Famous Studebaker Model 54 show car sold for a pittance

In the distant year 2008, Toyo Tires and Monster Energy joined efforts to introduce the world to an exotic and stylish take on the Studebaker Model 54, turning the American classic from 1931 into a gorgeous chopped hot rod. It went on sale at Mecum several days ago and struck a poor bargain at just $27,500.

It is unknown how much money went into the creation of the car, but we would imagine that it was an order of magnitude above that. The project team fabricated a custom frame for it and molded the body to be much longer and narrower than it originally was. The roof was chopped, too, and the exterior was sprayed in orange. Bright white rims in Toyo Proxes4 went into the arches.

The engine bay – lacking a hood cover, obviously – accommodated a 5.7-liter, naturally aspirated Chevrolet V8. The tuners implemented a side-pipe exhaust but never disclosed the output.

A minimalist interior overhaul in black rounded things off. The steering wheel, the seat bases, the gear lever and many other elements appear to be made of aluminum, a decision that certainly puts style ahead of passenger comfort.

Even so, seeing a work like this go for a lowly $27,500 is a bit sad, wouldn’t you say?