The 1953 Land Cruiser's frame flexed so badly that jacking up one corner to change a tire could jam the doors shut -- too thin a steel gauge, fixed in later years.
Median 88 hp across 108 similar cars
Lead trim: Land Cruiser V8 (127 hp, 1954)
Studebaker Land Cruiser1953–1954
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Studebaker Land Cruiser yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactThe 1953 Land Cruiser's frame flexed so badly that jacking up one corner to change a tire could jam the doors shut -- too thin a steel gauge, fixed in later years.
The 1953 Land Cruisers were a complete departure from the 1947–52 models, built on the same frame as the new Starliner and Starlight coupe models (US$2,316), but with initial problems: the thinner-gauge steel frame flexed so much that with a corner jacked up the doors could not be opened or closed and the front fenders did not fit with the engine in the car, and a revolutionary mechanical power steering unit (only 2 psi to turn the wheel) was noisy (only 100 were sold before Studebaker used GM Saginaw units). A Mercedes-Benz-like upside-down tri-star emblem on the front and rear drew a complaint from Mercedes-Benz and was hastily redesigned (a gold "8" on the Commander and a gold "S" on the Champion). The construction problems were corrected on the 1954 models with heavier frame metal and an extra crossmember, interior color help from designer Eleanor LeMaire (four more colorful interiors), five small vertical fins on each grille bar, larger brakes (stopping distance shortened by 37 ft according to Motor Trend) and horsepower increased to 127 through a 0.5 compression increase (to 7.5); it sold for US$2,438. The page considers the 1954 Land Cruiser better designed than the 1955 President with the Ultra-Vista wraparound windshield; in 1955 the name was changed, the 1961–66 Lark Cruiser being the spiritual successor.
Collectors Spotted in the Studebaker Land Cruiser Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Studebaker Land Cruiser yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Cruiser V8 (127 hp, 1954) | 1954–1954 | — | 127 hp | — | — | — | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
The 1953 Land Cruiser's frame flexed so badly that jacking up one corner to change a tire could jam the doors shut -- too thin a steel gauge, fixed in later years.
This Studebaker's optional automatic transmission was years ahead of its rivals: it had hill-holder, anti-creep, reverse lock-out and a locking torque converter for near-zero power loss in top gear.
For 1941, Studebaker's ultra-luxury Skyway Land Cruiser got a curved single-pane windshield, rear fender skirts and premium trim, at a time when flat glass was the industry norm.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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