Studebaker Commander “Starlight Coupé”
Car-ID: XT0732
Vehicle Description
An automotive rarity well-regarded as one of the most stunning futuristic cars if its time
The top-of-the-line model: Studebaker Commander “Starlight Coupé”
– Unique design features with the “bullet nose” and the 4-piece panoramic rear window
– 2-door coupe with seating for five
– 4.0 L six-cylinder inline engine with 75 kW (102 hp) and 3-speed manual transmission
– Restored in the U.S. and then imported from to Germany
– With the current owner since 2013
– The wiring harness was renewed by a professional workshop
– Whitewall tires, original car radio, mechanical hill start assistance
– German registration papers, admission as historic vehicle
– Valid technical control until 08/2025
– The Commander was rarely driven and comes from a classic car collection
Extremely well maintained, unrestored general condition with high-gloss chrome parts
Henry Studebaker was a German-born farmer (German: “Stutenbäcker,” from Solingen), farrier, and wagon maker who lived near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in the early 19th century. Studebaker was involved with motor vehicles as early as 1897. From 1920 to the 1960s, the company produced many stylistic and technical milestones. The Studebaker model palette of 1950 consisted of the Champion and Commander. Both models received the futuristic front end design called “Bullet Nose”. This particular design was created by R. Loewy, the inventor of the Coca-Cola bottle. This fully chromed front end remained a styling feature of Studebaker models until 1952. The Commander had similar trim levels to the Champion. However, it was powered by a 245.6 cui (about 4.0 L) 6-cylinder engine with 102 hp, instead of the 85 hp of the Champion unit (169.6 cui – 2.8 L). The Studebaker Starlight was a two-door coupe for the Champion and Commander model lines. Unlike other two-door models, a designer from Loewy’s team, created a rear rounded roof with a panoramic rear window. This window consisted of four fixed panes of glass. The roof had two wide B-pillars immediately behind the doors, in front of the panoramic window. Unlike the business coupes, there was room for 5 people, instead of 3.
