During the 1920s, Studebaker President Albert Russel Erskine pursued his dream of transforming this South Bend, Indiana, manufacturer into a giant of the American automobile industry. He spared no expense in making his latest models the finest on the road and named them after potentates: Dictator, Commander, and President.

The President, Studebaker’s first foray into the luxury car market, was unveiled at the 1928 New York Auto Show and went on to set over 100 AAA-sanctioned speed records. For 1929, chief engineer Barney Roos increased engine displacement to 336 cid and devised a new “double-drop” frame. This improved President was offered in nine body styles, including an attractive Roadster, with a sporting fold-flat windscreen and rear-mounted spare. Advertisements made note of the car’s “smart, fleet body lines,” and buyers really took notice when a President Roadster was chosen to pace the field at the 1929 Indy 500.

The earliest known history of this lovely example begins in 1983 when it was purchased by Jim Carpenter of New Jersey from a collector in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Carpenter then restored and treasured the Studebaker for the next 35 years. In 2018, he sold it to Robert Valpey, a devoted Studebaker enthusiast who had spent decades searching for such a car. Finished in a two-tone color scheme and benefiting from an engine rebuild in 2019, this Roadster was purchased by Mark Smith at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction that year. This is a fine example of the highly sought-after President Eight and a rare survivor from Studebaker’s golden age.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.