The 1950-51 Studebakers were known as “bullet noses” for their unique front-end styling. There were three sizes of the cars, beginning with the Champion (first on a 113-wheelbase, then 115) and the Commander and Land Cruiser were bigger. The coupes had a wraparound rear window that wasn’t available on the convertible. These would be some of the best sales years for the company – and then the Packard deal came along in 1954. This Champion Regal Deluxe drop-top is from 1951 and is located in Milton, Massachusetts. It’s offered here on Hemmings Classifieds for $5,000 (negotiable).
Studebaker came out with their first-post war cars in 1947 but they would hit a styling stride in 1950 with their bullet-nose cars that from the front might be mistaken for an aircraft. While the Commander models would enjoy a new V8 engine, the Champion would soldier on with an inline-six that had 170 cubic inches and 85 hp. The last two photos are borrowed from the net to help us gauge what it might look like in better days as the seller only offers one pic.
The Regal Deluxe was the nicest Champion you could get in 1951 and the seller’s car is a convertible model to boot. We’re told it’s a barn find, and the single photo provided supports that, but it does nothing to help us understand the condition of the car. The seller says it was appraised in 2020, so why not impart this knowledge to potential buyers? The mileage is said to be 81 (must be 81,000) and the black car is dirty from sitting for so long. No idea how good (or bad) the interior and top are, much less the motor.
Seller who only take one lousy photo of their car, don’t bring it out in the open or wash it get what they should expect; no sale. A car as scarce and desirable as this needs to be seen for it’s current condition. One front end shot doesn’t cut it. For all anyone knows it’s a complete rust bucket and not worth the asking price. But in order to make that kind of judgement, it needs to be seen in it’s entirety.
That one front shot shows rust holes in the front of the fenders. Maybe the rest of the car is worse and he’s hiding it.
Did you open the Hemmings ad? It has a special button labelled “Contact Seller” you could click to ask for more pix. The ad also states he has an appraisal he will gladly send you. 2 clicks too much work?
One photo equals one word, “No”.
In 51 the Commander and Champion were on the same wheelbase. The Land Cruiser was longer.
Seller is too lazy to only post one photo? Red flag and no way. If it’s a legitimate seller they would post more pics. Smells like a scam to me.
I’d say scam too BUT…
if lookin 4 this exact model and doing the wrk to find it –
this might toss out the tire kickers, like here on the forum. Only
those really knowledgable, interested, ready to buy, money in hand
will make a 2nd, 3rd and 4th click to follow their real interest. Good technique
for some sellers in separating wheat from chaff~ fageddabodid ! /OR/ really
pursue~
I bought this car….From a Agency in Milton Massachutes..And yes it was appraised by a certified Appraiser, of which i got the name and number from the seller and called him, about questions, on the car…The Pros…Its all their no looting of the parts ,Cons yes it has rust,fenders,And in side the the trunk, But nothing, I cant fix or get fixed….Looking forward, to getting it up and ready..For Hot Aug Nights. Next year..2023…NV BUYER…