In an effort to promote its new models for 1955, Studebaker built 14 special President Hardtop coupes for the auto show circuit, which featured unique paint jobs, leather seat upholstery, full instrumentation, including an 8,000-rpm tachometer and a 160-mph speedometer—all mounted in a reinforced plastic dash with an engine-turned metal face. Additionally, they had dual exhaust, wire wheel covers, and bumper-mounted foglights, a special hood ornament, back-up lights, and a wide chrome strip over the rear of the roof. Speedsters were available with either an automatic or manual transmission.

The South Bend firm announced that if response was favorable, the new coupe would be produced. Studebaker introduced the new model in January of 1955. It was given the name President Speedster, a combination of the names - President, the first time it was used after an absence of 13 years, and Speedster, last used by Studebaker in the 1920s. It was the most fully-equipped car to ever come out of South Bend. Just 2,215 were built in 1955, and they were built only for that year.

Powering this elegant automobile down the road is a 259-cid, 185-hp eight-cylinder engine. The car is equipped with power steering, power brakes, electric clock and a pushbutton radio. The exterior is presented in gray and pink two-tone highlighted by full wire wheel covers and wide whitewall tires. Inside the car; along with fine fittings, the upholstery is tailored beautifully in white.