Studebaker Champion (1952)
for sale
Price: US $8,900.00
Price: US $8,900.00
They're only original once, can probably best describe this very fun and iconically styled 1952 Studebaker Champion Custom Starlight Coupe originating from the design studios of Raymond Loewy, with the collaborative efforts of Bob Bourke, and Virgil Exner.
Originating out of Kokomo, Indiana, it was a one family owned vehicle until 1980, wherein in later re-appeared, and was acquired by a gentleman in Michigan, after 35 years of hibernation. Based on the documentation which accompanies it, it appears the mileage and chronology is probably correct.
Absolutely revolutionary in its design for the Studebaker Centennial celebration for 1952, it was, and is a vehicle design by which no other manufacturer came close to emulating. Its rear glass, Vista Dome wrap around four windows, encompassing the cockpit has an aviation cockpit inspired motif, as did the previous years Bullet Nose chassis, which was discontinued for the newer design illustrated herein, ultimately the inspiration for the nose treatment of the Studebaker Hawk.
Upon acquiring it, recommissioning it to drive facilitated some minor metal repair to the left front floor, left rear inner fender house, but simply not much else with respect to body work. Its body, refinished many years ago, in a single stage enamel has chipped in a number of spots, most notably, a spot on the right front lower passenger door and rear body to fender seams, however the balance of the paint polishes up beautifully. New brake lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, new carpeting, all lubricants replaced, complete suspension lubrication, coolant flush, some coolant hoses, new fuel lines and rebuilt fuel tank, new exhaust header pipe, and much much more, too numerous to list herein, to ultimately produce a nice, fun, driver quality Coupe.
The Studebaker Champion chrome illustrates 63 years of wear from polishing, the elements and exhibits pitting. Stainless trim and the Solex tinted glass are in nice condition with one almost unnoticeable crack to the right lower aft section of the passenger window, encompassing no more than perhaps one inch.
The 1952 Studebaker Custom Coupe is powered by a 169.9 cubic inch LHead inline six cylinder engine, coupled to a three speed manual with Overdrive transmission and a 4.10 ratio differential. The engine operates at a consistent 40+ psi when driving. The clutch is complemented by the accessory Hill Holder function.
Documentation, as illustrated in the accompanying photo includes the original Build Sheet, multiple Indiana registrations over the decades, annual inspection sheets illustrating only 32 miles accrued between 1970 and 1972, as well as the original Motoring Accessories by Studebaker book.
In conclusion, this is a very unique, uncorrupted, and nicely documented example of Studebakers 1952 Champion model, which has experienced very minor changes over the last 63 years. Its wear and tear represents a visual history of its survival over the previous decades, and tells its own unique story. Its absolutely fun to drive, and you will very rarely see anything like it on the road when behind the wheels.
Finally, the 1952 Studebaker Champion Custom Starlight Coupe, will be sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. It is strongly recommended personal inspection, and or inspection by a qualified individual of your choosing, be performed prior to auction end. Inspection as a condition of sale after the auction end will not be permitted.
**Bidders with a feedback score of 10 or less, respectfully please contact me prior to bidding, thus avoiding having your bids cancelled. I reserve the right to end the auction early, given the Studebaker is for sale on other local and international venues.
Thank you for the interest, and enjoy the pictures. Best regards and good luck. Chris. 413-575-8600
update: 2016-02-18
Condition: | Used | VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | G1124027 |
Year: | 1952 | Number of Cylinders: | 6 |
Make: | Studebaker | Transmission: | Three Speed Manual w/Overdrive |
Model: | Champion | Body Type: | U/K |
Trim: | Base | Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty |
Engine: | 2.8L 2780CC 170Cu. In. l6 GAS L-HEAD Naturally Aspirated | Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Drive Type: | U/K | Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Mileage: | 60,613 | For Sale By: | Private Seller |
Exterior Color: | Velvet Black Enamel | Options: | Clutch Hill Holder |
Interior Color: | Tan/Black |