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If you like classic cars this 1940 Studebaker will put you "IN THE MOOD"!
This month’s feature is a 1940 Studebaker President
Delux-tone Sedan from San Antonio. While attending the May 22 Studebaker Drivers Car Show in Del City, I came upon a
real classic being worked on by Ron Blissit of Norman. The 1940 Studebaker President
was restored by Dee Howard of San Antonio. Dee is famous for inventing the reverse
thruster for jet engine which is essential for the braking process during landing of a jet aircraft. Dee passed away in February
of 2009. The Studebaker was then purchased by Ted Lee, also of San Antonio. Ted called Ron and ask him to do some mechanical
work, which brought the Studebaker President to Norman, Oklahoma.
The President is restored to its original color of Chocolate
and Metallic Beige. The body work has brought the old studie to better than new appearance. This is not a car you would miss
in the parking lot or going down Interstate 35!
As you can see the 1940 Studebaker President had a lot
of stainless steel on the outside trim and on the inside dash area.
The 250.4 cubic inch straight eight L Head engine put
out 110 horsepower and was a work horse engine for Studebaker for many years. They
had seven main bearing and were very smooth and dependable.
Below is a picture of the Maffe Brothers Studebaker dealership in Bellaire Ohio taken in the spring of 1940.
These cars were taken to dealerships that spring to introduce the new line of "Delux-Tone Models of Studebakers. Caravans
of the new colorful cars were sent around the country from dealer to dealer to show off the new paints colors and schemes.
The DeLux-Tone models even had a different body tag. A portfolio with eleven different color plates was sent to dealers to
illustrate the colors.
Courtesy of Richard Quinn, Antique Studebaker Review
In April 1940, Studebaker made a bold move and introduced an all new trim series called the Delux-tone.
Offered on all models, even including the Champion line, the Delux-tone models were, up to that time, the flashiest cars ever
offered by Studebaker. Commander and President Delux-tone models featured colorful two-tone interiors, standard whitewall
tires, Burnt Orange or Maroon wheels, deluxe steering wheels, tenite gear shift knobs and five different two-tone paint combinations.
Although little known, Delux-tone 1940 Commanders and Presidents were also available with four different solid exterior colors.
The solid colored models still came with two-tone interiors. Delux-tone models sold for only $40.00 more than regular models;
certainly a bargain.
The wheels are sixteen inch painted with 6.50
X 16 wide white wall tires and of course the classic Studebaker hub caps. Add to large wheels, an inline eight cylinder engine,
an independent front suspension, a 122 inch wheel base and you are 'in the mood' for a cruise.
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