5.7-Liter LS1 Powered Studebaker Wagon

This 1954 Studebaker Wagon is One Sweet Long-Roof!

Studebakers are cool cars and wagons (some people call them long-roofs) make great hot rods. When you have the chance to combine the two, it's a great matchup. Add a Chevy 5.7 LS1 motor and you have the hat trick of restomods! 

Photo: Carscoops

Studebaker Had a Long History

Studebaker had a long history dating back to 1852. They started building cars in 1902 and were known for their rugged, six-cylinder models. They also opened the first outdoor test facility in 1926 near South Bend, Indiana. The facility includes a test track and is famous for its half-mile long grove of trees that spell STUDEBAKER. You can still see the letters from the air, or on Google Earth.  

Photo: Carscoops

The First by Far with a Postwar Car

Studebaker was one of the first car companies to design new cars after World War II. While other car makers rehashed their models from 1942, Studebaker advertised "First by far with a post-war car". Unfortunately they were never able to compete with GM, Ford, and Chrysler. By the time they built this 1954 wagon, Studebaker was losing money and merged with Packard. The merger was the beginning of the end for both companies. Packard closed its doors in 1958 and Studebaker followed in 1966.  

Photo: Carscoops

A Studebaker Wagon Is Extremely Rare

Studebaker wagons are extremely rare, and this wagon is one of a kind! Painted a color dubbed Black Ice, it has subtle ghost flames on the hood and other custom touches. With the exception of the Studebaker script on the rear, all of the chrome was painted the same color as the body. The wagon also features an air suspension and rides on staggered 18 inch front and 20 inch rear wheels. 

Photo: Carscoops

A Retro Interior with Modern Updates

The interior of this wagon was customized and upgraded with a lot of modern features. Air condition, cup holders, and power windows make it possible to cruise comfortably all year round. A stereo with JL Audio speakers and USB input can pump up the jams if you ever get tired of the V-8 soundtrack from the LS1.  

Photo: Carscoops

Even the LS1 Motor is Customized

The Chevrolet LS1 5.7-liter V8 is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The listing doesn't provide specs, but the original LS1 was rated at 350 hp and 365 lb. feet of torque, plenty of power for this Studebaker wagon. Like the rest of the car, the engine has lots of custom touches. Chrome and aluminum billet trim provide a bright contrast to the Black Ice paint. Engine covers emblazoned with Corvette script look like carbon fiber. Everything is cleanly detailed and well packaged, fitting neatly in the engine bay.    

Photo: Carscoops

You May Never See Another Studebaker Wagon Like This

It's hard to know how many 1954 Studebaker wagons are left. But you can probably count the number of Studebaker wagon LS1 restomods on one hand, if not one finger. The car was sold recently in Florida and has a little over 18,000 miles on it. So if you're nearby, it's possible you might see it at a car show or out cruising. With the LS1 V-8, it's more likely to make quarter-mile passes than grocery runs. 

Photo: Carscoops

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