Just Sold At Auction: 1953 Studebaker Commander and More!
Several very cool classic cars have been sold at BringATrailer.com lately, including a gorgeous 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe and a 1972 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe. If you’re a classic car enthusiast, you’re going to love taking a look at these treasures.
In addition to the Ford Mustang and the Chevy K10, we’ll also take a look at the 1977 Lotus Esprit and the modified 1953 Studebaker Commander Coupe. When you’re ready to invest in your next stunning classic car, Classic Auto Insurance is here to answer your questions about how to protect it.
Modified 1953 Studebaker Commander Coupe
Last but not least on our list, this 1953 Studebaker Commander coupe has undergone extensive modifications that have transformed it into a desirable custom hot rod. The car features a reinforced frame and a fabricated tubular front end, blending classic styling with modern performance upgrades.
On the exterior, you’ll find a metallic green finish with distinctive features such as frenched headlights and taillights, 1939 Ford-style headlamps, and a mesh grille insert. The car rides on American Racing 15″ five-spoke wheels with three Firestone tires and one Cooper tire. Some of the notable modifications to the Studebaker Commander include shaved door handles with remote-operated poppers.
Inside, the car boasts a custom interior with cream and tan leather upholstery extending to the seats, door panels, and center console. Modern amenities include power windows, Vintage Air climate control, and an aftermarket stereo system. The dashboard is painted to match the exterior. It houses AutoMeter gauges and a Lokar gear selector.
Powering this Studebaker is a 350ci Chevrolet V8 engine, paired with a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain includes a Ford 9″ rear axle with 3.70:1 gearing. Suspension upgrades feature Mustang II independent front suspension, adjustable coilovers, and Air Ride technology. The odometer shows approximately 857 miles since the build’s completion, though the total mileage is unknown.
This extensively modified 1953 Studebaker Commander coupe sold at auction for $27,500.
408-Powered 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe
This 1968 Ford Mustang coupe has undergone extensive renovations and emerged from the process as a powerful and modernized classic. The vehicle now showcases a custom 408ci stroker V8 engine, enhanced with advanced Holly Sniper fuel injection and Edelbrock intake manifold systems. Its drivetrain and suspension improvements offer excellent performance and handling, while its audio system adds contemporary comfort to this vintage ride.
The exterior showcases a fresh blue finish, complemented by iconic Mustang features like a hood scoop and GT-style fog lights. The car’s aesthetic is further enhanced by 17″ Cragar wheels, giving it a blend of classic charm and modern appeal.
Inside, the Mustang retains its vintage character with black vinyl upholstery covering the bucket seats and rear bench. The interior is modernized with an Alpine audio system, featuring high-quality speakers and amplifiers, as well as a subwoofer for superior sound quality.
With approximately 64,000 miles on the odometer, this Mustang has been driven sparingly since its refurbishment. It features numerous mechanical upgrades, including Wilwood disc brakes, an overhauled transmission, and a customized rear end. The car is registered in Alabama as a Vintage Vehicle, though it lacks a traditional title due to its age.
This meticulously restored 1968 Ford Mustang coupe was sold at auction by a dealer on consignment for $22,000.
1972 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe 4×4 4-Speed
This 1972 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe is a long-bed 4×4 pickup, previously owned by two different people in Colorado. It was acquired by the auctioning owner in 2022. It features a 350ci V8 engine coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. The exterior is painted in Medium Bronze paint with a white roof, applied during a repaint in the 1980s. The interior, upholstered in Parchment vinyl, underwent a refresh in 2023.
The exterior is equipped with practical features including a roof-mounted antenna, swing-out towing mirrors, dual fuel tanks, and a rear step bumper with a tow ball. The truck rides on 15″ five-slot wheels fitted with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
The interior of the truck maintains that cool vintage aesthetic with a bench seat and retro dashboard layout. Recent updates include new window regulators, a replacement dashboard pad, and fresh carpets installed over sound-deadening insulation. The interior also features a retro-style AM/FM stereo and a CB radio mounted on the roof.
The odometer shows 93,000 miles, with about 2,000 miles added by the auctioning owner. The truck has an auxiliary fuel tank, though it’s currently disconnected. Power steering and vacuum-assisted brakes are present, along with manually locking front hubs.
This 1972 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe 4×4 sold at auction for $32,000.
1977 Lotus Esprit S1 Project
This 1977 Lotus Esprit is a project car that will require significant restoration for its new owner. However, the right owner will be able to bring this car back to its glory days!
Originally designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, this mid-engine sports car is finished in yellow with black Esprit graphics. Its characteristic elements include pop-up headlights, a front spoiler, and Vitaloni mirrors.
The Esprit’s exterior is fitted with 14″ Compomotive modular wheels with gold centers, Sumitomo front tires, and Yokohama rear tires. The suspension system includes upper A-arms and lower lateral links in front, with trailing arms and lateral links in the rear. While some brake components have been replaced or rebuilt, the overall condition of the chassis is not specified.
The interior of the car is partially disassembled. It has tan cloth fixed-back bucket seats with removable covers. The dashboard and other components are in various states of disassembly, with visible damage to the center console and door upholstery. A Veglia instrument cluster is present but is wrapped in plastic.
The car is powered by a mid-mounted 1973cc Lotus 907 inline-four engine with dual Weber carburetors, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Recent maintenance includes a fuel line replacement and an oil change, though oil leaks are noted near the exhaust cam seals. The odometer shows 37,000 miles, but the overall mechanical condition requires attention before the car can be roadworthy.
This 1977 Lotus Esprit project car sold at auction for $17,500.
Protect Your Classic Car with Classic Auto Insurance
Classic car aficionados know that these cars deserve to be treasured and cared for. Being passionate about classic cars means recognizing the responsibility we have to protect, improve, and preserve them. These cars are our legacy!
At Classic Auto Insurance, we know these feelings because we, too, cherish these classic vehicles. We offer insurance plans that are tailored to the needs of classic car drivers. Our policies keep your car safe from accidents, weather damage, disasters, and more.
Whether you’re someone who keeps their car on display, drives it around town, or shows it in classic auto exhibitions, we can create a policy that works for you. We offer additional peace of mind through our 24/7 roadside assistance plans. We’ll be there no matter where the road takes you!
Let our experts create a plan to keep your ride out of harm’s way. Contact Classic Auto Insurance today to discuss the best custom-fit protection for your precious car.
Call us today at 888-901-1338, or you can get an instant quote here.