1940 Studebaker

Sedan

6 - Cyl.

Manual

G85571

Clear

Gasoline

AACA Grand Concourse Winner. This is a 100% original preservation, unmolested 1940 Studebaker Champion Deluxe Touring Sedan with most of the optional equipment available for that year. When we acquired it last year, it had only 15,000 original miles on it and today the mileage is only 22,000. I am the third owner and the story I got from the gentleman I acquired the car from is that it was originally sold in Alabama to a young man who drove it around for about 18 months before being drafted into the Army during World War II. He put the car in his parents’ barn on block before leaving. He was killed in action during the war and his parents never touched the car again, leaving it under the covers in the barn until their death some 45+ years later. The relatives who inherited the car had no interest in it and put it up for sale in Hemmings, where the second owner found it and had it shipped to him in New York. He is a professional auto mechanic and found that (after so many years of course…) the rings were frozen to the cylinder walls, so he pulled the head and did a ring job, installed a new head gasket and all new head bolts. Other than that, the engine is 100% original and runs like the day it left South Bend. Oil pressure is constant at 10PSI at idle and 38 when running at warmed up operating temperature. Running temperature holds steady at 170 degrees. It starts on a dime and runs so smoothly that you can barely hear the engine when idling. Due to very even compression rates between the cylinders there is virtually no engine vibration to be felt. Since the ring job, he had the car for roughly 20 years putting on a few thousand miles going to and from shows. Then last year he decided he wanted a Nash Metropolitan (!!.....). So he put the car up for sale, where we found it and bought it. This car was first place winner in the 2009 AACA Grand Concourse Original Preservation Category and bears the tag on the grille. We have the trophy and it goes with the car. In 2010 this car took 2nd place at the Studebaker Drivers Club Northeast Zone Show in the prewar category (SDC does not have an original preservation class and this car came in second to a 1940 Commander fresh from a two year frame off restoration), and second best in show at the SDC Garden State Chapter Show in September. In addition to the engine as noted above, the car has the original clutch, transmission and rear axle. Brake system was completely rebuilt in 2009. There are no leaks anywhere in the cooling system, engine or transmission. The electrical system is unmolested, original wiring harnesses in excellent condition. Everything is working as it should be. Steering is tight, light and responsive and the car handles and holds the road well. NOS rear shocks are smooth and do not leak. This car was equipped with MOST of the options available at the time. EVERYTHING works perfectly – including the original Studebaker - Philco radio. Because this was the top of the Champion series, there were a lot of extras that were included as standard equipment. These include: Deluxe gearshift lever ball, banjo “phantom” steering wheel, stainless steel lower molding, broadcloth upholstery, carpeting, chrome accent door trim, rear assist seat cords, instrument board chrome strip, dual horns and a lot more (see data sheet in photos). In addition, the buyer also got the deluxe automatic tuning radio, climatizer (heater), rear fender skirts and exterior front visor. About all he didn’t go for was the optional overdrive transmission. However, we have had this car up to 65 MPH for extended drives through upstate New York, New Jersey , Pennsylvania and New England and have encountered no ill effects whatsoever. The exterior sun visor was purchased but was never actually installed! It is still present with the unpainted primer on it, no final black paint. The mounting hardware is still in the original paper bag ready to use and is brand new flawless. I’ve personally never seen anything like this before. The exterior body is as close to factory issue as you can imagine after 70+ years. The original enamel paint has always been kept waxed, is excellent and gleams although it does show some finish flaws on the trunk deck and a couple of tiny, VERY MINOR chips here and there. The original chrome is great, no rust through, in fact virtually unblemished. The optional vertical bumper guards are in fine shape as well. The radio antenna is perfect. The original optional side view mirror chrome is good but the mirror glass itself is getting in need of replacement. A matched set of NOS replacement side view mirrors is part of this auction and goes with the car. There is NO – ZERO – NADA rust ANYWHERE on this automobile. To my knowledge and the knowledge of the person from whom I bought the car it had N E V E R been out in the elements until I bought it. Since then it got caught a couple times in summer showers and has been kept under the custom car cover (which also goes with the car). The frame and body panels are all solid; the car has NO squeaks or rattles while driving on the open road, no kidding. It is a very solid car and fine example of how well these cars were constructed back in the day. The very first (original) Alabama license plate from 1940 is with the car and goes with the sale. The complete interior is the factory original. Only the front carpet was replaced (by the previous owner) because of some wear caused by some old battery acid that had discolored the carpet mat. The replacement mat is extremely close to the original. The original carpet is present in the rear, and is in nearly unused condition. The broadcloth seat upholstery is excellent; there is only one small tear at the top back of the rear seat back. A heavy-duty black fabric seat cover is in place to protect the front seat cushion from normal wear and tear. The door panels are all original and in excellent shape. There is only small square area (about 2 inches wide) on the drivers’ door at the front bottom that is torn due to shoes hitting it while getting in and out over the years. The original headliner is in place however the retaining loops have begun to give way and there are several small holes running along the support rails area where the fabric is being held in place. Instrument board is virtually mint, the chrome accents are prefect, the paint is undamaged, all instruments work properly and the glove box is in perfect shape. The original owners manual accompanies the car. The best way to describe the car overall is as though it drove through a time warp. The originality and condition is just plain scary. Everything down to the condition of the original floor pedal rubber is fully consistent with an original car that has been very sparingly driven. Before buying it myself last year, I had the car inspected by a professional (and licensed) auto appraiser who has been appraising classic cars in New England for nearly 20 years and owns a well-known and highly reputable agency. He pointed out a lot of the integrity points that I did not even notice at first and has provided me with a written appraisal attesting to everything noted here which goes with the car. You can also get a copy of this appraisal from me by e-mailing and asking. Be sure to include your e-mail address, as I cannot send attachments thru the eBay mail system, I need to send it to you directly! You can bid with confidence that this 1940 Champion Touring Sedan is what it is, nothing less. The vehicle is available for inspection by appointment and is located north of Princeton, New Jersey. Market reserve, so it actually IS an acquirable car and priced below the stated appraisal value! If you are a serious collector, this is for you. A deposit of $500 payable thru PayPal is due within 3 days of close of auction and balance must be paid in full either by cash or certified bank check within ten days of close of auction. Title will not be released or will the car ship until paid in full. You are responsible for transport from here to you, however I am experienced with working with auto transport companies and will work with you to make the pickup easy and trouble free. Good luck! On Jan-10-11 at 18:43:21 PST, seller added the following information: For some reason the photos uploaded are a little small. I have tried enlarging them on the eBay system but I can't seem to make them bigger, so if you would like to see a larger view of any particular photo(s) e-mail me along with your e-mail address and I'll send over the full size original photos you request. The photos accompanying the appraisal are also larger and very clear!On Jan-23-11 at 15:03:40 PST, seller added the following information: A very prominent and well known Studebaker collector and historian down south was kind enough to forward a photo he took and information dated back to 1986 of this car which indicates the actual mileage then at 9000. This includes the Serial number and other info about the car. So we know the mileage in 1986 was only 9000. If any serious bidders would like to see this information, please e-mail me along with your e-mail address and I will be happy to forward to you!