Whether it’s the fins on a 1959 Cadillac, a 1956 Buick hood ornament or the “bullet nose” on these classic Studebakers, the aerospace industry was a fascination for the country during the space race and influenced automotive design heavily during that time. These cars look like they could take off and fly around at any minute. A project in need of a lot of TLC, this particular Studebaker is offered for sale here on craigslist in El Cajon, California for $2,400.
As you can see, there is quite a bit of rust to repair on this one along with lot’s of body work to fix all the dents and dings. The ad does state that the car suffers from “some rust holes and some on the pan at the front.” I would assume they mean the floor pans. There also seems to have been a poor job of painting done at some point. I don’t know if it was from a spray gun or rattle can, but the drips and runs are obvious and not pretty.
The interior looks rough, but salvageable. It will probably need a full restoration, but all the small parts seem there. It would appear that the original color was a light blue. Not sure why someone put all the carpet inside? Perhaps to cover up the rusty floor? The interior is simple and utilitarian, but touches like the dash mounted rear-view mirror keep you on your toes as you look at the details of these cars.
Here’s a good look at the unique back window in these cars. Another nod to aerospace, doesn’t the window look like the windshield of an airliner? While this project certainly has it’s issues, it deserves another chance at life. Said to be running when parked only a couple of years ago, it shouldn’t take much to get it running again. The body work and interior will take a while to sort out, but in the end you’ll have a unique car you can be proud of.
This is actually a 1950, the bullets are different.
Grille is different too. I had a 50 Commander Starlight. Would like another one.
1951 wearing a disguise – likely a complete 1950 front clip.
The 1951 tail lamps hint at the model year. The tell is the 1951 dash. Compare with 1950 dash of ’50 Champion Starlight coupe sold by Mecum auctions in 2015:
https://www.mecum.com/lots/RC0215-207257/1950-studebaker-champion-starlight-coupe/
To James HFG, I was thinking the same thing (I own a restored 1951 Champion Starlight Coupe), but the radio speaker grill threw me off. Also, most 1950 models have a split windshield, but some images on google show them with a one piece as this one has. Maybe there were some subtle styling changes late in the year, as often occurs with other makes. Comments, anyone?
Correct, 1950. The 51 had a ring around the bullet.
1950 Champion is what I learned to drive in. Standard shift with hill hold.
And the bullet center was plastic on the ’51. ’50 was chrome.
Correct. Also, the 1951 bullet had three bars and the 1950 had four bars.
Even a bad paint job will protect a car from rust.
Bring a Muppet
the thing I would like to know if this car is from california whats with this rust? I thought getting cars out of there you got away from rust! another fairy tail shot all to hell!
In order to stay financially competitive with the big 3, Studebaker used body steel that was softer, and they also had several places behind the fender skins that trapped mud and water, hence they rusted worse than the typical car.
So yes, a Studebaker rusts in southern California!
It looks like you could make a stude volante custom out of this one.
I was at the Ron Hackenberger Auction In Ohio this weekend, 7/15/2017. This would of been one of the worst cars on the day one auction. This was the most amazing site of cars I have ever seen and will never see again. Cars that where put inside decades ago and they were all in great shape. All needed some work, but all were worth it.
My Mom had one of these , always thought it was like a rocket !!
I believe this is a 51 with a 50 front end . The 50 had a split windshield, the 51 had a one piece windshield . Jim Marston
Starlight coupes Land Cruisers and convertibles all had one piece windshields starting in 47.
A bear in its natural habitat, a Studebaker.
Those dribbles in the paint are too thick to be from a rattle can. Maybe an 8 year old got ahold of dads paint gun. BTW in the BodyShop those are referred to as “flow indicators”.
I still love the styling of this “Studie” all these years later. Saw many chopped, channeled, or otherwise modified for drag racing or for the salt flats, but really like them stock. I’d never try to bring this one back though…not enough time (mine). I think one in British Racing Green with a tan leather interior would be excellent. Though not sure what wheels I’d use. Good luck to whomever buys this one !