The Champion was often the “bread and butter” car in the Studebaker lineup and was in production from 1939 to 1958. In later years, it played second fiddle to the better-equipped Commander and President models. This 1958 Champion looks like it was an Oklahoma State Patrol car back in its heyday, although I’m not thinking that a six-cylinder Studebaker would be selected for that duty very often. Though not a show-quality automobile, this ’58 Stude should attract attention at events like Cars & Coffee. Now in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this vintage find is available here on eBay where the current bid is $2,627, the reserve is unmet, and the cut-to-the-chase price is $9,995.
Studebaker’s products received a light facelift in 1958, mostly to accommodate dual headlights in the same space that singles had lived the year before. Across four primary models (Scotsman, Champion, Commander, and President), Studebaker built 45,658 automobiles in 1958. Plus 8,816 Hawks and 2,034 Packards which were largely rebadged Studes in their final year of life. The seller’s car would have been one of 6,765 built in ’58 but there’s no indication online how many may have found their way into fleet service (taxi cabs or cop cars).
We’ll assume this Studebaker was a real patrol car and not a tribute. It should have a 185 cubic inch inline-6 under the hood (no photos) which would have produced 101 hp. It wouldn’t outrun a perpetrator in acceleration but might keep up at top speed. The combination of black and white paint looks like what you would expect to see in your rearview mirror if you had run a red light. It’s in pretty fair condition, though not flawless and not worth redoing if you want to keep up the image.
The seller says this car is titled as a 1957 model, but the body style and engine tag are from 1958, so he/she thinks this was the result of a clerical error 65 years ago. The interior is worn but looks good enough and the lights and sirens work for you to show them off at the next car gathering. But don’t try using this stuff off out on the road as real police officers will not take lightly to your doing that.
We’re told the engine and transmission perform as they should, so we assume no immediate work is needed to start driving this once you get it home. Whether it’s a real former police car or not, I hope the buyer doesn’t strip all that away in an attempt to turn it into a stock Champion. The car’s “cool factor” is probably what will sell it.
A basic rule of thumb, 4 headlights, got to be a ’58. Police car? Nah, 1st, maybe in a plant security or local South Bend cop, and even then, I read all Studebaker police cars had the 289 V8. 2nd, OK. , like many states in the late 50s used Plymouths for state patrol and that logo is incorrect as well. A police car would never be optioned like this. It’s still a great find, but I’d lose the police graphics.
The Police Graphics Make This Car Special~
Keep the paint :-)
A Highway Patrol car with a actual MPG rating of 25 makes for economy patrolling no matter how you look at it. This example would cruise 80 plus with ease and the radio was faster than that.
The Charleston WVa police had Stude police cars back then. My dad said all of the hotrodders/hoodlums (him included, ha ha) would run their cars around egging them into a chase and blow their doors off.
With that six-banger, the car would be sufficient for driving around and writing up parking tickets or hauling someone to the drunk tank but that’s about it.
In this era, Baltimore City police cars were six cylinder with 3 on the tree.
For all the ugly cars produced in ’58 Studebaker just might have won the “most ugly” award hands down. Big leap from he ’53s.
I swear I’ve seen this one before. There can’t be another 6 cylinder OKHP Studebaker with a blue interior. I just don’t remember when I saw it or how long ago it was.
I can’t believe some think this car is ugly. I love the side view those wings blending in with the body just absolutely beautiful. The color combo is perfect and the interior and dash are beautiful. I feel the price is right and would love to own this car. I would leave it just as it is I’m sure that’s a conversation starter. Good luck to the seller and to the buyer enjoy. GLWTA
Thank you! Apparently, folks today want bland gray plastic dash boards. Again, I think we’ve been desensitized over the years as to what a beautiful car looks like.
If this is a genuine Oklahoma patrol car, the state motto could have been, “floor it! You’ll outrun us!”
Yeah that’s a nice car u don’t see any of them anymore. An the old cars are super nice I love to have a 1964 Impala with a. 409 an a4speed. I just like the old cars better than the new ones
Bobhess, you’re almost correct. The 1958 Packard badged Studebaker with the “catfish” face I think wins it. It too had single headlights in ’57 and for its final year had the double headlight pods grafted on to it, same as this Champion.
Personally, I think they are very attractive and interesting cars, but what do I know? I’m a Cadillac Diva.
Love tail fins! Had two Cadillacs, 89 Brougham deElegance and 93 Brougham. Not to be CATTY, but currently Cadillacs to me 🐈 ow😻, are CADILLACKING. Have switched to Town Cars! Now even those are no longer available. Happy holidays🎄
The 58 Studebaker and Packard (often called Packardbakers) were a great attempt to save both. The headlight pods I believe were fiberglass and a little awkward. But especially in upscale versions, the cars were pretty attractive. With low production numbers, this looks like a BON MARCHE!
I don’t know if this is a “tribute” patrol car or not but Studebaker did see police use. North Versailles TWP (PA) used Studes in the 1950s. As to it being a straight six, That would NOT preclude it being a police car. The city of Pittsburgh used Chevrolets in the 40s and 50s, all straight sixes. Of course city patrol and Highway patrol have different needs, But in 1958 the Interstate highway system had barely began to be developed and “highway speed” was a bit slower than it would become by the 1960s and 70s.
Bidding is up to 4 grand. I believe somebody created this because of the colour scheme. The buttons on the side of the dash appear a bit to modern. The wire hanging down from the dash light should be internal. The small lights (turn signals?) on the grill are added on as the originals are under the bumper. I’d remove all the extras, get a good body shop to repair the damage created and drive it. Although I prefer the 57 model year with the single headlights. Interesting how they carried style and parts forward. My dad bought a ’60 Lark 4 door and from the side the doors are identical to this ’58. I wonder if the hood is ajar or doesn’t quite fit?
Just thoughts.
The Studebaker was the only decent looking car in ‘58. I didn’t say good looking, just the least ugly. ‘58 was a terrible year for American cars.
You must have missed the Ford Thunderbird.
There were many good looking cars in 58
It’s a stock Studie that’s been dressed up…..anyone catch the Mopar outside mirror ?