Highlights

Near-completed restoration with only light work required
Incredible Raymond Loewy design
Reupholstered and repainted to a high standard
Portuguese title, legible for registration in any EU country
Currently based in Madrid, Spain

The Appeal

When it comes to sheer charisma, Studebaker’s trendsetting, book-rewriting designs may well be some of the most important in American motoring. The Studebaker Champion is a particularly stylish car - but there’s none we favour more than the 1950-1952 models, with their distinctive ‘Spinner’ grille - a retro-futurist masterpiece that turned heads and raised eyebrows. While short lived, it’s still a highly enduring icon of the brand’s legendary taste for something different.

This example, registered in Portugal since 1951, comes to use following a near-completed restoration. A few more bits of work are required before the car is ready to return to the road, but don’t let that fool you - mechanically and cosmetically, it’s an impressive opportunity.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in Portugal in 1951
Still carries Portuguese title, with handwritten document
Sadly we don’t know much about the car’s history
A couple of years ago, the owner embarked upon a restoration
This included preparing to add electric door motors - hence the removed handles
This is still yet to be carried out through the motor kit is provided with the sale
Always kept indoors and maintained well, particularly treated by the Spanish climate
The car currently indicates 89,672 miles on a five-figure odometer
Sadly this can’t be verified due to a lack of paperwork

The Interior

Restored interior, with some light work still required
Impressive period styling with bench seats and a painted dashboard
Art-deco styled instruments set a beguiling period tone
Restoration included retrimming and carpeting
As a result, these are in utter superb fettle with no rips or tears
This includes the door cards, which lack any signs of wear
Dashboard has been repainted with some patina to the chromework
Instruments are clean and easy to read with all tactile switches reportedly working
Steering wheel includes a somewhat anachronistic addition of a frame-design sticker
Headlining has some wear and creasing
Boot is solid with firm metal floors and no perforating corrosion
The car has been prepared for the installation of remote-control door motors
These haven’t yet been fitted, but are included in the sale

The Exterior

Highly impressive Raymond Loewy design with curvy panels and ‘Spinner’ grille
Deep blue paintwork, recently resprayed
Plenty of chromework with a light patina
Some wear to the chrome with the occasional fitting screw or mount
Glasswork in fair order with some light marking
Some scuffs and what appears to be a hairline crack to the rear lenses
Spinner grille in great order
The door has hand its handles removed, due to the intention for the car to have door motors
As a result, to open the car, you have to do so through the vent windows
The original door handles are provided with the sale
The car is sitting on its original period wheels which look in good order
The car is shod in a set of Michelin tyres
Underneath, the car has some light surface corrosion and wear, though very insignificant

The Mechanics

Powered by a 2.8L I6 powerplant
Borg-Warner automatic transmission
Engine bay is in very good order
We understand that the engine has been restored and rebuilt
Car is reportedly starting first time with no faults
Petrol tank has been cleaned and treated
Car has been tuned and is in fine working order
No reported issues with how the car is driving

Summary

Beautifully designed, charismatic and well-presented, this largely restored motor is a great opportunity - with only minor investment required to put it to rights and get it ready for the road.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Shipping and transfer

Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email auctions@carandclassic.com.