Studebaker’s history runs deep in the transportation industry. The company was first incorporated in 1868 as a coachbuilder for wagons and buggies. By the early 1900s, Studebaker began dabbling in motorized vehicles – some of which were electric, and some of which were gasoline-powered. Its operations eventually phased out in the 1960s after a series of mergers and an overall decline in vehicle sales volume. Nonetheless, Studebaker built a legacy, and one of the cars that put Studebaker on the map (at least during the company’s prosperous period) was a Champion in its own right.
The Pick of the Day is a 1955 Studebaker Champion Starlight listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Glendale, California.
“This is a California car and has only had two owners,” the listing begins. “No rust issues and a straight body. Nice chrome and paint, newer rubber.”
Finished in light green with a dark green roof, the body is chrome-laden in typical 1950s fashion. Exterior features include front bumper guards, vented front fenders, a driver side mirror, whitewall tires and chrome wheelcovers. The green theme makes its way to the dashboard and even the steering column. The seller says the upholstery is in “decent condition” but, from the photos, we think it looks solid for a 70-year-old car.
The Champion was produced in South Bend, Indiana, by Studebaker from 1939 through 1958. Units produced between 1953 through 1956 are referred to as fourth-generation Champions. Design language during that era (for the coupes, sedans and station wagons alike) conveyed what Studebaker called a “European look” since the body lines were unique compared to traditional domestics of the era. The two-door coupes from the era with B-pillars were called Starlights, while the pillarless hardtops were called Starliners. Today’s featured car is a Starlight.
Power originates with a flathead inline-six mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The listing says that the car “runs good for [its] age,” and recent mechanical work included a rebuild of the carburetor and replacement of the spark plugs. The odometer shows 51,344 miles, but we aren’t sure if the reading is accurate or if it has rolled over.
Either way, you will be hard-pressed to find a better opportunity for a 1950s Champion at the price point. “Way under what it’s worth, and far less than I have put into it,” the listing concludes.
It will only cost you $10,500 to be the champion who buys this 1955 Champion Starlight.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
