Running Strong: 1923 Studebaker Special Six
It is always so nice to see a running and driving car that is approaching 100 years old. This 1923 Studebaker Special Six is exactly that. Located in Spring City, Pennsylvania, the buy-it-now price is set at $11,000 or you can make an offer for it. While there is nothing listed for VIN or miles, which isn’t really that important on a car of this age, it does have a title, is registered and insured, and is driven on the road. Not too shabby for a 96-year-old car. You can view more on eBay.
While the photos of the engine don’t seem to show confidence in it, the seller is sure it runs and drives and suggests taking it for a spin around the lot before purchasing. They do however fully disclose that there is a crack in the head and a water outlet is leaking. Apparently they bought the car that way but because it was leaking at that time, they ran it. A new head will come with the car so you can replace it.
The car was restored quite a number of years ago, according to the listing. Even though it has aged significantly since then, the upholstery inside seems to be in good condition and really only needs to be cleaned up. There is a very large trunk, literally, that is suspended off the rear of this classic Studebaker. It would make for great short trips to a park for a picnic. Dress up, feel classy, and draw attention, sounds fun to me.
The automotive hobby is relatively young compared to other hobbies, but this car can really connect you to a time closer to the start of it than not. Many cars built six decades later aren’t even on the road anymore and here this Studebaker is still going. While it is a bit rough around the edges, the price to enter the century club doesn’t seem that unreasonable for the truly amazing automobile that this is.
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Comments
Anyone interested in the stude from this Era should check out the auction house near me it’s called ENLISTED AUCTION of Stuarts draft virginia they have some real nice stude finds
Neat car! I’d get it running right and drive as is.
I looked at one of these at the Miami classic car place. He was asking $25,000. I like $11K much better.
Maybe the water leak is the fact that there’s no top radiator hose. Lol.
And it seems to run without spark plug wires, too!
I’m the seller actually! The engine pictures was as it arrived to me before the rad house and missing wires were added in addition to a coil, rebuilt generator, repair distributor, etc. Rad is nice and tight!
Vertical generator with three bolt flange face is unusual and would most likely have been a running change for Studebaker to modernise it and keep up with the competition.
Note also that the starter motor is at the front of the engine. Possibly someone can tell us how it works? Looks like a chain drive but is there a clutch or is the starter permanently engaged?
Is the black box at the back of the engine some type of generator regulator and switch mechanism for the charging system and starting system?
Neat old car. Some may not know, or with 6 comments care anymore, but in the early 20’s, Studebaker was one of the most powerful cars made. The Big 6 was a radical departure from the 4 cylinders. Hard to believe, but Studebaker was one of the best cars you could buy. The “Big 6” was called the “Whiskey motor”, as it was a hit with rum runners and LEO’s alike. But it wasn’t cheap. I read, a Special 6 was almost 3 times as much as a Ford or Chevy, but arguably, 3 times the car.
I also saw, the self starter had a 1 way clutch, like a Bendix, but can’t find any pictures. I think that chain was connected to the crank, and turned all the time.
Nice. Hard to beat considering its age.
Thought he said it runs ?
I’m the seller actually! The engine pictures was as it arrived to me before the rad house and missing wires were added in addition to a coil, rebuilt generator, repair distributor, etc. Rad is nice and tight!
So wish I were able to buy this. Timing is off. Really wonderful car.