The first series post-war Commander is 1947 through 1949. This series was manufactured in the post-war sellers market, so after the initial introduction very few modification were made year to year, as just about anything that had four wheels would sell.
This can make determining what model or what year you might be looking at difficult. The following photos and description should help determine, "What Year" and "What Model".
From the rear, for all three years, Commanders have four segments and Champions have two segments.
To the left "Champion"
To the right "Commander"
The glass is actually one piece, the bezels create the illusion of a segmented light.
From the front, Commanders have a horizonal grille pattern, while Champions have prominent vertical components with minor horizonal bars. Both Commander and Champion grilles would be similar for all three years.
To the left "Champion"
To the right "Commander"
How to tell what year Commander?
1947 - Has a one piece license plate holder and two small bumper guards that just extend only below the bumper.
1948 - The chrome trim is added to the bottom of the hood and extends to the fenders on both sides, just above the grille. The one piece license plate holder is gone. The plate is mounted directly to the bumper and bumper guards are placed on both sides of the plate, near the center. The guards now extend above and below the bumper.
1949 - Chrome stripes are added between the grille openings and a rectangular trim piece is added to the center of the grille. Bumper guards are much larger and placed further out from the center. Both front and rear bumpers are new and wrap around the fenders.
Source
Information:
The
information presented on this page comes from combing through
information found on the internet, especially the Classic Car
Database, How Stuff Works, Concept Carz, and Wikipedia. I also used
hard copy, Turning Wheels, Studebaker the Complete Story and
Crestline's Studebaker Cars. When I had “Studebaker” information
I used those sources first. Any errors in the translation of the
information I used is solely mine. Some opinions, rather then fact,
most likely crept into some of the commentary.
“First
By Far With a Postwar Car”, that's the slogan for 1947. However,
Kaiser-Frazer is actually the first post war car displayed, January
20th, 1946 at the Waldorf
Astoria Hotel in New York City. The cars displayed however were just
prototypes and actual production did not start until June of 1946, by
then Studebaker had been delivering new 47's to dealers and customers
for at least a month or more, making Studebaker's claim quite valid.
The
1947 design actually starts during the war year. This could happen
because the design work was being provided by an outside firm, not
subject to the war time rules for in house automotive work. The firm
of course is Loewy and Associates. The South Bend studio is headed
by Virgil Exner, who would make his greatest mark, later at Chrysler
doing the “Forward Look” designs. Working under Exner are some
of the greatest stylists ever assembled. Gordon Beuhrig
(Coffin-nosed Cord & Auburn Speedster), Robert Bourke (1953
Studebaker), Holden Koto (1949 Ford), and John Reinhart (1956 Lincoln
Continental Mark II).
By
1943 most of the parameters of the post-war design have been
established. However, it is about this time when Exner and Lowey
began to quibble about design recognition. The details are to great
to cover here. But, suffice to say, Exner departs in early 1944 and
Gordon Beuhrig becomes Lowey's new head guy. Then, Studebaker's
chief engineer Roy Cole , no fan of Lowey, hires Exner to continue
design work on the sly at his home. This set the stage for two
competing designs to evolve. Now, the shenanigans really start.
Cole gives Beuhrig exterior dimension limitations which are much
smaller then the ones given to Exner. When Lowey makes his
presentation to the Board, he is told his prototype is to small, thus
Lowey's project is delayed and eventually the Board selects Exner's
secret design. Lowey is understandable upset and to pacify him
Studebaker gives Lowey one hundred percent credit for the new design,
thus robbing Exner and Cole of the very recognition they were trying
to achieve.
Early
mock-ups were of a slab-side design like the Kaiser-Frazier and some
consideration was also given to a possible rear mounted engine. As
rear engine drive and slab-side designs were eliminated, slightly
protruding bolt-on rear fenders appeared. Thus, avoiding the
upside-down bathtub look of the Ford, Hudson, Packard, and Nash. Chrysler and General Motors post-war designs would look much like
Studebaker's side treatment. Exner's main influence would be from
the cowl forward where he favored the square front treatment, as
opposed to Beuhrig's sloping hood design, that would eventually
appear in 1952.
Model
Line-up:
The
1947 model line-up includes two Sedan's, (two-door and four-door). Business Coupe (3-pass), a new Coupe (5-pass), and a new Convertible. The convertible was not available in the initial run. Two prototype
station Wagons were built, but never put into production. Only in the
Commander line, would be a Land Cruiser “Y Body” 4-door Sedan. The new coupe had a rear window made from four separate curved glass
sections, which wrapped around the rear of the car, nearly to the
doors. Initially named “5-passenger coupe”, it would become the
“Starlight” coupe in 1949 and today that name is generally
applied to all coupes of that design. An interesting accessory, only
available to “Starlight” coupes, often appears on these cars,
“Venetian Shades” (AC-1542). I was unable to find a two door Sedan photo example.
Two
trim levels are available, DeLuxe and Regal DeLuxe, the Convertible
and Land Cruiser would only be available in Regal Deluxe trim. Regal
DeLuxe is identified by stainless body sill (rocker panel) moldings,
stainless windshield reveal molding, and stainless steel gravel
guards, not seen on DeLuxe models. Also, Regal DeLuxe interiors have
better appointments. The Starlight coupe, Convertible, and Commander
Land Cruiser have a single piece curved windshield, while the sedans and
the business coupe have the conventional two part flat glass. The
major visual difference between Commanders and Champions is the
grille, tail light, and bumper design. Commander's also running on a
seven inch longer wheel base (119) and are 13 ½ inches longer (all
from the cowl forward), then a Champion. The “Commander Land
Cruiser” is even longer, running on a 123 inch wheel base with four
inch longer rear doors and an additional four inches grafted into the
body to accommodate those longer doors.
The
1947 is an all new car design and as such some rather unique design
features came along for the ride. One of those was the “Black
Light” instrument panel lighting, developed during the war for
aircraft. The lighting was via panel bulbs that only put out UV
light, which in turn made the instrument pointers and markings glow
as these were painted with fluorescent paint. These marking would
continue to glow for sometime even after the lights had been turned
off. Studebaker would use this lighting system through 1952. The
Commander and Champion had similar but different instrument panels
but are easy to identify as both have name badges on the right side
of the three round dials and radio grille.
Tells:
The
all new 1947 cars have pontoon rear fenders with tail lights mounted
to them, much different then the 1946 Skyway tail lights, that while
horizontal, were mounted to the rear body section, not the fender.
Skyway's had a massive grille with horizontal thin bars, while the
new Commander's have three chrome trimmed slots with round ends, on
each side of the car. Also, there was no Commander's in the shortened
1946 model-year.
Commander's
have three horizontal chrome ornaments on the vent doors which
Champions do not have. Commander taillights are divided into four
segments by the chrome taillight bezel, Champion's only have two
segments. The Commander hood emblem has wings on either side (left) which
are missing from the Champion badge (right). Commander parking lights are
placed in the grille where Champion parking lights are built into the
headlight ring. Commander Land Cruiser is the only model with a rear
door wing window.
Mechanical:
New
frames are designed for the 1947 cars, along with self-adjusting and
self-centering brakes. A two-section propeller shaft is designed and
would be used through 1957. The engine is moved forward, allowing
the back seat to move to a location in front of the back wheels,
making for a much better ride. Removable rod bearing are used. A
new one year only vacuum pump driven by the oil pump drives the
windshield wipers on the Commander. 15 inch wheels are used on both
the Commander and Champion, the Champion's has four studs and
Commander has five.
Sidebar: The rims used on the Commander's from 1947 to
1950 and on all post war ½ ton pick-ups had a 5” pitch diameter. Car rims after 1950 have a 4 ½ inch pitch diameter, thus are not
interchangeable.
Restoration
Information:
Specification 1947
Studebaker Commander |
Engine
6 cylinder flathead |
Bore (inches) |
3.31 |
Stroke (inches) |
4.38 |
Displacement (cu.
in.) |
226.2 |
Horsepower |
94@3600 rpm |
Torque (ft.-lbs.) |
176@1600 rpm |
Compression ratio |
6.5:1 (optional
7.0:1) |
Carburetor |
Stromberg BX0V 1bbl |
Electrical
Equipment |
Delco-Remy |
Spark Plugs |
Champion J7 or J9 |
Battery |
Willard HW-1-100 |
Tire Size |
6.50 x 15 |
Wheel Base
Commander |
119 inches |
Wheel Base
Commander Land Cruiser |
123 inches |
The engine block,
pan, and head were painted olive green. The fan was usually
black, but sometimes may have been olive green. Electrical
components were black, except the overdrive relay. Oil filler
tube cap, spark plug wire brackets, and air cleaner canister were
black. The carburetor, fuel pump, coil clamp, voltage regulator
base, overdrive relay, air cleaner wingnut, battery clamp wingnuts
and washers, hose clamps, and radiator cap were natural metal
color. The oil filter canister, if factory installed, was black.
The battery box was body color, but the top clamp was black. The
radiator, radiator support frame, and upper radiator air deflector
were black. The hood latch base in the air deflector was natural
metal. Olive Green over spray was common on the starter and oil
filter (if factory installed). There were decals on the air
cleaner, oil filler tube cap and oil filter canister. The bell
housing and transmission were normally painted olive green, the
rest of the drive train and chassis were painted black. |
Capacities |
Gas Tank |
17 gallons |
Cooling System |
13 quarts ( with
climatizer add more quart) |
Engine |
6 quarts (w/oil
filter add one more quart) |
Rear Axle Ratio |
4.09:1 |
With Overdrive |
4.55:1 |
Paint
Colors: 1947 Studebaker Cars |
Color |
Code |
Wheel
Cover |
Outer
Wheel
Stripe
Color |
Inner
Wheel
Stripe
Color |
Closed
Cars |
Winetone
Maroon |
7694
W-NB |
Winetone
Maroon |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
Velvet
Black |
7696
W-NB |
Sierra
Red |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
Alleghany
Dark Gray |
7969
W-RF |
? |
? |
? |
Alleghany
Light Gray |
7973
W-RG |
Holiday
Red |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
Navaho
Light Tan |
8041
W-SC |
Holiday
Red |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
Navaho
Dark Tan |
8042
W-SD |
Cerise
Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Holiday
Red |
8043
W-SE |
Holiday
Red |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
Osage
Blue |
8044
W-SF |
Holiday
Red |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
Shenandoah
Green Dark |
8045
W-SG |
Shenandoah
Green Light |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Shenandoah
Green Light |
8046
W-SH |
Shenandoah
Green Dark |
Jasper
Green |
Manila
Cream |
Coronado
Gray |
8075
W-SM |
Osage
Blue |
Ardent
Blue |
Apple
Green |
Oxford
Gray |
8079
W-SN |
Holiday
Red |
Orange |
Tusk
Ivory |
1Tulip
Cream No. 2 |
8097
W-SS |
Tulip
Cream No. 2 |
Oxblood
Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Coronado
Gray No. 2 |
8107
W-ST |
Osage
Blue |
Ardent
Blue |
Tusk
Ivory |
Convertible
Colors |
Velvet
Black |
7696
W-NB |
Ruby
Glow Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Holiday
Red |
8043
W-SE |
Cerise
Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
1Tulip
Cream No. 2 |
8097
W-SS |
Apple
Green |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Vibrant
Black |
8128
W-SX |
Ruby
Glow Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Balsam
Green Metallic |
8131
W-SY |
Tulip
Cream No. 2 |
Apple
Green |
Apple
Green |
Silver
Gray Metallic |
8134
W-SZ |
Ruby
Glow Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Gala
Brown Metallic |
8139
W-TB |
Cerise
Red |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
Cumberland
Blue Metallic |
8145
W-TD |
Cumberland
Blue-Extra Light |
Tusk
Ivory |
Tusk
Ivory |
1Tulip
Cream was evidently a special order color for closed models. TheDecember 1947 Service Bulletin (No. 197), page 3, says it
was “used on convertible bodies only,” but the Studebaker
Passenger Car Color Combination Paint Chart does list it under
closed bodies, so some 1947 closed models were probably painted
Tulip Cream No. 2. |
Upholstery
Fabrics: (1947 Studebaker Commander) |
Both
Commander and Champion DeLuxe models had a choice of either Canda
Cloth or Bedford Worsted Cloth. |
Commander
and Champion Regal DeLuxe models had a choice of either Novelty
Woolen Cloth or high quality Canda Cloth. |
CommanderLand Cruiser had pleated and tufted Warm Gray Broadcloth or Sunny
Tan Broadcloth. Two-tone door panels. Robe rail on back of front
seat. Assist straps. Imitation leather covered rear seat back
shelf. |
Leather
upholstery was optional at extra cost on all models. |
Floor
Covering: DeLuxe, rubber in the front and carpet in the rear. |
Floor
Covering: Regal DeLuxe, carpet in the front and carpet in the
rear. |
1Information
about the Upholstery and floor coverings for Convertibles was not
provided. |
1Sidebar
on the convertible upholstery and flooring:
I
found one 1947 Commander Convertible on the internet which was
restored by Shrock Brothers, in Pennsylvania. The seller indicated that the original upholstery and floor coverings were retained during
the ten year restoration. In this car, both front and back floor
coverings are carpet. Also, the upholstery on the seats and door
panels is either real leather or possibly vinyl leatherette.
This car appears for sale on quite a few sites and has sold several times. As of the date of this publication (11/16/2020) it is currently for sale again.
1947
Studebaker Commander Series 14A, 119/123 in. wheelbase
2Model |
1No.
Doors |
2Passengers |
1CCD
Price |
1&2No.
Produced |
2TW Price |
DeLuxe
3-Passenger Coupe (Q1) |
2 |
3 |
$1,449.00 |
301 |
$1,557.50 |
DeLuxe
5-Passenger Coupe (C3) |
2 |
5 |
$1,539.00 |
2,742 |
$1,652.25 |
DeLuxe
2dr Sedan (F3) |
2 |
6 |
$1,514.00 |
548 |
$1,626.00 |
DeLuxe
4dr Sedan (W3) |
4 |
6 |
$1,544.00 |
3,485 |
$1,657.50 |
Regal
DeLuxe 3-Passenger Coupe (Q2) |
2 |
3 |
$1,564.00 |
1,046 |
$1,678.50 |
Regal
DeLuxe 5-Passnger Coupe (C5) |
2 |
5 |
$1,654.00 |
10,557 |
$1,773.25 |
Regal
DeLuxe Convertible (S2) |
2 |
5 |
$2,236.00 |
1,503 |
1$2,236.00 |
Regal
DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F5) |
2 |
6 |
$1,629.00 |
2,159 |
$1,747.00 |
Regal
DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W5) |
4 |
6 |
$1,629.00 |
13,539 |
$1,778.50 |
Regal
DeLuxe Land Cruiser (Y5) |
4 |
6 |
$2,043.00 |
20,519 |
$1,921.75 |
1The
Convertible price is from late in he model-year Total |
56,399 |
|
Source: 1Classic Car Database (CCD). 2TW Aug.
1995 Production number from CCD and TW completely agree, but CCD's price is about $100 less.
Serial Numbers
1947 Commander |
Plant |
Start |
End |
South Bend |
4,232,501 |
4,286,934 |
Los Angles |
4,818,501 |
4,820,467 |
Engine Numbers
1947 Commander |
Plant |
Start |
End |
South Bend |
H-182,001 |
H-238,635 |
The serial number is on the left
front door lock pillar, the engine number is found on a boss near
the front left corner of the block. There was no Canadian
production in 1947. Car sold in Canada were shipped from South
Bend. |
As was
the case in 1946 and 1947, 1948 was still very much a sellers market. While a few changes were made to the Champion, even fewer were made
to the Commander series. One of the least significant options, but
one of the most written about would be the ability to customize the
spring load in the front seat. This shows how little there was to
talk about in 1948.
On the exterior the only change is adding a new chrome strip to the
bottom edge of the hood, extending on both fenders just above the
grille and eliminating the one piece license plate holder in favor of
two new bumper guards that now extend above and below the bumper.
It does
not seem that any interior changes were made.
Mechanical
changes for the Commander line are limited to changing where the
vacuum pump for the windshield wipers is driven from, it moved from
the oil pump to the fuel pump.
Model
Line-up:
The
1948 model line-up is similar to 1947 and includes two Sedan's
(two-door and four-door) and the 5-passenger Coupe. All three models
would come in DeLuxe and Regal DeLuxe trim. For Regal DeLuxe trim
only a Convertible and Land Cruiser 4-door Sedan is available. Gone
are the Business coupes (Q1 & Q2), however there is evidence that
one Regal DeLuxe (Q2) Coupe was manufactured in LA.
The photo to the left is the convertible and most expensive Commander offered this year.
1948
Tells:
The
Commander has chrome trim on the lower edge of the hood, lacks the
one piece license plate holder seen in 1947, and has new bumper
guards which now extend above and below the bumpers.
Restoration
information:
Specification 1948
Studebaker Commander |
Engine
6 cylinder flat head |
Bore (inches) |
3.31 |
Stroke (inches) |
4.38 |
Displacement (cu.
in.) |
226.2 |
Horsepower |
94@3600 rpm |
Torque (ft.-lbs.) |
176@1600 rpm |
Compression ratio |
6.5:1 (optional
7.0:1) |
Carburetor |
Stromberg BX0V 1bbl |
Electrical
Equipment |
Delco-Remy |
Spark Plugs |
Champion J7 or J9 |
Battery |
Willard HW-1-100 |
Tire Size |
6.50 x 15 |
Wheel Base
Commander |
119 inches |
Wheel Base
Commander Land Cruiser |
123 inches |
The engine block,
pan, and head were painted olive green. The fan was usually
black, but sometimes may have been olive green. Electrical
components were black, except the overdrive relay. Oil filler
tube cap, spark plug wire brackets, and air cleaner canister were
black. The carburetor, fuel pump, coil clamp, voltage regulator
base, overdrive relay, air cleaner wingnut, battery clamp wingnuts
and washers, hose clamps, and radiator cap were natural metal
color. The oil filter canister, if factory installed, was black.
The battery box was body color, but the top clamp was black. The
radiator, radiator support frame, and upper radiator air deflector
were black. The hood latch base in the air deflector was natural
metal. Olive Green over spray was common on the starter and oil
filter (if factory installed). There were decals on the air
cleaner, oil filler tube cap and oil filter canister. The bell
housing and transmission were normally painted olive green, the
rest of the drive train and chassis were painted black. 1948
Studebaker car trunks were sprayed with insulation material, but
had no trunk mat. Two air cleaners where supplied, oil soaked
element or oil bath (wet type). Which one would be supplied is
shown in Service Bulletin No. 212, Nov. 1948. |
Capacities |
Gas Tank |
17 gallons |
Cooling System |
13 quarts ( with
climatizer add more quart) |
Engine |
6 quarts (w/oil
filter add one more quart) |
Rear Axle Ratio |
4.09:1 |
With Overdrive |
4.55:1 |
1948 Studebaker Exterior Paint Colors |
Coupes &
Sedans |
Convertible |
Holiday Red |
Tulip Cream #2 |
Rodeo Tan |
Balsam Green
Metallic |
Shenandoah
Green-light |
Gala Brown
Metallic |
Boulevard Grey |
Varsity Maroon
Metallic |
Parkway Green |
Cumberland
Blue Metallic |
Melody Blue |
1Cumberland
Blue Metallic #2 |
Peacock Green |
Silver Grey
Metallic |
Iroquois Blue |
Velvet Black |
Allegheny
Grey-light |
1See
page 3 of the April 1948 Service Bulletin.
Gala Brown
Metallic mixing formula was only available from Ditzler.
Rear fender welt
was painted body color before assemble. |
Interior
upholstery: It seems that the same upholstery options seen in
1947 were also used for 1948.
1948
Studebaker Commander Series 15A, 119/123 in. wheelbase
2Model |
1No. Doors |
2Passengers |
1CCD Price |
2TW
Price |
2No. Produced |
DeLuxe 5-Passenger Coupe
(C3) |
2 |
5 |
$1,637.00 |
$1,850.50 |
2,913 |
DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F3) |
2 |
6 |
$1,612.00 |
$1,819.25 |
1,440 |
DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W3) |
4 |
6 |
$1,642.00 |
$1,850.75 |
8,898 |
Regal DeLuxe Business Coupe
(Q2) |
2 |
3 |
$1,662.00 |
n/a |
1 |
Regal DeLuxe 5-passenger
Coupe (C5) |
2 |
5 |
$1,752.00 |
$1,966.50 |
11,528 |
Regal DeLuxe 2dr
Convertible (S2) |
2 |
5 |
$2,093.00 |
$2,325.25 |
7,982 |
Regal DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F5) |
2 |
6 |
$1,727.00 |
$1,940.25 |
1,661 |
Regal DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W5) |
4 |
6 |
$1,757.00 |
$1,972.00 |
15,685 |
Regal DeLuxe Land Cruiser
(Y5) |
4 |
6 |
$1,910.00 |
$2,143.50 |
35,731 |
Total |
85,839 |
Source:1Classic Car Database (CCD). 2TW
August 1992. Production number from CCD and TW completely agree, but CCD's price is about $200 less.
Serial Numbers
1948 Commander |
Plant |
Start |
End |
South Bend |
4,287,001 |
4,361,000 |
Los Angles |
4,820,501 |
4,832,700 |
Engine Numbers
1947 Commander |
|
|
End |
South Bend |
H-238,001 |
H-326,000 |
The serial number is on the left
front door lock pillar, the engine number is found on a boss near
the front left corner of the block. There was no Canadian
production in 1947. Car sold in Canada were shipped from South
Bend. |
Studebaker
was well aware that the sellers market was shortly going to end and
had actually planned to introduce completely new cars this year, but
in the end they decided to get by with another minor face lift, of a
very out dated 1947 design.
Exterior
changes involve the grille and the bumpers. The Commander grille
gets new chrome moldings between the grille slots and a new
rectangular center trim piece, to brighten up the front end. The
front fender top ornaments, which had been extra cost items, are now
standard equipment. The new front and rear bumpers wrap around to
the side of the cars. The bumper guards increase in size and move
farther outboard on the bumper.
Photo to the left 1949 Starlight Coupe
Interior
changes, new fabrics are seen and two-tone upholstery
combinations are increased. For Regal DeLuxe accents, “Alligator”
vinyl would be used on door panels, arm rests and piping. The dash
facing behind the three instruments is now engine-tuned, that
treatment would also be seen on all the Hawk dashes from 1956 to
1961.
Mechanical
changes, the engine is stroked an additional 3/8 of an inch, increasing the
displacement to 245.6 cubic inches and increasing the horsepower to
100. The engine also gets a new crankshaft, larger main bearings, and
an oil filter (now standard equipment). The Commander convertible
and Land Cruiser get an added rear stabilizer bar. Gas tank capacity
is increased from 17 gallons to 18 gallons and would remain this size
until the end. The spare tire is mounted vertical in a tire well rather
then being horizontal.
Model
lineup is nearly the same as 1948, 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan,
Starlight coupe (formerly 5-passenger coupe), in DeLuxe and Regal
DeLuxe trim. In Regal DeLuxe trim only, two additional models are
available, a convertible and the Land Cruiser sedan. Right photo, a 4dr Sedan DeLuxe, note the lack of sill trim and the rubber gravel guard.
Left phto, a very rare (1 of 934) 2dr Sedan in Regal DeLuxe trim, note stainless steel sill trim and gravel guard.
1949
Tells:
Added trim on the grille, between the slots and in the
center. Wrap-around bumpers with larger bumper guards place farther
out board. DeLuxe trim has rubber gravel guards and no stainless
steel rocker panel mouldings. Regal DeLuxe trim has stainless gravel
guards and stainless steel rocker panel moldings.
Restoration
information:
Specification 1949
Studebaker Commander |
Engine
6 cylinder flat head |
Bore (inches) |
3 5/16 |
Stroke (inches) |
4 3/4 |
Displacement (cu.
in.) |
245.6 |
Horsepower |
100 |
Compression ratio |
6.5:1 (optional
7.0:1) |
Carburetor |
Stromberg BX0V 1bbl |
Electrical
Equipment |
Delco-Remy |
Spark Plugs |
Champion J7 or J9 |
Battery |
Willard |
Tire Size |
6.50 x 15 |
Wheel Base
Commander |
119 inches |
Wheel Base
Commander Land Cruiser |
123 inches |
The engine block,
pan, and head were painted olive green. The fan was usually
black, but sometimes may have been olive green. Electrical
components were black, except the overdrive relay. Oil filler
tube cap, spark plug wire brackets, and air cleaner canister were
black. The carburetor, fuel pump, coil clamp, voltage regulator
base, overdrive relay, air cleaner wingnut, battery clamp wingnuts
and washers, hose clamps, and radiator cap were natural metal
color. The oil filter canister, if factory installed, was black.
The battery box was body color, but the top clamp was black. The
radiator, radiator support frame, and upper radiator air deflector
were black. The hood latch base in the air deflector was natural
metal. Olive Green over spray was common on the starter and oil
filter (if factory installed). There were decals on the air
cleaner, oil filler tube cap and oil filter canister. The bell
housing and transmission were normally painted olive green, the
rest of the drive train and chassis were painted black. |
Capacities |
Gas Tank |
18 gallons |
Cooling System |
13 quarts ( with
climatizer add more quart) |
Engine |
6 quarts (w/oil
filter add one more quart) |
Rear Axle Ratio |
4.09:1 |
With Overdrive |
4.55:1 |
1949 Studebaker
Exterior Paint Colors |
Closed Cars |
Convertible |
Bermuda Green |
Varsity Maroon |
Glacier Green |
Highland Mist
metallic |
Willow Green |
Tulip Cream |
Plaza Gray |
Velvet Black |
Allegheny Gray |
Bahama Mist
metallic |
Velvet Black |
Copper Mist
metallic |
Holiday Red |
Silver Mist
Metallic |
Concord Blue |
|
Midnight Blue |
|
Sonora Tan |
|
Tulip Cream |
Color
of wheels and wheel striped and be found in Studebaker's “Color
Combination Paint Chart.” |
1949
Studebaker Champion Series 16A, 119/123 in. wheelbase
2Model |
1No. Doors |
2Passengers |
1CCD Price |
2TW Price |
2No. Produced |
DeLuxe Starlight Coupe (C3) |
2 |
5 |
$1,822.00 |
$2,014.00 |
2712 |
DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F3) |
2 |
6 |
$1,797.00 |
$1,988.00 |
1,418 |
Regal 4dr DeLuxe Sedan (W3) |
2 |
3 |
$1,827.00 |
$2,019.00 |
6,280 |
Regal DeLuxe Starlight
Coupe (C5) |
2 |
5 |
$1,937.00 |
$2,135.00 |
6278 |
Regal DeLuxe Convertible
(S2) |
2 |
5 |
$2,278.00 |
$2,467.00 |
1,702 |
Regal DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F5) |
2 |
6 |
$1,912.00 |
$2,109.00 |
934 |
Regal DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W5) |
4 |
6 |
$1,942.00 |
$2,140.00 |
10,005 |
Regal DeLuxe Land Cruiser
(Y5) |
4 |
6 |
$2,120.00 |
$2,328.00 |
14,390 |
Total |
43,719 |
Source:1Classic Car Database (CCD). 2TW
June 1990. Production number from CCD and TW completely agree, but CCD's price is about $200 less.
Serial Numbers
1949 Commander |
Plant |
Start |
End |
South Bend |
4,361,001 |
4,398,600 |
Los Angles |
4,832,701 |
4,839,000 |
Engine Numbers
1949 Commander |
Plant |
Start |
End |
South Bend & Los Angles |
H-326,001 |
H-370,000 |
|