1951 Studebaker Champion. Iconic and unique Virgil Exner architectural design.

1951 Studebaker Champion Deluxe Description

Representing the third generation in Studebakers post WWII design, a creation from the Raymond Loewy Studios, the ultimate brainchild of Virgil Exner, this 1951 "Bullet Nose" Commander emulated many of the aviation design cues from a earlier period. Treatment of the center "Spinner" grill and back sloping front fenders emulate the frontal architecture of Lockheeds P38 Lightning twin engine fighter. Art imitates life as was the case of many cars produced inthe decades of the fifties and sixties. Found parked in the back of a garage of a vintage car collector, generally being ignored after years of being idle, recommissioning it illustrated many original and uncorrupted aspects of the car. Much effort was kept to retain its original interior with the exception of the seats and carpeting which required much needed attention and were ultimately reupholstered/rebuilt and carpets replaced. New carpeting was added to the trunk. The body, doors, trunk, hood and frame are very solid with predominantly just surface rust on the undercarriage and floors/trunk. There is one noted very small perforation curiously on a left front body mount off the frame in what appears to be where someone tried to hook something on to it, causing it to rust at this spot.
Originally finished in the factory Plaza Gray, a rather uninspiring color, its was refinished in a almost Emerald lacquer a number of years ago which polished up beautifully. The Studebakers chrome bumpers are somewhat pitted and scratched but very presentable and original. All glass is very nice with the exception of the drivers window which has a few cracks, quite typical of what we see in this vintage of vehicle. Unique to this chassis additionally are the aft "Suicide" doors which actually made ingress and egress to the back seat easier. A very hard to find windshield bonnet graces the forward upperwindshieldblocking sun glare and weather to some degree.
Allthe lights and gauges function normallywith theexception of the speedometer needle not engaging. The odometer works fine. The windshield wipers thankfully are electric (not vacuum) and workgreat. The radio illuminates and "hums" through the speaker once warmed up (a plus if you wish tomeditate, but please not while driving). I would imagine it requires a new tube. The turn signals presently do not function to which I am researching. A lot of hand waving for now when turning. I'm making a lot of friends. The interior controlled retractable antenna worksnicely, as dothe right and left side intake vent controls forthe vents located on vertical sides of the fenders providing nice fresh air while driving (unless your'e following a bus).
a 169.6 cubicinch, 2.8 Liter flathead six cylinder engine producing a impressive 85 hp (justkidding of course) is coupled to a three speed manual transmission with Overdrive and a 4.10 geared live axle downstream. The transmission shifts very nicely with niceclutch actuation, and Studebaker's progressive at the time "Hill Holder" function works asdesigned. The Studebaker with its Overdrive function cruises verycomfortably at highway speeds.Presently, and not illustrated, the engine is receiving a refresh with new piston rings, a refreshed cylinder head, and of course all the new components associated with this procedure (head gasket, coolant, thermostat, new oils, etc). Oil pressureprior to this procedure illustrated a consistent 40+psi at cruise and 28-30 psi at idle. Very strong. The refresh should be complete at the timeof auction end if not shortly thereafter. All oils were flushed and replaced inclusive of the differential which received a new pinion seal, and transmissionoils. New radiator and heater hoses were installed as well as Autolite R45 Spark plugs.The "Where's Waldo" exercise of finding allthegrease Zerk fittings was fun. There are many, andthey all received new lubrication. Four new 205/27/15 Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewall radial tires were installed with complementing new stainless steel Moon hubcaps, reminiscent of the racing decorative modifications for these cars in the decades when they were raced onthe Bonneville Salt flats inthe 1950's and 1960's. I do not have the original hubcaps which were not present at the time of my acquisition.
Overall, this is a very fun, andcertainly uniquely designed car, not perfect, but a great and very respectable driver quality, eliciting a tremendous amount of attention from those who see it on the road. Its design was ahead of the cultural and artistic standards from which it was produced, only to be appreciated in decades hence for its uniqueness amongst many ofthe prosaic cars produced in the last thirty years.
The Studebaker Commander Deluxe Sedan will be sold as is where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. I strongly encourage personal inspection or by a quality representative of yourchoosing PRIOR to auction end. Inspection as acondition of sale after the auction end will not be permitted. Please do your due diligence. Transportation, taxes, registration, license, etc, will be thesoleresponsibility of the buyer. The Studebaker will be sold with a clear Rhode Island registration (they do not issue titles on vintage cars, registrations only), andnotorizedbill of sale, and the original and fun 56 page 1951 Studebaker Champion owners manual. Ifurthermore reserve the right to end the auction early,given the Studebaker is for sale on other International venues andlocally.
Thank you for the interest and enjoy the pictures.
Best..... Chris.