Lot Ended
Description
1950 Studebaker Champion 3 Business
Coupe
Super rare and super rad Business coupe with bench
front seat, 6-pot flathead with 3-on-a-tree tranny, in super
condition
This incredible coupe dates from 1950 and features a
170cui (2.8 litre) six-cylinder flat-head engine with 6 volt positive earth
electrics and 3-speed 'on the tree' column shift with clutch pedal start (yes,
you read that correctly).
An ultra rare variant, the 'Studebaker
Champion' 3 passenger business coupe of which only 1,562 were believed to have
been manufactured in 1950 and is in Q4 spec, known as the 'Custom' carrying,
when new, a price tag of $1,419. The more common 5 passenger Champion coupe had
rear seats and a wrap around rear windsheild as opposed to this Business coupe
with single window and central split and its famously long rear boot lid and
probably, largest boot in history.
Featuring the iconic ''Bullet Nose"
front end and rear fins, this style was part of Studebaker's 'New Look' for the
early 50's and was far more successful than they had expected, selling a record
343,164 cars in 1950 with factories in Indiana, Southern California and
Ontario at full capacity to keep up with demand.
The car was titled new
in the States in Keansburg, New Jersey in August 1950 to a Mr Joseph Palisciano
(great name) with this original Title on file along with two other US owners
also of New Jersey also on file. The glovebox of the car has retained the
original data sheet which is super to find.
To start the car, one turns
the ignition on and depresses and holds the clutch activating a starter
button - it takes a little practice but who doesnt love an idiosyncrasy like
that!
Imported from the USA in 2007 by custom car guru Andy
Saunders, comprehensive restoration was carried out by the first of just two UK
owners who was lucky enough to own the car for 13 years. There is a thick and
well presented photo album on file documenting the bare metal restoration and
repaint.
The history file also includes the V5C, old style V5C, copy
article from Classic-American magazine on this car post restoration, HPI check,
old tax discs, UK Studebaker club mag, period Autocar mag from 1952 and American
Car Club of Uk magazine. The car comes with its original U.S Title, old
bills from the mid '70s, U.S insurance ID cards from the mid '70s, DVLA
registration application correspondance and a vehicle valuation post restoration
dated March 2007 at £17,000 by F.G Bethell & Son of Blandford Forum who
carried out the restoration on behalf of the former owner. There is also a
Studebaker parts catalogue, model history print-out and invoices relating to the
restoration including a wiring harness, interior door panel, ignition parts,
gaskets, seals, bumpers, light lenses totalling c.£1,500.
A huge
opportunity to buy an excedingly rare coupe in superb restored order ready to
enjoy.
For more information contact - [email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT