Highlights
- Believed to be one of only a handful of right-hand drive DeLuxe Double Dater coupes ever produced
- Built in the final months of Studebaker's civilian automobile production before the factory switched to wartime manufacture in January 1942
- Body-off restoration carried out in South Africa
- Designed by the renowned Raymond Loewy, creating a strikingly modern shape for its era
- Comprehensive recent mechanical work, including a complete braking system rebuild
The Appeal
It's not an exaggeration to say that Studebaker deserves credit as one of the greatest US manufacturers. Their designs were inventive, endlessly dedicated to comfort, and - thanks to the work of Raymond Loewy, who is often credited with creating American art deco - endlessly stylish and charismatic. Their cars felt positively futuristic, and the Champion quickly became one of the most praised cars of its era. These were remarkably efficient, Ponton-styled beauties that became a backbone for the wartime economy.
With the South Bend factory ceasing civilian automobile production in January 1942 to support the war effort, these cars were also among the last of Studebaker's pre-war designs, and certainly amongst the most striking. The DeLuxe Double Dater coupe, a five-seat variant in a market dominated by three-seater coupes aimed at travelling salesmen, was an unusual proposition even in its home market. As a right-hand control export model destined for South Africa, this example is exceptionally rare.
Built at South Bend, Indiana and exported to South Africa in late 1941, this handsome car has benefited from a body-off restoration and wears its original factory colour scheme of Panama Light Blue with a contrasting Panama Dark Blue top. Having spent its life in South Africa, it's a particularly solid example.
Privately imported to the UK in 2011 and stored indoors until its recent UK registration in late 2025, the car has been in the care of an owner well-versed in the Studebaker marque. With its extraordinary rarity, handsome period styling and the reassurance of recent mechanical attention all on the cards, this is a fabulous prospect - a pre-war American coupe that will stand out at any gathering.
Privately imported to the UK in 2011 and stored indoors until its recent UK registration in late 2025, the car has been in the care of an owner well-versed in the Studebaker marque. With its extraordinary rarity, handsome period styling and the reassurance of recent mechanical attention all on the cards, this is a fabulous prospect - a pre-war American coupe that will stand out at any gathering.
Key Information
- Mileage: The odometer reads 5,678 miles and has gone around the clock; the estimated actual mileage is said to be 105,678 miles (not warranted)
- Country of registration: UK
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 2,800cc inline six-cylinder petrol, 3-speed manual with overdrive
- Paperwork: No specific original documentation or engine rebuild records reported
The Detail
- Complete braking system recently rebuilt with all new slave and master cylinders, brake linings and rubber flex hoses
- New fuel pump fitted; outer rear axle bearings checked and correctly spaced; all fluids checked
- Steering column gear change set up to select all gears properly; described as drivable and road ready
- The vendor states the engine appears to have been rebuilt, though no supporting paperwork is available
- Front end reported as tight; chassis rubbers replaced during the restoration
- Converted to 12-volt electrics with an alternator and a replacement wiring harness fitted
- Complete stainless steel exhaust system and electric windscreen wipers fitted
- Factory three-speed gearbox with overdrive
- Finished in its original factory colours of Panama Light Blue with a contrasting Panama Dark Blue top
- Stainless steel belt trims polished, though some show obvious repairs; other chrome parts remain original
- Older restoration showing its age in places; some lead filler has cracks and the paint has imperfections and chips
- Dent in the left rear fender caused by contact with a transport truck
- Minor corrosion appearing in the lower cowl on the left side and underneath the front fender on the right side cowl
- Chassis and underside still presenting well from the body-off restoration
- Bumper bars re-chromed and a new old stock set of four hubcaps fitted
- Five full-width bias-ply BF Goodrich Silvertown white wall tyres mounted on the rims
- The vendor states the interior is in very good condition, re-trimmed in maroon vinyl with matching carpets
- Headliner, sun visors and wind lacing replaced with contrasting grey vinyl
- Dashboard repainted; steering wheel shows typical age-related cracking
- All instruments and switches function except the fuel gauge, where the fault lies with the sender unit
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.








































































































































































































































































































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