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?
I can understand not going to the expense of re-chroming but too bad a darker and shinier silver wasn’t used on the bumpers and trim. Oh, and the steering wheel’s condition, as noted, is sad to the point of being inexcusable.
That sort of lack of attention to detail really detracts from the otherwise fine execution of this fine little orphan.
If it was done in the ’90s there probably wasn’t yet a better option than wheel/truck bumper argent like we’re looking at here.
You pinpointed what I wanted to say, Will–thanks! I would never have -painted the bumpers & trim! That just looks horrible, and shows there is no substitute for actual chrome.
I like it as is, or maybe have the chrome done and add another $4,000? It’s the basic Champion with a decent paint and interior for a reasonable price. It would be easy to spend some time cleaning up the engine compartment for a few dollars after purchase.
I actually like the painted chrome. It looks clean, respectable and serviceable. Better than body color which is a real travesty.
For $4700 for a car in this condition, turn key, concern about the details is like saying “too many doors”.
Overall I like this one a lot. And wish I had one. About the Chrome. I think its really expensive, I agree it would look better redone, but, if I were on a tight budget, this wasn’t a horrible way to go. They look clean and presentable, and it wouldn’t stop me from buying it if everything else checks out. It’s a great price.
This was my older brother 1st car. He took 2×4 6″ boards & put under the rear springs to give it that Wow look…lol To this day I believe he only let me ride with him to retreave those 2×4’s when he went around a curve to sharp & they would fall out..lol
Counterpoint, gentlemen: The seller, restorer, or previous owners did what they could with the parts and budget they had. I agree I’d rather have pitted chrome on the trim than paint, but to each their own. As far as the steering wheel, refurbishing them isn’t cheap and finding wheels that didn’t succumb to wear is tough (in my case, it’s one-year only, so a cracked, discolored wheel is just my fate right now). Unfortunate, yes, but not inexcusable. Fair price for what should be a fun lil around-town rig.
The guy only asking $ 4,700 for a running car. And you Mr Will have the nerve
to wine about painted bumpers, your pretty clueless.
The guy only asking $ 4,700 for a running car. And you Mr Will have the nerve
to wine about painted bumpers, your pretty clueless.
I agree, FACK. The car was refurbished on a budget, and upholstery and other features look presentable. You can drive it as is without shame. Even the radio works. What do you WANT for a 75-year-old car for less than $5,000? It is a DRIVER, so DRIVE it and have FUN with it! Take your grandkids out for a thrill they’ll brag to all their friends about! A car like this for less than 5Gs won’t last long on the market. If it weren’t out on the left coast, I would seriously consider it! If you want a “gem”, then fatten your wallet and look elsewhere. But if you want something that will definitely turn heads while still serving a practical purpose, and not break the bank — in a turnkey example??? — then here you go!
Sorry, but I didn’t whine about the bumpers… I said I could understand not doing them because of the cost. I only said I wish they’d been PAINTED a darker shade and with a better shine.
As for the steering wheel- this one’s painted, not cracked/shrunken clear plastic so it’s not a big deal to pull it, address any cracks or nicks and shoot it with a good grade rattle can of a like gray.
Hey, little niggling details… didn’t mean to ruffle so many feathers.
I used “appliance black” spray paint with success on a steering wheel years ago after using an epoxy paste to fill cracks and sanding. Not expensive.
I agree with FACK. The seller isn’t being unrealistic with the selling price. I’m surprised they only asked for $4700. Good for them for not being greedy!
My personal list of the most desirable of the 50s would have this car at the very top. Wonderful car at a reasonable price. I’d love it.
At the high cost to one’s pocketbook and the environment, I can overlook the decision made on the chrome…
It would cost $800 a bumper and you would never recoup that money. The price seams pretty cheap for a driving car, although not my cup of tea.
My first car was a red 51 Studebaker Starlight Coupe. Had the overhead valve V8. I loved that car and it was pretty fast. Had to get rid of it when I was drafted in 1968. Always kidded about whether it was going forward or backward.
The ad states that this Studebaker is sold pending. A buyer has given the seller a deposit. So it seems that someone likes what they see. My 1952 Plymouth has plenty of age acquired cosmetic shortcomings. For instance the metal garnish around the windows are badly worn. I could take them off sand and rattle can them. They would look better but I am on the fence about doing that. After all the present condition has been honestly earned. It tells a story in a sense. I will probably spend some more time this winter ruminating about it. My priorities with a car like this are to make sure that the mechanical and safety issues are attended to. The rest of it like upgrading a piece of trim is the tinkering aspect of owning a hobby car. And that’s a lot of fun too. The reality of what some improvements cost can certainly dictate your approach on things. For instance my chrome plated pot metal is pitted. My bumpers could use a replating. Shops that do this are becoming harder to find and with shipping costs on top of the work itself; living with the “patina” becomes more acceptable. The painted approach that has been used on this car is certainly a viable solution. To each their own.
I’m just surprised that the miscellaneous bright trim was originally chrome (if likely of compromised quality due to Korean War materials shortages) and not yet polished stainless or aluminum. Things like the headlight and taillight surrounds.
Just curious what is the difference between this and a starlight coupe.
Two doors and a wrap around rear window.
Studebaker had notoriously weak front suspension. King Pin bushings always wore excessively. So, here’s the question. Does anybody even know how to rebuild that kind of suspension? Does anyone still know how to align the front end once it’s rebuilt The old mechanics are a dying breed and the replacements down at the local Big-O store are sure not going to get the job done.
If this car is as good as the 1949 Commander I had in high school. The odometer showed 33,300 when I bought it for $300. Still had the factory tires and seat covers. It was a great car. Good gas mileage. Lots of room as even when the front seat was pushed all the way back. The people in back could still stretch out. Plenty of trunk space. Would hold 5 of the large suitcases that were popular back then. It is the one car I wish I had never sold.
I’ve always loved Studebakers. A neighbor of ours had one of these in the early 1960’s.
It’s a very nice car, especially for the price. Parts and support are available for it. I’d buy it.
Very cool classic at a very be reasonable price. My friends and I in H.S. would be say “can’t tell if it’s comin or goin”
This is a great looking car considering the age, for the price this is an unbelievable deal a piece of history that u won’t see in every garage. But others will criticize because of being a 4 door but I would be proud to own this and cruise it and enjoy all the people who never saw one