Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1953 Studebaker Champion Hardtop
""The 1953 new car design would be the most talked about, most written about, and also the last all new major car redesign in Studebaker's history. This was a Loewy design, but the actual lines were laid down by Robert Bourke. This design, at least the center sections, would continue on until the end of Studebaker production. Champions and Commanders had an identical model lineup and used the same sheet metal. This makes it hard to tell them apart. The exterior ""tells"" between them are the front and rear badges.""� Thx�rrvcsdc.org�
For consignment, a 1953 Studebaker Champion hardtop showing 63,161 miles but the true miles are unknown. With service notes dating back to 1999, it's clear this car has been well maintained and when things needed replacement, it was done. It's straight, clean, and show worthy and can be your entry into the passionate Studebaker club.�
Exterior
Pastels originated in Italy, so it's fitting that this car is bathed in Tahoe Green, a pastel shade on a car touted with headlines reading ""the new American car with the European look"" and in 1953, there weren't many cars like it, if any! It starts with that split grille and three point star on the nose underscored by a chrome bumper with bumperettes that jut out like a bulldog's underbite. The shoulder line trails down to back where panels narrow, topped by a polished trim piece and complemented by the cabin that cants rearward and also narrows as it goes. The brochure calls the contrasting roof, here in Ivory Mist white, a ""hard top convertible for 5"" and at distance, it does appear to have a separate roof. In back, smart tail lights in a fin flank a wide smooth decklid over a more ornate rear bumper in chrome.� 15-inch Truespoke wire wheels are on board and our consignor includes the original wheels and covers in the sale. The only imperfection is some paint runs on and near the rocker panel.�
Interior
Gray and taupe stack alternately on handsome door panels, sparsely appointed and in very good shape. Lined gray cloth fills a gray vinyl shell like a pinstripe jacket on the split bench and it's based in a gray painted shell, and the pattern continues in the back where two defined seats flank an armrest with handy ashtray in the center and coordinated sidewalls under the fixed quarter window. Slight patina appears on the smooth and simple two spoke steering wheel, leading to the Champion's unique instrument panel that puts three circular gauges behind glass with a chrome frame and those gauges wear a unique font as well. A motor minder vacuum gauge is mounted under the dash and a more modern AM/FM radio resides on the lower dash under a polished mid panel that extends to house the glove box button. Beautiful gray carpet covers the floor front and rear and the gray headliner is clean and tight. The trunk is very wide and shallow for the times, cleanly covered with a gray mat and home to a Tahoe Green steel wheel with Studebaker cap.�
Drivetrain
The clean engine in the bay is a rebuilt Silver Hawk 289ci motor from 1957, rated at 225 horsepower and topped with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. The 3-speed manual transmission has overdrive, a new clutch, and pressure plate. Power is routed to a Dana 44 axle with 4.56 gears and brakes, which our consignor states are new, are discs in front and drums in back.�
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with some typical surface rust, oil on the pan, transmission and rear differential, and some grease build up in some places. The dual exhaust carries glasspack style mufflers while heading straight back to exit via chrome tips. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back. We note surface rust on the bottom of the doors, but nothing invasive.�
Drive-Ability
A low and sleek car by 50's standards, Studebakers also tend to be ultra comfortable and this one does not veer from our expectations. The engine runs strong and allows respectable acceleration with straight tracking with the 205/75R15 tires, good handling, and good visibility through the curved rear window and raked windshield. On our drive, we note the horn is not working, the brake lights do not illuminate, and the heater core is not hooked up. All other functions work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.�
The tag on the car indicates a Champion Starlight but the car also wears some Commander badging, in particular the ""V"" with the 8 on the rear panel and decklid.� Early in production, the three point star would have been typical for both the Champion and Commander, but Mercedes Benz took issue with it and models switched to the V emblem. No foul in showing the same year evolution of the brand on one car, and this is a swell example to do so. Great paint, a clean interior, and a unique design that keeps Studebaker enthusiast blood flowing and ""newbies"" to the maker stepping up to keep them under stewardship. Here's one looking for a new steward.�
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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| Year: | 1953 |
| Make: | Studebaker |
| Model: | Champion |
| Mileage: | 63155 |
| Exterior Color: | Tahoe Green |
| Interior Color: | Gray |
| Trim: | Hardtop |
| Body: | hardtop |
| Stock: | 7419 |
| Engine Size: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | 3 Speed Manual W/ Overdrive |
| Vin: | 7206697 |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
Please contact us further to discuss your needs.
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