What Makes the Studebaker XF58 Ice Princess So Unforgettable?
Take one look at the Studebaker XF58 Ice Princess and you’ll probably wonder if you’ve stumbled into a retro-futuristic fever dream. This isn’t your average classic car. With six wheels, a glass canopy, and proportions that seem to defy logic, the Ice Princess is a rolling piece of automotive theater. But what’s the real story behind this one-off wonder, and why does it keep turning heads decades after its creation?
How Did This Six-Wheeled Marvel Come to Life?
The Ice Princess XF58 didn’t just pop out of thin air. It was the brainchild of eclectic car collector Larry Klairmont, who wanted something that would stand out even in the most elite garages. Builder Richard Fletcher took on the challenge, piecing together the car from a wild mix of Studebaker and Cadillac parts. The result? Four wheels up front, two in the back, and a silhouette that looks like it belongs in a Jetsons episode.
It’s not just the wheel count that’s unusual. The front end sports a classic Studebaker nose with a circular grille reminiscent of a jet engine, and those four headlights? They give the car a quirky, almost cartoonish face—think Sid from Ice Age, but with more chrome.
What’s the Deal with the Jetsons-Style Design?
Let’s talk about that design. The XF58 wears a two-tone blue paint job that’s both elegant and playful. But the real showstopper is the double-bubble glass canopy, a nod to mid-century visions of the future. It’s the kind of detail that makes you half-expect the car to lift off and hover down Main Street.
Around back, the drama continues with oversized fins and taillights that jut out like exclamation points. Every inch of the Ice Princess screams showmanship, from its sweeping lines to its unapologetically bold proportions.
Is There Real Muscle Under the Flash?
Beneath all that flair, the Ice Princess packs some serious hardware. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 8.2-liter V8 engine, paired with an automatic transmission. That’s a lot of engine for a car that’s more likely to be seen at concours events than on the drag strip, but it means the XF58 isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got the guts to back up its outrageous looks.
Mecum Auctions, which is handling the upcoming sale, hasn’t released mileage details. But let’s be honest: a car like this is more about making an entrance than racking up road trips.
What’s the Interior Like? Is It as Wild as the Outside?
Step inside and you’ll find the show continues. The seats and door panels are wrapped in glossy gold upholstery, while the carpets are a bold, bright red. The steering wheel, with its thin spokes and gold-and-white accents, looks like something out of a 1950s sci-fi comic. Five chrome-ringed gauges complete the look, reinforcing the car’s commitment to its retro-futuristic theme.
It’s the kind of interior that makes you want to dress up just to sit behind the wheel. Over the top? Absolutely. But that’s the point.
How Rare Is the Ice Princess, and What Could It Sell For?
Here’s where things get interesting. There’s simply nothing else quite like the XF58. It’s a true one-off, blending elements from two classic American brands into something that’s equal parts art project and engineering oddity. That makes it nearly impossible to predict what it might fetch at auction. Rarity always commands a premium, but the Ice Princess’s appeal is so specific that it’ll take a buyer with both deep pockets and a taste for the extraordinary.
For context, custom cars with unique provenance have been known to fetch anywhere from five figures to well over a million dollars, depending on their backstory and the mood of the room. But with no direct comparables, the XF58 is a true wild card.
Why Do Collectors and Enthusiasts Care About Cars Like This?
Beyond the spectacle, cars like the Ice Princess serve as rolling reminders of what’s possible when imagination runs wild. They challenge our ideas about what a car can be, blending nostalgia with innovation in a way that’s both playful and profound. For collectors, owning a car like this isn’t just about status—it’s about preserving a slice of automotive history that refuses to play by the rules.
And let’s face it: in a world where so many cars look the same, the XF58 is a breath of fresh air. It’s a conversation starter, a showstopper, and a testament to the power of creative risk-taking.
What’s the Takeaway for Anyone Dreaming of Their Own Custom Creation?
You don’t need to build a six-wheeled spaceship to make a statement. The Ice Princess proves that the most memorable cars are the ones that dare to be different. Whether you’re restoring a classic or sketching out your own wild idea, don’t be afraid to color outside the lines. The big takeaway? Automotive creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter, bolder choices. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.