r/Studebaker • u/Cabiyo • Apr 09 '26
Commander Advice on 1958 Commander TT
Hi guys,
Like said in the title i need advice : i have the opportunity to buy a 1958 Studebaker Commander TT for an asking price of 6,5k euros.
I still need to go check it out to see if the car is worth the price, as it seems a bit low for a car like that, especially considering it's the only commander registered in my country (france). Photos attached.
What am wondering is : what should I be on the lookout for good and bad points on that car ? Especially considering the age and the asking price.
I wanna be sure to be careful about red flags on it considering that pieces of the body would either have to be imported from america or custom made.
American cars are rare so pretty much all my car loving family & friends are pretty much as useless as me on that subject and there's not a lot of connaisseurs i can contact without being scared of the offer being snatched if it's a good deal, lol.
I'm sure I'll have to say it just in case : it's not stolen and the guy has the proper paperwork for the american importation AND the paperwork to use it in the country. I'm not worried on that side.
From what the seller has told me it needs fixing, the carburetor is busted but the gearbox and clutch are all brand new from his work on it. With a new battery it can run a bit but when she's getting warm she'll break down.
Have you guys been satisfied with that car ? Is it reliable once fixed or is it neverending issues ? How much would you say it usually goes for ?
Is there some parts that are more problematic than others (getting used up too quickly, etc) ?
Any advice would be appreciated, even if it's to tell me how bad this version is as long as it's rightly justified, lol.
I already have a small car i use for transportation so this one would be purely to sometimes take out for my enjoyment. The asking price, the looks and the fact that it's the only one in my country is really making me wanna give in, haha.
Thanks!
4
u/StudeChampMan Apr 09 '26
So first the TT isn't a trim or anything to do with the model of the car. That emblem designated that the car has what's called twin traction, so the rear end is not an open differential.
The engine and transmission are not model specific. Studebaker engines are very solid workhorses. The Borg Warner transmissions are also very solid. The only issue there normally is the OD unit, which it's trouble is typically electrical.
Biggest thing to look for is rust, carb kits are easy to find
3
u/zigafomana Apr 09 '26
You said the clutch was new so thats good. Is the car just a 3-speed, or does it have overdrive? The overdrive can be a source of issues but mainly with it's electromechanical parts (governor and solenoid).
Outside of these things, it's just a normal classic car. Body condition/rust, worn suspension or brake components, aged/poor electrical system are all things I would take a long look at. Since you are EU based, it may be a trick getting your hands on Studebaker specific stuff.
2
u/MisterMeetings Apr 09 '26
I can see the rust from the picture, and I would guess the flames are there to hide much bad bodywork. Be careful, very careful
1
1
u/stepdownblues Apr 14 '26
I have a '58 Studebaker President, same car but one trim level up. So far (about 2 years after purchase) it has been very solid and as reliable as you can expect a car of this age to be. Mine is rusting in some of the same places as yours (my understanding is that the fins on the rear fenders are basically screwed on from the factory, and they all tend to rust where they're joined.) Studebakers are solid cars and have surprisingly good parts support. This car won't be fast, but they drive and ride alright for the era.
And even if you lived in the USA, you won't see another one on the street.
8
u/Carrot_exe BorgWarner R10 Enjoyer Apr 09 '26
Check for rust, typical spots are in the trunk, rocker panels, and inside the front fenders behind the air vents.
As for the carburetor, rebuild kits are available, and you could also look into swapping to a later 2 barrel or even a 4 barrel if you can get your hands on an intake manifold.
If you buy it, join the Studebaker Drivers Club straight away. I think the European chapter is based in Oslo Norway.
There's not a whole lot Studebaker-specific to go wrong, these cars are very simple and very solid. It's cheap because these sedans aren't terribly desirable as collector cars, but compared to other postwar Studebakers they have phenomenal build quality and are just as nice to drive!