Dusty, dry, and indoors is just the way you want to find a barn find like this ’49 Studebaker Champion. After being discovered, the current owner cleaned and revived this Stude’ and the results are grand. Although this is not a bullet nose car, the Starlight wraparound rear window is an awesome feature for this moderately priced classic. Needing some work to be road ready this classic can be yours for $6,500. Take a look at it here on eBay out of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Although the exterior cleaned up well, the engine compartment needs a fine detailing and clean job. There is plenty of dirt and dust, but I would guess this engine bay would clean up rather nicely. It is unclear how long this Studebaker may have been parked, but the seller was able to revive the car with a new battery, and fresh gas. The carb probably needs to be pulled down and rebuilt. Also the brake system, while functional, needs work as well. With a few weekends worth of work you could have a clean, smooth driving, Champion.
In miraculous condition, the interior is clean and tidy with little issues to make note of. The carpet is a little dirty, and the cloth wrapped door jamb seals are a little discolored. Otherwise I see a wonderful interior that is ready to enjoy.
After a good washing you can see that this champion cleaned up nicely. Being a Florida car I am not sure if this is a survivor, or perhaps an older restoration. While the paint has a matte finish, it appears that someone at some point has tried to polish the trunk lid with minimal results. Looking over the photos there is no apparent rot in this Stude’ which is great, but being a Florida car I wonder if there is any lurking rust? There does appear to be a paint chip on the driver door with surface rust, but that looks to be the extent of the exterior issues. Although this Studebaker is not text book perfect, I think it is a great looking classic that could easily be enjoyed as is. Are you a fan of these Studebaker Champion Starlight coupes?
This is a good priced car….
Do the muppets come with the car…. like in the movie
Everyone knows that a bear’s natural habitat is a Studebaker!
Nice car, good price, that paint should buff up nicely but… Which end is the front?
Nice…..find or build a nice R-1 spec 289 …..and go have some fun….should be a bolt in and then find some Avanti disk brakes also a bolt in….and Dana 44 posi which usually came standard in lots of Studies….
Far from a bolt-in swap. I have 2 of these, a 1950 and a 1951. If it were a later model Land Cruiser it might be an easy swap but not on the Champions.
Sorry…they did get the V/8 in 51 correct ? Guy local has 52 on C/L with the V/8 auto but yes it’s a Commander and Stude folks always say it was the same frame on the small cars and then the C/K’s have the longer…guess not….thanks for letting me know….like the little Champs more so.
Can’t tell whether it’s coming or going was the catchphrase. Love it, even if it isn’t a bullet nose. Raymond Loewy said eet has to look like zee aeroplane.
This is really a good looking car and you have to love the rear glass.The bullet nose Studebaker ‘reminds me of a carnival ride or an amphibious vehicle . For those of you who love them don’t get crazy, if you love them that’s fine. I just think this car is a much better look.
THIS is an excellent barn find!!! No accident damage; no heavy rust that I can see; interior looks great. What’s not to like? For $6500.???? WTF is my checkbook!!!!
Wow! It would be a great car for some one who wants the fun of an older car and has a small budget. The ratio of fun to dollars spent, would be outstanding.
Love this car. My dad had a ’49 and ’52 in this model. If he were still alive, I’d buy this just finish it and take him for a ride.
Somone jump on this car. I’m too far away and i have no room. Do what it needs, and enjoy. They are unique, and have a strong upside among their many fans.
Does anyone know how to run the positive battery cable? Does it bolt to the valve cover???