1950 Studebaker Champion Convertible

Description

How can you not love the bullet-nose Studebaker? This 1950 Champion Convertible is a delectably rare example from the Studebaker Bros. of South Bend, featuring a gorgeous Maroon paint job, a comfortable interior, and a top that goes down. 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.

Thanks to the benefit of long-term ownership (current owner purchased it in 1989), this nicely restored Champion is a great-looking little car that's perfectly set up for touring and car shows alike. Repainted in 1982 to a very high level, the finish has held up incredibly well throughout the years - the direct result of approximately only 20K or so miles logged on the car since the restoration. Affordably priced, it looks like it should cost thousands more (especially when you consider the rarity), with a sparkling Milano Maroon paint job borrowed from the 1966 Corvette color palette draped over laser-straight sheetmetal. It's not a perfect show piece, 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 sleek shape of the bullet-nose Stude's was obviously inspired by the incoming jet age following the war, and few cars on the road in 1950 were as modern-looking as the Studebaker Champion. The front end screams "Red Baron" and is pure drama distilled into steel, the shapely hood and fenders could almost shame a Wonder Bra into modesty, while the rear quarters and long deck lid are pure 1950's Art Deco style. You'll also note that the chrome is in great shape too, from the iconic "bullet nose" to the extra-protective bumpers, to all the shiny stainless that frames the windows, lights, and trim.

The future arrived inside as well, where there's a surprising amount of space for a rather smallish two-door convertible. 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 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. Options are scarce, as was the case for most cars in 1950, but you do get working heat/defrost, a functional original AM radio, and a power convertible top. Chrome accents on the dash and steering wheel help things really pop inside, and the wonderful condition of little things like the tissue box and various knobs in the dash are further evidence of how incredibly well-cared for this Stude's always been. Three-on-the-tree shifting is easy, and the car starts simply by pressing the clutch pedal to the floor. The trunk is also impressively sized, complete with a mat and a matching full-sized spare and complete jack assembly.

Champion performance is lively thanks to a 185 cubic inch inline-six that was swapped-in as a new piece in 1998, with only 20,328 miles on the clock ever since (the speedometer was replaced and odometer set to zero when the new motor was installed). 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. 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. The engine bay is clean enough to earn an AACA prize badge, with an olive green engine, very nice cast iron manifolds, and fully restored accessories like the black oil-bath style air cleaner and horns up top. The wiring harness and plumbing appear to be correct reproductions, and even the battery is an accurate-looking piece that now runs 12-volts. Underneath, it's quite clean with smooth and solid floors, nicely detailed suspension components, and an exhaust system with a lot of life left in it. The original steel wheels were painted maroon to match the exterior and then adorned with chrome beauty rings and Baby Moon hubcaps, then finally fitted with vintage-looking American Classic wide whitewalls.

Documented with a factory buildsheet, original owner's and service manuals, and a verifiable history that goes back several decades, this '50 Bullet-Nose droptop is an incredibly special car. Grab yourself a piece of forgotten American history. Call today!