Image of 1956 Studebaker Commander, sourced from www.revheads.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1956 Studebaker Commander is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of an American automaker that dared to stand out. Born in the bustling post-war era, Studebaker was a company with a rich history, tracing its roots back to the days of horse-drawn wagons. The Commander model, particularly the '56 iteration, was a blend of innovation and style that captured the spirit of the 1950s. One notable moment in this vehicle's history was its role in Studebaker's valiant effort to challenge the Big Three automakers with unique design philosophies and advanced engineering.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1956 Studebaker Commander was a harmonious marriage of function and form. Its sleek lines and modest tail fins reflected the era's fascination with jet-age design. The front grille presented a bold, confident face, while chrome accents glistened along its body. Inside, passengers were greeted with a cabin that prioritized comfort and simplicity. Materials used ranged from durable fabrics to premium leathers in higher trims. Technologically, it boasted features like power steering and automatic transmission—luxuries at the time. Color options varied widely, with striking choices like Sun Valley Yellow and Pimlico Gray turning heads. Among body styles, the two-door pillarless hardtop caught many an eye for its clean lines and absence of a B-pillar.

Historical Significance

The 1956 Commander stood out for its daring approach to automotive design during an era dominated by larger manufacturers. It played a pivotal role in introducing features that would later become mainstream, such as wraparound windshields and updated powertrains. This model also marked one of Studebaker's final attempts to capture a significant market share before financial struggles took their toll on the company.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the '56 Commander housed a V8 engine that propelled it to respectable speeds for its time. While top speed figures hovered around 100 mph, it could go from 0-60 mph in just over 10 seconds—a commendable feat then. The car's handling was characterized by a smooth ride quality that absorbed road imperfections gracefully. Drivers often praised the vehicle for its solid feel on the road and responsive steering, making it both comfortable for cruising and capable in more spirited driving.

Ownership Experience

The Studebaker Commander served various roles from being a reliable daily driver to a cherished show car. Its mechanical simplicity meant that maintenance was straightforward for those familiar with wrenching on cars of this era. However, as with many classic vehicles, parts availability could be challenging.

Fun Facts

A few intriguing tidbits about the '56 Commander include its cameo appearances in films and television shows set in the mid-20th century, adding authenticity to period settings. While not known for breaking speed records, it did contribute to Studebaker's reputation for building sturdy vehicles capable of enduring long distances.

Collector's Information

Today, the value range for a well-maintained 1956 Studebaker Commander can vary greatly depending on condition, originality, and history. While production numbers were not as low as some of Studebaker's other offerings, finding one in pristine condition can be quite rare. As a rough estimate, values can range from $10,000 for models needing work up to $30,000 or more for show-quality examples. The market trend seems to show appreciation for these unique classics as they become rarer over time.

Conclusion

The 1956 Studebaker Commander remains an emblematic figure from an era when automotive design was as much about expression as it was about transportation. It stands as a tribute to Studebaker's commitment to innovation and individuality—a true commander on the roads of history.

1956 Studebaker Commander Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each-AP 22Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 45Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 4-1/8" long, with 1-5/8" long inner slot. Pair

1956 Studebaker Commander Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high-BN 13Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high., with 3/8" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1-1/16" bottom O.D-BN 14Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1-1/16" bottom O.D. X 1-1/2" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 16Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/8" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Brake Pedal Pad. For models with automatic transmission-CB 87Brake Pedal Pad. For models with automatic transmission. 3" wide X 7-1/8" long. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Gas Filler Grommet. Perfect reproduction. Top 2-1/16" I.D-GF 45Gas Filler Grommet. Perfect reproduction. Top 2-1/16" I.D., 3-7/16" O.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Headlight Ring Seal. 8-5/8" O.D., 7-7/8" I.D. Pair-HR 16Headlight Ring Seal. 8-5/8" O.D., 7-7/8" I.D. Pair

1956 Studebaker Commander Stratovue Mirror Base Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 6-1/8" long-MP 965-DStratovue Mirror Base Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 6-1/8" long. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each-MP 979Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Steering Column Grommet. For 3-speed models. Each-SC 24-ASteering Column Grommet. For 3-speed models. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Headlight & Tail-Light Wire Grommet. 3/8" I.D., 7/8" O.D-SM 13-AHeadlight & Tail-Light Wire Grommet. 3/8" I.D., 7/8" O.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Commander Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Studebaker Commander Front Vent Window Seals-WR 9404Front Vent Window Seals. Will not fit Hardtops, only Pillar Models. Each piece 29" long. Pair