1951 Studebaker Champion Regal Deluxe Convertible

Description

1951 Studebaker Champion Regal Deluxe Convertible

Special factory order (documented) with desired colors, black soft top, automatic, white walls, optional climatizer and signalsCorrect restoration by the granddaughter of the original Indiana owner82k original miles and sold on actual mileage titleAssembled in Studebaker’s South Bend, Indiana factory on April 5, 1951Originally bought from Snider Studebaker in Indianapolis, IndianaFunctioning original tube AM radioOne of only 3,770 Champion convertibles made in 1951, very few with automaticsSpecial factory ordered Maui Blue exterior (code 8452W-VZ), red interior (code 7670 MT CL) and black, power-folding top all rebuilt in the early 2000s by car’s previous owner170 CID inline six-cylinder engine rebuilt during the early 2000s #849927Seldom-seen Automatic Drive two-speed automatic transmission and 4.10 gearingFirst Studebaker offered with automatic transmissionRestored push-button radioDocumentation includes original build sheet, original owner’s manual, original copy of 1950 Studebaker Land Cruiser, original Auto Drive owner’s guide, a letter from a Brice Reed dated August 6, 2001 on company letterhead

Studebakers are rarer than hen’s teeth these days and we have an even rarer model here at MotoeXotica Classic Cars, a 1951 Champion Regal Deluxe Convertible. This is the car if you want to get noticed in traffic, turn heads at a traffic light or get asked, “What kind of car is that?” This example is one of only 3,770 Champion convertibles made in 1951 and even more rare with the Automatic Drive two-speed automatic transmission option. A correct restoration was performed by the granddaughter of the original Indiana owner and is still sold on a actual mileage Pennsylvania title with 82k original miles. Only 656 miles were driven on this handsome Studebaker in the past 15 years!

This example was a Special Factory Ordered Champion that was placed on March 26, 1951, it was assembled in Studebaker’s South Bend, Indiana factory on April 5, 1951 and was shipped on April 6, 1951 to Snider Studebaker in Indianapolis, Indiana, where its original owner bought it. The build sheet lists it as a special factory order with the following options – black convertible top, automatic transmission, white sidewall tires, climatizer (heater/defrost system) and directional signals.

The original family had the car restored to its correct color and trim, Maui Blue on the outside (code 8452W-VZ) and in eye-popping contrast, a red interior (code 7670 MT CL). The re-paint, interior and black, power-folding top were all rebuilt in the early 2000s. The paint is in overall excellent order, with only a few minor blemishes visible at close range. The windows and lights are in similar fantastic condition, the car’s body is straight and solid, the battery appears in great shape and the chrome bumpers are in excellent order.

This Studebaker rolls on Firestone Deluxe Champion wide whitewall tires, size 6.40-15 at all four corners. Each tire is mounted on a steel wheel topped with a factory wheel cover. The wheel covers are in excellent shape while the tires are in very good condition.

Under the hood is a 170 CID straight six-cylinder engine that was rebuilt during the early 2000s. Backing this motor is the rare Automatic Drive two-speed automatic transmission and a 4.10:1 rear end. This was Studebakers first model offered with a automatic transmission.

Inside, the car’s red interior is in overall excellent shape. The split-folding front and rear bench seats are in fantastic condition and as must be noted again, the color really stands out against the body color. The car’s dark floormats are in good, original shape. The three-spoke steering wheel is more like an objet d’art than a tool to change the car’s direction. The Maui Blue metal instrument panel and red inner door panels are in excellent condition. The car’s shifter is in good, original shape. The interior also has a clock and map pockets. Completing the interior is a restored pushbutton tube AM radio that still pulls local stations and sounds pretty rich and warm!

Documentation includes original build sheet, original owner’s manual, original copy of 1950 Studebaker Land Cruiser, original Auto Drive owner’s guide, a letter from a Brice Reed dated August 6, 2001 on company letterhead.

Competition to this Studebaker in 1951 included Chevrolet’s Styleline Deluxe Convertible, Ford’s Custom Eight Convertible and Plymouth’s Cranbrook Convertible Coupe.

Taking this car to a cruise night or car show will almost guarantee you would have the only Studebaker Champion or the only Champion droptop and definitely the only one with an automatic transmission. Be prepared for lots of smiles and stories from onlookers and strangers who remember when they had one or their parents or grandparents owned one. Stop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to check out this rolling time capsule.

VIN: G 1060021EIN: 849927

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 82,756 miles and believed to be original. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, actual mileage PA title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

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