Now that’s a front end. It’s, dare I say… iconic? Even folks who hate that overused term would have to agree that this 1951 Studebaker Champion has one of the most iconic grilles in car history. This Champion can be found here on Craigslist in Littleton, Colorado. The seller is asking $3,000 for this project. Thanks to Ikey H. for tracking down this Studebaker listing!
Ok, we just lost half of you. Yes, this is a four-door car. Hey, they’re suicide doors, how about that, huh? Nice, 37% of that 50% of you who turned away are now back again. Everyone loves suicide doors, they make a four-door cool again. Arguably, the most well-known in the Studebaker Champion series are the third-generation cars and people really notice the 1950 and 1951 bullet-nose Champion and Commander.
You can see that you’ll have your work cut out for you in the wet-sanding department. Also, in tracking down a few missing or hashed parts and pieces. With Hagerty being at $6,100 for a #3 good condition car I don’t see much restoration happening on this car, unfortunately. Even a #2 excellent condition 1950 Champion four-door sedan is valued at just $9,600 and you aren’t touching this restoration for $6,600 plus the $3,000 to buy it. It’s unfortunate, it does look like a doable project but the numbers just don’t add up in the car’s value compared to the seller’s asking price plus the restoration costs, even doing it yourself it’ll be a few thousand dollars not counting your labor which none of us probably count since it’s usually a labor of love.
But, it’s such a great design. Oddly, but maybe not so odd because we see it so often here and it never fails to disappoint, there are no interior or engine photos. I know, it’s sitting right there, how hard would it have been to take a few more photos for a car that you’re trying to sell before moving out of town? There has to be a reason that we don’t know about. Given that the engine and interior are both a wildcard on condition, the engine at least should be a 169.6 cubic-inch L-head inline-six with 85 hp. The seller does say that they “have had it run on a secondary fuel source” so that’s good. But, given the restoration work that’s needed I sure hope that they can sell this Studebaker before they move to the east coast. Any thoughts on this Champion?
This Stude could be repurposed in a retail setting or a large bar/restaurant. Or, in a local museum display or artistic display somewhere.
I agree…it’s not worth the money to fix up, but that doesn’t mean in can’t be beautiful in a different setting. Plus, if displayed inside, it would be better preserved for the day when it may be worth restoring. Likely won’t happen, but…I hate to see it get parted out or rust into dust.
my my. All I can say is I’m glad it’s not in Arizona because it would be in my driveway tomorrow. I’d do the mechanics and drive it as is. That’s my trip. worse case scenario, one heck of a piece of (iconic? why not) yard art. Of course I’m not married. lol
‘even doing it yourself it’ll be a few thousand dollars not counting your labor which none of us probably count since it’s usually a labor of love.’
Also the point of acquiring it in the first place. It’s not about “arbitrary values” by some third party. This one is not a speculator’s or flipper’s type of car.
I was brought home from the hospital in one of these with the wrap around rear window. It was sea foam green and six years old at the time. I still have a soft spot in my heads for these.
Car for a hot rodder.
Price way to high for sedan
The iconic curves, chrome, and glass… It doesnt really matter how you do it, just get it back on the road in a tasteful manner and you’ll get pleasing smiles and thumbs up. Its a great starting point and the price is probably negotiable.
A bear’s natural habitat! :)
Here’s mine….make me an offer! :)
@73duster – please consider listing it here on the site: https://barnfinds.com/sell/
Thanks Jesse, I was just kidding, but when I do get ready to sell I will definitely list it with you guys, this is the greatest site! Thanks, -Marc