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.

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

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