1962 Studebaker Champ 1/2 ton pickup, restored, 4-speed, 259 V8, car show winner

1962 Studebaker Champ Description

Up for sale is this great looking and running classic Studebaker Champ 1/2 ton "spaceside" pickup. Studebaker made the Champ from 1960-1964 and this one was built in South Bend, Indiana on March 23, 1962 and shipped to a dealer in Huntington, NY. Studebaker Champ's are quite rare, especially in this condition. This truck was just awarded a first place trophy at a local car show. Included in this sale: the original factory build sheet, owners manual and wallet plus show trophy, as shown. Looks as good in person as it does in these photo's taken June 2019.
Restored about 5 years ago by a prior owner, this truck has been in the hands of a few collectors over the years and is a low mileage original (90,800 miles). Repainted in the original Desert Tan color. Paint is very good but not concours quality and there are the usual assorted scratches, scuffs and imperfections. The bed floor and tailgate area has a heavy rubber protective mat.
I do not have service records from past owners but I was told the engine was rebuilt when out of the truck for paint. The engine is the 259 V8, 195 hp with 4-speed transmission. First gear is a granny gear. The engine starts up easily and idles smoothly. No oil leaks, no smoke. It has terrific power and cruises easily at highway speeds. It has dual exhaust, electric fuel pump and a brand new fuel tank.
Drum brakes all around are in good shape. They will need an adjustment as occasionally they can get a little "grabby". Emergency brake works well. This truck also has the Studebaker "hill-holder".
There is minor surface rust from scratches found underneath the bed mat and stone chips on the frame- see photos. It appears the entire frame received a rust inhibitor during the restoration. There are also small rivet dimples above both wheel wells- see photo.
All gauges work (even the clock!). The original Studebaker am radio is in the truck but not operating. There's a new retractable antenna installed so I'm thinking the radio was working recently and may be repairable if you want to keep the truck original. The lights, wipers, directional signals etc all work.
Last month I had a beautiful set of hand made varnished side wood bed rails installed using 150 year old reclaimed Virginia oak. Also shown in one photo... a tan vinyl bed cover with support bows that snaps on.
Tires (including the spare) are like new. They are Dimension IV 215-75-15 radial white walls.
Glass, chrome and rubber trim is very good. A stone chip this spring required replacement of the front windshield with new factory spec glass. The rear sliding glass (the first ever available on an American truck) is in excellent shape. Side windows roll up and down as they should. There are new side mirrors on both doors. The doors open, close, latch and line up as they should.
Studebaker has a large and supportive community of enthusiasts with a strong parts network. If you are looking for a distinctive early '60's American classic pickup for pennies on the dollar of what you would pay for a comparable condition Ford, Chevy or Dodge... this is your truck. Unless you are at a Studebaker meet you are virtually guaranteed to have the only Champ at your next car show or Cars & Coffee.
This truck is garaged just outside Charlottesville, Va. I am happy to show it for personal inspection by appointment only. Contact me via email through Ebay to make arrangements for a test drive or to ask questions. Pre-inspections welcomed. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. I am happy to work with your shipper and can even recommend one I've had good experiences with. Thanks for looking.