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The unique bullet nose of the 1950-51 Studebaker is an iconic design, loved by some, loathed by others, and both now and in its day, but always distinctive and memorable. Two models in particular stand out, the Starlight coupe with its 4-piece wraparound rear window, and the rarely seen convertible.
The Pick of the Day is a 1950 Studebaker Champion convertible in premium Regal Deluxe trim, which was the only way these droptops were offered at the time. This one looks to be in lovely stock restored condition, with full factory options, a power top, wide whitewall tires and chrome accents on the body and interior.
“This 1950 Champion convertible is a delectably rare example from the Studebaker Bros. of South Bend (Indiana), featuring a gorgeous maroon paint job, a comfortable interior, and a top that goes down,” according to the dealer in Fort Worth, Texas, advertising the car on ClassicCars.com. “Restored several years back yet still running like a top today (we can barely hear the smooth inline-6 run at times), this classic American throwback helps remind us that the Big 3 weren’t the only ones manufacturing beautiful cars in the ’50s.”
The Studebaker was repainted in 1982 with a Chevrolet Corvette color, Milano Maroon, “over laser-straight sheetmetal,” the dealer says in the ad, its finish holding up well nearly four decades later with just 20,000 miles added since the car’s full restoration.
The Studebaker’s interior also still looks fresh after all those years.
“Completely restored inside back in 1982, both benches were upholstered in lovely maroon-and-white vinyl with pronounced piping that’s period-appropriate, while the slick door panels are taut with a contrasting band of chrome at the bottom, which looks awesome and ties the whole car in together,” the dealer says.
“The maroon-painted dash is quite modern, with an instrument panel that mirrors the front-end, jet-age styling. The gauges themselves appear to be impeccably preserved originals, while the large replacement speedometer and clock in the center show off squared-off digits that are pure 1950s cool.”
The Studebaker is powered by a 185cid inline-6 that was swapped for the original engine in 1998, the seller adds, and is housed in a very clean and correct engine bay and hooked up with a 3-speed column-shifted manual transmission. The refurbished electrical system was converted to 12 volts.
“It’s energetic as well as thrifty, running so darn smooth the car practically sneaks up on you, and it fires right up with a faint burble from the single exhaust that sounds 100% period correct,” the dealer notes. “With smartly selected ratios in the 3-speed manual transmission that also features overdrive, it zips around town easily and keeps up with traffic without breaking a sweat.”
Photos with the ad show a Studebaker that appears to be clean and solid on top and underneath. The car is documented with a factory build sheet, original owner’s and service manuals, and a verifiable history that goes back several decades, the dealer notes.
“It’s not a perfect showpiece, as you’re bound to acquire an imperfection or two after almost 40 years of care, but this Champion still presents incredibly well with a high-end, driver-quality curb appeal that really impresses,” the ad says.
The asking price for this Studebaker with its older but still presentable restoration is $31,995.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
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