The 1951 Studebaker Commander: A Gearhead's Dream
One of the baddest and most sought-after cars from 1951 is undeniably the 1951 Studebaker Commander, equipped with an impressive overhead valve V-8 engine. Unlike the 1951 Chevrolet Blueflame 235 six-cylinder engine in my parents' car, the Studebaker's engine truly sets it apart. While my brother-in-law's 1956 Chevrolet pickup truck was powered by the same engine, the lack of a robust transmission makes it a forgettable choice.
The Bane of the Chevy Powerglide Transmission
One of the primary shortcomings of the 1951 Studebaker is its two-speed Powerglide transmission, a feature that persisted in Chevys until 1973. Can you even imagine a classic 1957 Chevy or a classic 1967 Camaro being saddled with such a transmission? It would be a major hinderance to the vehicle's performance and driving experience.
During the summer trip to Reno, my parents drove us in their new Chevrolet. It was a time when logging trucks would race down mountain roads, building up significant speed that they sought to maintain on subsequent uphills. The PIE Pacific Intermountain Express trucks were the dominant force in hauling freight over the Sierra Nevada mountains.
A Journey of Inadequate Power
That trip to Reno highlighted my father's constant complaints about the Chevy's lack of power. It was clear that the car suffered from this issue, and it could hardly be considered "bad." Instead, it was "awful." Following this experience, we transitioned to a 1953 Ford, which I drove through college and into 1965. This marked the end of my parents' association with Dodge, as they never purchased another Chevrolet after that. In the 1960s, they shifted to Ford F-150s, but by the 1980s, they had fully embraced Japanese cars, including the Toyota, Honda, and Mazda models.
The 1951 Studebaker Commander is a testament to the era of American car manufacturing, with its powerful engine and innovative design. Despite the challenges, it remains a cherished piece of automotive history for many enthusiasts.