matic, three were Presi­dents and three Commanders.  It is not known whether any were ever released to the public.  By the time World War II was over, real fully automatic transmission technology was available and this transmission design never used.

BlackOut Cars: All Studebaker cars built on or after January 16, 1942, were considerably altered in appearance.  This was the result of the government attempt to con­serve certain critical metals like chrom­ium, nickel, and stainless steel by requiring most brightwork to be eliminated on all American cars.  Stude­baker referred to these cars as "series 90".  In order to provide vehicles that would ap­proximate their glittery predecessors, Studebaker used noncritical metals like Indium silver, and utilized baked-enamel finishes in colors that would offer pleasing contrast to that of the body.  Production of the series 90 Commanders, during the last two weeks of January 1942 was 1,688.  Sur­viving examples are quite rare.