This 1954 Studebaker Starliner two-door hardtop underwent extensive modifications in the mid-2000s by a previous owner, incorporating chassis and interior elements from a 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk and a 1950s Chevrolet 348ci big-block V8 with three two-barrel carburetors. The vehicle is finished in red and silver with black and silver vinyl upholstery and features a three-speed automatic transmission, Offenhauser finned valve covers, electronic ignition, tubular exhaust headers, a Fatman Fabrications front subframe, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes, body-color steel wheels, polished hubcaps, whitewall tires, and Stewart-Warner gauges. Acquired by the seller in 2021, further enhancements include an Ididit tilt steering column, Vintage Air climate control, and an upgraded radiator with electric cooling fans. This customized Starliner is available with refurbishment photos, a Rod & Custom magazine feature, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The car was repainted in red with a metallic silver roof under previous ownership, and the chrome parts and stainless trim were refurbished. The hood has been nosed, the trunk lid was decked, and the chrome bumpers were smoothed. White and blue pinstriping adorns the hood, fender tops, and trunk lid. Additional features include tri-bar halogen headlamps, dual side mirrors, and dual tailpipes. A paint chip on the nose, a chip and blemish on the hood, and a chip near the lower-right corner of the trunk lid are highlighted in a seller-provided video.
Body-color 15″ steel wheels with polished hubcaps and trim rings are fitted with Coker whitewall tires, replaced under current ownership. The Fatman Fabrications dropped front subframe, along with power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, tubular control arms, coil springs, gas shocks, and an anti-roll bar, enhances the front suspension. The rear suspension features parallel leaf springs and 2.5” lowering blocks, with frame rails from a 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk. Braking is managed by 11″ General Motors front discs and 11″ Ford rear drums.
The interior, sourced from a 1962 Studebaker, includes black and silver vinyl upholstery on the front bucket seats and rear bench, matching door panels, and a black dashboard and carpeting. The dash houses a Studebaker-branded push-button radio, and the interior also features Vintage Air climate control, bright trim, an armrest center console, a clock, a fold-down rear armrest, and Studebaker-branded rubber floor mats.
An aftermarket steering wheel is mounted on an Ididit collapsible column, installed under current ownership. Stewart-Warner gauges include a 160-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, battery voltage, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer reads 1,600 miles, with approximately 1,000 miles added by the current owner; the true mileage is unknown.
The 348ci Chevrolet big-block V8, believed to be from the late 1950s, was overbored .030″ under prior ownership, with cleaned intake and exhaust ports and a balanced rotating assembly. It features Rochester 2G carburetors, Offenhauser finned valve covers, electronic ignition, an aftermarket hydraulic camshaft, and tubular exhaust headers. Recent upgrades include a larger radiator and electric cooling fans. The oil was last changed in 2023.
A Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission with a TransGo shift kit directs power to the rear wheels via a narrowed Ford 9″ rear end with 3.25:1 gears, Dutchman Axles, and a custom driveshaft. Scuffs are noted on the underside of the front fascia.
The car was featured in the August 2007 issue of Rod & Custom magazine, a copy of which will accompany the vehicle.
