The Dictator
Studebaker came out with the sternly named Dictator in 1927 and rolled out the first model in 1928 — ironically, a time in history when dictators like Hitler and Stalin were gearing up to try and take over the world. They would have looked right at home in the Dictator, the lowest-priced model, which came in eight or six cylinders.
The name “Dictator” came about because it was supposed to “dictate the standard” in automobiles. Studebaker obviously sought to lend dignity and prestige to its modest cars because they also offered models like the President and the Chancellor.
The name Dictator was not used in countries of the British empire— in those countries, it was called the Director. In 1937, Studebaker re-christened it the Commander, and kept on making it.