The “Bullet Nose” Studebaker is a well-known auto renowned for its styling, but how often do you see a convertible version running about? They certainly seem scarce, but the styling is just as pleasant if not more so than the 2 and 4 door variants. Described as a lifelong Arizona-California car, this Studebaker is a promising start to a restoration, a restomod, or perhaps even a hot rod. You can make this scarce convertible yours for the buy it now price of $6,500. Take a look at it here on eBay out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Thanks to Adam Clarke for sharing this very promising project!
While the interior is bare, there are some positive things to make note of in this convertible. First of all there are actually floors in this old American made convertible which is a very promising start. You can find a couple of metals patches in the floors, but they aren’t off putting. Obviously the interior is vacant, but the seller does appear to have many interior and exterior parts included with this project. There are some parts of the soft top frame remaining, but it is not clear if the mechanism is complete. There is a passenger side window crank included with this Stude’ in the form of a vise grip.
Someone has already invested some time in light body work on this Studebaker, and at some point in its past it has been repainted/restored. There is a lot of over spray in the engine bay, on the electrical components, as well as on the blower motor assembly. Although repainted before, the body appears to have been blasted, striped, or sanded, and appears incredibly reasonable. All of the major body panels appear dent and ding free, although there is some minor surface rust to be seen. The only gripe about this body other than the floor patches are a few rust blisters in the rockers. Once the rockers were sorted this beauty would be ready for full scale body work and paint. The question is what could be done with this Champion? There is no drive-train included, and many hard to find interior parts are missing. Perhaps this could be a solid restomod or hotrod project? Or maybe you happen to know someone with a barn full of parts you would need to finish this solid convertible? Which direction would you go with this Studebaker?
Seems like a great start for a project, and relatively rare. I am a fan of the look of the “bullet nose” of these cars, but not the rear window design of the coupes. This convertible solves that!
I really like these old Bullets myself, but… you are almost upside down when you pay $6,500 at the start of ownership. I have a few Hawks, one since the 70’s, they do not bring enough money to spend 20K restoring them, so you have to do the project knowing you better plan on keeping and enjoying it…
This could certainly make someone a great project, if they have lots of ambition ,money and time. I think it would be easer to build as a “Restomod” , than try to make it all original. I remember as a kid, I thought these cars were “Butt Ugly”. I never was a visionary!
Here’s a picture of a bunch of these I came across back in late 70s? Junk yard in Mascoutah Ill. Might still be there??
Great picture, Rob, thanks for sharing!
Ah yes the famous 2 row corn picker model. Looks to be a decent project.
I like these cars as well but the acquisition cost is high. As far as parts are concerned, join the Owner’s Club for Studebaker and watch Hemmings. I think I would restore the interior/exterior and install a modern driveline. Maybe Vintage Air and Heat. I know I would be in it higher than its worth. I would do it anyway.
I simply don’t have room.
By all means restomod it. Especially when all you.have to work.with
is a body.shell and frame. You.don’t really.need a huge honkin’ V-8
to make this car rock and roll down the highway. All you need is
something reliable that’s easy to maintain.and cheap to keep.
For me, a 3800 GM V-6 and 700R4 tranny would fill the bill quite
nicely. This combo is nearly bulletproof and repair parts can be
found at nearly almost any parts store or GM dealership you.visit.
Interior and exterior parts for this car can be fabricated using photos
as a guide. Yes, all these parts would be hablnd made unless you
are able to find usable factory.parts you’ll need to do the job right.
When you’re finished, you’ll have a pleasingly simple ragtop that will
give you years of driving enjoyment. Who knows, we might see it on.
Barn Finds 50 years from now!
shame so much is missin.
Price too hi considerin…
If the price drops some1 will make areal nice lookin 1 off.
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the body came out of a junk yard and was fitted with front end and rear sheet metal from a donor car . Two door to station wagon. $6500 seems a bit high. There’s a lot of work to get this back on the road.
they made 3 different rear windows, starlight coupe, business coupe and 2 door sedan witch had a side window behind the door.