1935 Studebaker Commander Rat Rod

Up for auction is my 1935 Studebaker Commander Rat Rod. I've owned the car for 2 or 3 years now, and I am just don't have the time to enjoy it anymore as I have multiple project cars going right now. It is running and driving as it sits now with no foreseeable issues other than the rear shock absorber on the passenger side is leaking a little fluid so it should be replaced, and it has a small oil leak that I believe is just the oil pan gasket. You can see in the video that I keep a drip pan under it when it's in my garage, and the oil you see in that drip pan is what has leaked over the entire course of my ownership. I have driven it to a few local car shows this season and have had no problems with the drive ability of the car. That all being said, I wouldn't recommend planning on picking it up and driving it home unless you live near Milan Illinois. It's top comfortable speed is around 55mph, only has a windshield (plexiglass), and no windshield wipers.

I purchased the car from a close friend of the family who was also the builder. He had some health issues and wasn't able to work on it anymore so I took it over and have made a few repairs since I've owned it such as...

-Wilwood residual pressure valves on the brakes

-Wilwood clutch master cylinder (old one was leaking)

-installed 3gal. air tank, Viair 480 compressor, and dual needle gauge and manual paddle switch for the rear air bags

-Valve and timing adjustments

Body-

The main body of the car is a 1935 Studebaker Commander and is titled as such.

Top has been chopped 4"

The front is a 1950 Studebaker "bullet nose". The rear "trunk" (non functional/ opening) is a hood (I believe) from a Nash

Headlights are from a 41 Chevy truck.

Drivetrain-

Engine is a 1953 or 1955 Chevy 235ci inline 6cyl

Transmission is from a '65(?) Chevy truck (granny low first gear)

Rear end is from a '97 Chevy or GMC dually

Wheels- rear are from a Winnebago motor home, front are 1937 Chrysler artillery wheels

Front axle is a rebuilt '32 Ford with a disc brake conversion from Speedway.

Frame is a reworked and modified frame from a '97 Chevy full size truck.

Interior- seats are from a 94-97ish S10

Dash is a narrowed dash from an early ChevyII.

Steering column and steering wheel are from a 60's Buick Electra.

The car was in a minor accident that caused damage to the drivers side and the dash. The front door skin was removed from the "shell" and welded onto a makeshift framework and is secured shut with a "gate latch". The gauges were damaged in the accident since the dash got crunched but have been replaced with a different set since. The fuel gauge, oil, and "gen" lights are functional, as well as the high beam indicator. The speedometer is non operational as there is no cable from the speedo to the transmission. The dash was removed and straightened out just enough for the gauges to fit back in, but is far from "repaired".

No damage was done to the frame, floor or drivetrain.

Want to buy this car?