Studebaker Champion

The success of the Champion in 1939 was imperative to Studebaker's survival following weak sales during the 1938 model year. Unlike most other cars, the Champion was designed from a "clean sheet", and had no restrictions caused by necessarily utilizing older parts or requiring the subsequent use of its components in heavier vehicles. Market research guided the selection of features, but a key principle adhered to was the engineering watchword "weight is the enemy." For its size, it was one of the lightest cars of its era. Its compact straight-six engine outlasted the model itself and was produced to the end of the 1964 model year, with a change to an OHV design in 1961.

The Champion was one of Studebaker's best-selling models because of its low price (US $660 for the 2-door business coupe in 1939, equal to $12,131 today), durable engine, and styling. The car's ponton styling was authored by industrial designer Raymond Loewy who had been under contract with Studebaker for the design of their automobiles. Champions won Mobilgas economy runs by posting the highest gas mileage tests. During World War II, Champions were coveted for their high mileage at a time when gas was rationed in the United States. From 1943–1945, the Champion engine was used as the powerplant for the Studebaker M29 Weasel personnel and cargo carrier, which also used four sets of the Champion's leaf springs arranged transversely for its bogie suspension.

The Champion was phased out in 1958 in preparation for the introduction of the 1959 Studebaker Lark. Prior to this, Studebaker had been placed under receivership, and the company was attempting to return to a profitable position.

First generation
1939 Series G 4-Door Sedan
Overview
Production	1939–1941
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	164.3 cu in (2.7 L) I6
Dimensions
Length	188.75 in (4,794 mm)[2]

The Champion was introduced in 1939. Following the design trends of the time, the grille and headlights were partially integrated. Deluxe models came with arm rests and dual wipers. The 164.3 cu in (2.7 L) I6 engine produced 78 horsepower (58 kW; 79 PS). In 1940, Studebaker claimed 27.25 mpg_‑US (8.63 L/100 km; 32.73 mpg_‑imp).[2] In 1941, the bodies were given a more streamlined look with a wider, lower grille.

1940 Business Coupe

1940 4-door Sedan

1941 2-door Sedan

1941 4-door Sedan

Second generation
1946 Skyway 4-door sedan
Overview
Production	1942–1946
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	2-door sedan [3] 4-door sedan [3] 2-door coupé [3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110 in (2,794 mm)
Length	193 in (4,902 mm)

The second generation Champion arrived for the abbreviated 1942 model year. In 1946, Studebaker built a limited number of cars based on this body shell in preparation for its new body and design roll out in 1947. All Studebakers built in 1946 were designated Skyway Champion models. Only the Champion series was produced, it being the most popular before the war.[4]

1942 4-door sedan

1946 Skyway 4-door sedan

Third generation
1949 Regal Deluxe 4-door sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Studebaker
Production	1947–1952
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door sedan 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	169.9 cu in (2.8 L) I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112 in (2,845 mm)[4]
Length	1947: 192 in (4,877 mm) 1950: 197.3 in (5,011 mm)

In 1947, Studebaker completely redesigned the Champion and the Commander, making them the first new cars after World War II.[4][5] The styling included a new rear window, flat front fenders, as well as convenience features like back light illumination for gauges and automatic courtesy lights.[4] The Champion made up 65.08% of the total sales for the automaker in 1947.

The 169.9 cu in (2.8 L) I6 engine produced 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) in 1947. In 1950, output was increased to 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS).[4] Also, new styling (new grill, sheet metal, and rear end) was introduced, as well as an automatic transmission.[4]

One of the new styling features on the cars was the wraparound, "greenhouse" rear window that was on 2-door cars from 1947–1951, at first just an option, in 1950 it was given its own trim line, the Starlight coupe.[4] The "spinner" grill was introduced in 1950, similar to that of a Ford Deluxe,[6] but was dropped again for the 1952 model year.

1947 Business Coupe

1949 straight-six engine

1950 Studebaker Champion 4-Door Sedan

1951 Starlight coupe

1951 Starlight coupe

Fourth generation
1954 Regal Starliner hardtop coupe
Overview
Production	1953–1956
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 4-door station wagon 2-door station wagon 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	169.6 cu in (2,779 cc) L-head I6[7] 185.6 cu in (3,041 cc) L-head I6[8]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	coupes & hardtops: 120.5 in (3,061 mm) sedans: 116.5 in (2,959 mm)[4]
Length	coupes & hardtops: 202.2 in (5,136 mm) sedans: 198.6 in (5,044 mm)
Width	coupea & hardtops: 71 in (1,803 mm) sedans: 69.5 in (1,765 mm)

In 1953, Studebaker was redesigned by Robert Bourke, from Raymond Loewy's design studio. ("the Loewy Coupe" or "Low Boy"). The 2-door coupe with a central pillar was called the Starlight while the more expensive hardtop coupe was called the Starliner. With regard to the 2-door coupe it is very important to note that there were 2 versions of it. There was the Loewy Coupe and the shortened 4 door sedan version. The back side windows in the shortened 4-door sedans are noticeably bigger than the windows in the Loewy Coupe. The Loewy Coupe is substantially more collectable than the shortened 4-door sedans. Although similar, the body pieces on the 2 cars are not interchangeable. The front end of the new Champion was lower than contemporaries. No convertible was offered in 1953. In 1954, a new 2-door station wagon called the Conestoga was added to the product line.[9] Power of the L-head inline-six remained unchanged at 85 hp (63 kW), although in 1955 this was replaced by a larger version with 101 hp (75 kW). Also for 1955 the Starlight/Starliner labels were dropped and a wraparound windshield was introduced.[7] The 1956 Champion sedans received very different bodywork, with pronounced "eyebrows" over the headlights and large tailfins. The coupes received the new Hawk-style bodywork with a centrally placed square grille reminiscent of a period Mercedes-Benz.[8]

1953 Starlight coupe

1954 4-door sedan

1954 Conestoga Station Wagon

1956 4-door sedan

The streamlined shape of the Loewy coupes made them popular with land speed racing competitors, both in their stock configuration and modified with chopped tops and other modifications to make them even more streamlined.[10][11][12][13]

Fifth generation
1957 Champion 4-door sedan
Overview
Production	1957–1958
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	185 cu in (3.0 L) L-head I6 289 cu in (4.7 L) OHV V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase	sedans & station wagons: 116.5 in (2,959 mm)
Length	sedans & station wagons: 202.4 in (5,141 mm)
Width	sedans & station wagons: 75.8 in (1,925 mm)

In 1957, the Champion Scotsman, a stripped down Champion, was introduced in an attempt to compete with the “Big Three” (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) and Nash in the low-price field. Shortly after its introduction, the model was renamed Studebaker Scotsman.

Two engines were available, a 185 cu in (3.0 L) 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) "Sweepstakes" L-head I6, or a 289 cu in (4.7 L) 210 hp (157 kW; 213 PS) "Sweepstakes" OHV V8.[4]

1957 Scotsman by Studebaker

1958 Champion 4-door sedan

• Maloney, James H. (1994). Studebaker Cars. Crestline Books. ISBN 0-87938-884-6.
• Langworth, Richard (1979). Studebaker, the Postwar Years. Motorbooks International. ISBN 0-87938-058-6.
• Gunnell, John, ed. (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.
• Reminiscence from the 1985 Interview with Audrey Moore Hodges

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