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1957 Studebaker President: A Testament to Innovation and Style

The 1957 Studebaker President stands as a beacon of mid-century automotive design, embodying the era's optimism and forward-thinking spirit. Born from the storied assembly lines of the Studebaker Corporation in South Bend, Indiana, this vehicle emerged during a time of intense competition in the American auto industry. As the flagship model of its lineup, the President was Studebaker's bid to capture the hearts and wallets of post-war consumers. A notable moment in its history is when it became a symbol of Studebaker's resilience in an era dominated by Detroit's Big Three automakers.

Design and Innovation

The 1957 President's exterior styling was a harmonious blend of elegance and boldness, with its pronounced front grille and sleek side profile. The vehicle's contours were accented by tasteful chrome trim that caught the light as it cruised down boulevards. Inside, passengers were greeted by an interior that exuded luxury, with high-quality fabrics and materials that were ahead of their time. Technological features such as power steering and a push-button automatic transmission were considered cutting-edge. The color palette ranged from dignified classics to vibrant hues, with choices like Tiara Gold and Arctic White being popular among buyers. Body styles included a four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, and the coveted convertible, with the latter often stealing the spotlight at car shows.

Historical Significance

The President didn't just represent Studebaker's aspirations; it was a trendsetter in automotive design. Its low-profile stance and clean lines influenced the industry's move away from bulky shapes to more aerodynamic forms. The car stood out for its balance of performance and luxury at a time when consumers were beginning to demand more from their vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the 1957 President boasted a powerful V8 engine that propelled it to impressive speeds for its time, with top speeds reaching over 100 mph. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly, making it competitive with other vehicles in its class. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride with capable handling that instilled confidence on both straightaways and winding paths. The symphony of its engine was music to any car enthusiast's ears—a testament to Studebaker's engineering prowess.

Ownership Experience

The President served various roles from a prestigious daily driver to a treasured show car. Some even found their way onto race tracks due to their robust performance capabilities. Owners found maintenance straightforward for the period, though parts have become rarer over time. Reliability was commendable, with many units still roadworthy today thanks to dedicated preservation efforts.

Fun Facts

Among trivia enthusiasts, it's noteworthy that the '57 President sometimes found itself in celebrity garages and occasionally on the silver screen. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks for style and luxury within its segment. Criticisms typically focused on its late arrival during Studebaker's financial struggles rather than any shortcomings in design or performance.

Collector's Information

In today's collector market, a well-maintained 1957 Studebaker President can fetch a wide range of values depending on condition and originality. Production numbers weren't vast compared to some contemporaries, adding to its rarity—estimates suggest fewer than 10,000 units were produced across all body styles. As for appreciation, these cars have seen a steady increase in value as interest in mid-century classics grows among collectors.

Conclusion

The 1957 Studebaker President is more than just an automobile; it is an enduring piece of Americana that captures the essence of an era defined by innovation and style. Its legacy continues to influence automotive enthusiasts around the world—a true president among cars.

1957 Studebaker President Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each-AP 22Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President Power Steering Bushing. 1-9/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair-BN 107Power Steering Bushing. 1-9/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair

1957 Studebaker President Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each-MP 979Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each

1957 Studebaker President Rubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights-MP 979-CRubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights. 8-7/8" wide X 10" long. Pair

1957 Studebaker President Steering Column Grommet. For 3-speed models. Each-SC 24-ASteering Column Grommet. For 3-speed models. Each

1957 Studebaker President 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

1957 Studebaker President 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.

1957 Studebaker President Front Vent Window Seals-WR 9404Front Vent Window Seals. Will not fit Hardtops, only Pillar Models. Each piece 29" long. Pair