If your selection criteria for a turnkey 1950s classic includes the words “practicality” and “affordability,” this 1951 Studebaker Champion deserves a close look. Repainted in the 1990s, it still presents well. It has no mechanical issues, and the optional overdrive transmission will give it long legs on the open road. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Champion listed here on Craigslist in Salem, Oregon. So, how affordable is this beauty? How does $4,700 sound?
When Studebaker released the Third Generation Champion in 1947, it beat the competition to the punch with the first new post-war model. It featured “ponton” styling, a feature that soon became mainstream. One feature that appeared in 1950 was the “spinner” grille center. It reflected the country’s growing fixation with the aviation industry, possessing the appearance of a jet engine intake. This distinctive look helped to boost sales, although it disappeared in 1952. Our featured Champion rolled off the line in 1951 as the 4-door Sedan variant. The seller states it was repainted in the 1990s in its factory shade of Comanche Red. The paint retains a healthy shine, with no major problems visible in the listing images. The panels are straight, and the indications are that it is rock-solid. This Studebaker earns extra points from me for its “suicide” back doors, which make accessing the rear seat a piece of cake. The trim and glass are respectable, and the whitewalls give this classic a more luxurious appearance.
The seller is candid in their assessment. They state that since this Champion is seventy-five years old, it isn’t perfect. That shows in the interior: some painted surfaces look tired, and the wheel is worn. However, the cloth trim isn’t badly worn, the carpet looks respectable, and the headliner is in good condition. It won’t win any show trophies, but with the identified shortcomings addressed, it is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic of this vintage. The suicide doors and enormous back seat space make this beauty extremely practical for enthusiasts with young families.
Standard fare for 1951 Champion buyers was Studebaker’s 170ci flathead six, producing 85hp and 138 ft/lbs of torque. This classic features a manual transmission with the optional overdrive, making it a more relaxed open-road cruiser. It won’t break the Land Speed Record, but pegging the needle at sixty on the highway shouldn’t be a problem. The engine bay presentation further reinforces that seller’s statement that the car isn’t perfect. It would certainly look better if refreshed, but leaving it untouched is a valid approach. The seller describes the Champion as fun to drive, indicating that it is a turnkey proposition.
If you compiled a list of the ten most desirable 1950s classics, it’s a safe bet that the 1951 Studebaker Champion wouldn’t make the cut. However, if you are considering a first classic purchase, you may not want to spend a lot of money on what could be a failed experiment. Therefore, affordability is a key consideration. If so, this Studebaker makes a lot of sense. The seller’s price looks extremely competitive, making it an ideal starting point. Are those thoughts enough to convince you to pursue it further?
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