Description
“The best of NASCAR meets the best of Mexico”
Studebaker Champion 1953
Multiple overall winner of the Carrera Panamericana
Available now - offers welcome!
The modern Carrera Panamericana is a gruelling and iconic motorsport event held each year in Mexico, reviving the spirit of the legendary 1950s race. Covering more than 3, 000 kilometres in just one week, it combines high-speed competition on closed public roads with endurance stages over challenging terrain. Since its revival in 1988, one marque has stood out from the rest: Studebaker.
Widely modified to gain speed, reliability and safety, Studebaker coupes, particularly the elegant 1963 models designed by Raymond Loewy, have become the weapon of choice for the top contenders. With their aerodynamic profile, lightweight chassis and adaptability to powerful modern transmissions, these cars have claimed numerous overall victories, earning them iconic status in the modern Panamericana.
The example offered here was built in Mexico by the renowned specialist Efrain Vega for Juan Carlos Sarmiento, who steered it to overall victory in 2004 and 2005. It was later acquired by two Belgian owners, who continued to prepare it and have it serviced by Vega. The hand-painted “Viva Belgica” inscription on the hood pays tribute to its recent European sojourn.
Built in the Carrera’s classic style, the car features a NASCAR-type tubular chassis and an integrated roll cage, covered by a lightweight body comprising fibreglass and steel panels. The build is decidedly functional, prioritising performance, safety and durability over aesthetic refinement. Well‑engineered Studebakers like this are capable of approaching 300 km/ h on the Carrera’s famous highway-speed section.
A full inspection and refresh were carried out by Vega in 2019 (details available on request), and in 2022 the car was shipped to Belgium where it remains available for inspection. It will require a minor recommissioning before returning to competition.
All European taxes have been paid and the car is offered with a valid Mexican title.
Some specifications
• Chevrolet 5. 7 L engine.
• Two MSD boxes and coils
• Richmond 5-speed gearbox, aluminium sump.
• Reinforced alloy driveshaft.
• Ford 9-inch rear axle with fully floating half-shafts and locker differential.
• Front suspension: reinforced Lefthander double wishbones, ball-jointed radius rods, coil springs, QA1 dampers.
• Rear suspension: reinforced adjustable trailing arms, anti-roll bar, Panhard rod, coil springs, QA1 dampers, anti-roll bar.
• Willwood pedal box, adjustable brake balance.
• Front brakes: Willwood six-piston calipers, vented discs.
• Rear brakes: Willwood four-piston calipers, vented discs.
• Power steering.
• 120‑litre fuel tank.
• 16‑inch alloy wheels with 255/ 50/ 16 tyres.
• More details available on request.
Offers welcome!
