Studebaker Champion

The Studebaker Champion is an

The Champion was phased out in 1958 in preparation for the introduction of the 1959 Studebaker Lark. Prior to this, Studebaker had been placed under receivership, and the company was attempting to return to a profitable position.

First generation

The Champion was introduced in 1939. Following the design trends of the time, the grille and headlights were partially integrated. Deluxe models came with arm rests and dual wipers. The 164.3 cu in (2.7 L)

In 1941, the bodies were given a more streamlined look with a wider, lower grille.

Second generation

Motor vehicle

Second generation
coupé[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110 in (2,794 mm)
Length	193 in (4,902 mm)

The second generation Champion arrived for the abbreviated 1942 model year. In 1946, Studebaker built a limited number of cars based on this body shell in preparation for its new body and design rollout in 1947. All Studebakers built in 1946 were designated Skyway Champion models. Only the Champion series was produced, it being the most popular before the war.[3]

Third generation

Third generation
1947 Studebaker Champion Business Coupe
Overview
Manufacturer	I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112 in (2,845 mm)[3]
Length	1947: 192 in (4,877 mm) 1950: 197.3 in (5,011 mm)

In 1947, Studebaker completely redesigned the Champion and the Commander, making them the first new cars after World War II.^[3][4] The styling included a new rear window, flat front fenders in the ponton style which had just gone mainstream, as well as convenience features like backlight illumination for gauges and automatic courtesy lights.^[3] The Champion made up 65.08% of the total sales for the automaker in 1947.

The 169.9 cu in (2.8 L) I6 engine produced 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) in 1947. In 1950, output was increased to 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS).

• 
  1947 Champion Deluxe Station Wagon prototype
• 
  1948 Studebaker Champion
• 
  1949 Studebaker Champion Regal De Luxe Convertible
• 
  1949 straight-six engine
• 
  1950 Studebaker Champion 4-Door Sedan
• 
  1951 Starlight coupe
• 
  1951 Starlight coupe
• 
  1952 Studebaker Champion 4-Door Sedan

Fourth generation

In 1953, Studebaker was redesigned by Robert Bourke from Raymond Loewy's design studio ("the Loewy Coupe" or "Low Boy"). The 2-door

No convertible was offered in 1953. However, in late 1952 Studebaker produced one prototype of a 1953 Commander convertible to determine whether the model could be profitably mass-produced.^[8] The car was based on the 1953 2-door Starliner hardtop. The car was later modified to 1954 model specifications and was occasionally driven around South Bend by engineers. Additional structural reinforcements were needed to reduce body flexure. Even though the car was equipped with the 232 cu in (3.80 L) V8, the added structural weight increased the car's 0–60 mph acceleration time to an unacceptable level. In addition, the company did not have the financial resources to add another body type to the model line. The company's leadership mistakenly thought that the 2-door sedans, 4-door sedans, and 1954 Conestoga wagon (described below) would sell better than the 2-door coupes, so the company's resources were focused on the production of the sedans and the wagon.

When the prototype convertible was no longer needed, engineer E. T. Reynolds ordered the car to be stripped and the body sent to the secret graveyard at the company's proving grounds west of South Bend. A non-engineering employee requested permission to purchase the complete car, rather than see it rot away at the proving grounds with other, earlier prototypes of other cars and trucks. Chief engineer Gene Hardig discussed the request with E. T. Reynolds. They agreed to let the employee purchase the car on the condition that the employee never sell it. In the 1970s, the car was rediscovered behind a South Bend gas station and no longer owned by the former employee. It has been through several owners and paint colors.^[9]

In 1954, a new 2-door

The streamlined shape of the Loewy coupes made them popular with land speed racing competitors, both in their stock configuration and modified with chopped tops and other modifications to make them even more streamlined.^{[11][12][13][14]}

• 
  1953 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe
• 
  1954 Studebaker Champion Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
• 
  1954 Studebaker Champion Conestoga Station Wagon
• 
  1955 Studebaker Champion Regal 4-door Sedan
• 
  1956 Studebaker Champion 4-door Sedan

Fifth generation

In 1957, the Champion Scotsman, a stripped-down Champion, was introduced in an attempt to compete with the “Big Three” (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) as well as Nash in the low-price field. Shortly after its introduction, the model was renamed Studebaker Scotsman.

Two engines were available, a 185 cu in (3.0 L) 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) "Sweepstakes" L-head I6, or a 289 cu in (4.7 L) 210 hp (157 kW; 213 PS) "Sweepstakes" OHV V8.^[3]

• 
  1957 Studebaker Champion DeLuxe 4-Door Sedan
• 
  1957 Scotsman by Studebaker
• 
  1958 Studebaker Champion 4-Door Sedan
• 
  1958 Champion 4-door sedan

References

• Maloney, James H. (1994). Studebaker Cars. Crestline Books.
  ISBN 0-87938-884-6
  .
• Langworth, Richard (1979). Studebaker, the Postwar Years. Motorbooks International.
  ISBN 0-87938-058-6
  .
• Gunnell, John, ed. (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications.
  ISBN 0-87341-096-3
  .
• Reminiscence from the 1985 Interview with Audrey Moore Hodges

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