1956 Studebaker Parkview wagon intermediate

1956 Studebaker Commander Parkview station wagon

This is one of 4071 Studebaker Commander Parkview station wagons built for 1956. It is a two-door model. It was originally equipped with a 259 c.i. V-8 mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission, manual drum brakes, manual steering and no air conditioning. I acquired this vehicle in California in 2021. Prior to me, the owner had it for approximately 5 years. While he owned it, he had the following modifications done to the wagon: He cut two turns out of the front suspension spring coils, lowering the ride height by approximately four inches in the front. He also had the entire roof replaced with the roof of a 1961 Studebaker Lark station wagon. This was done in order to give it a more “chopped” look, due to the fact that the Lark roof was approximately 3 inches taller. He also removed the metal posts in the rear side windows, for a more streamlined look. He refurbished all four wheel cylinders. He installed a new gas tank, new fuel lines and Edelbrock electric fuel pump. When I acquired it, it had a running Studebaker 289ci V-8 engine mated to the original 3-speed Studebaker automatic transmission, which was non-operational. I replaced the engine, transmission and driveline with the following items: Chevrolet 283 c.i. V-8 (donor vehicle: 1960 Corvette), refurbished Chevrolet 700R4 3-speed automatic transmission, and a custom driveshaft. I cut out the rusted-out floor boards at front diver and passenger sides, and at the right and left sides of the rear seat floor. I wire-wheeled the entire floor and sprayed it with Rustoleum rust converter. I replaced with steel sheets cut to size, and sandwiched sealant between the old and new floors. I decided on a California Cruiser Surfwagon theme for the station wagon. I reupholstered the seats with new heavy-duty duck canvas, using a California flag as the material for the backrest of the rear seat. I repainted the interior trim and dashboard of the wagon, and reconditioned the dashboard instrument and trim panels. I replaced all door, kick and interior panels as well as cargo-area flooring with waterproof weathered-gray-wood vinyl panels. I installed new carpeting which had padding/insulation bonded to the carpeting. I installed a custom foil-insulated bamboo headliner. I replaced the entire wiring system with modern wiring including mini-blade fuses and modern relays and LED headlights. I installed an AM/FM/CD/USB/Bluetooth player in the dash and wired both doors and rear side panels for speakers. I installed a fused auxiliary 12 volt cigarette lighter port in the rear cargo area for use in filling inflatable SUP boards. I installed 1.5 inch spacers and aluminum 5-spoke 18” wheels (donor: 2015 Mustang GT) wrapped in new Radar 225/40ZR18 tires. It is equipped with a space-saver spare tire, lug wrench and jack.

Engine compartment: 283 Chevrolet small-block V-8 (donor car: 1960 Corvette). Equipped with roller rockers. The following items are installed new on the engine: block-hugger headers, freeze plugs, motor mounts and brackets, spin-on oil filter adapter and filter, chrome valve and timing chain covers and air filter, timing chain, pulleys, water pump, fan belt. It is equipped with a polished Edelbrock Performer 500 CFM four-barrel carburetor. It is equipped with a 4-row aluminum radiator.

The transmission is a 1993 Chevrolet 700R4 4-speed automatic which was refurbished by Bill's Performance Transmissions in North Highlands, CA. It was modified to remove the lock-out feature, and requires no electrical wiring. It has a factory TV cable assembly attached to Edelbrock adjuster brackets.

It has a 2.5” aluminized steel dual-exhaust system including Magnaflow mufflers which exit at left-and-right rear corners. The wagon was originally dark blue in color, and was repainted in a light blue color many, many years ago. It currently has a sun-burn rust patina which has been treated with sealant. The body panels are very straight and rust-free (other than minor surface rust) and have minor scratches and wrinkles commensurate with the vehicle's age there does not appear to have been any body work or filler applied anywhere on this wagon. All original glass panels are intact and un-cracked, with the windshield showing minor wiper marks on the passenger side. The wipers are inoperable but the switch, motor and machinery is present. The defrost heater is solid but not connected. The vehicle has taillights, stop lights and headlights. No signal lights are wired but all switches are installed and intact. Both front doors, rear hatch and door, hood, and bee-catcher vents open and close easily. I have keys to both front doors. There is only one rust-thru area, approximately 4”x1.5”, which is clearly visible on the right front fender, just rear of the wheel. There is no rust in the spare tire well or under the seats. I have missing chrome trim from atop the rear quarter panes and rear cargo door. The wagon is currently registered in California with a clear title in my name and is insured, being driven and enjoyed by me on the road weekly.

NOTE: surfboard is NOT INCLUDED.

The sale of this vehicle also includes the running Studebaker 289 V-8 engine (video available upon request) and original automatic transmission (not operable).

On Nov-12-21 at 08:50:40 PST, seller added the following information:

NOTE:  the correct VIN for this vehicle is: 8849203,  NOT1168765.NOTE: this vehicle is also advertised for sale locally, and I reserve the right to end the auction early. 

Also published at eBay.com

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