1963 Studebaker Champ

Pickup Truck - Deluxe Cab T6 Spaceside Short Box U/K

2.8L 170Cu. In. l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated

Manual

E5-136107

Clear

GAS

With mixed emotions, we are selling our beloved "Jack," which came to us 8 years ago from his original family in California. It has 59,987 documented miles. We have been told many times by fellow Studebaker owners that this is the nicest Champ Pickup they have seen. Although we purchased the truck in complete and original condition, much work has been done to repair or replace parts that were simply dried up or worn out. Ultimately, we have spent more than $12,000 in parts and labor... but that's how we do things: the right way, no scrimping. This is the 107th 1963 Champ to come off the assembly line in South Bend, Indiana... one of only 5861 Champs for that year and only 2617 6-cyllinder short beds. It is the special "Deluxe Cab" edition, with the following upgrades and features: sliding rear window (a "first" for any pickup truck!), padded dash, Climatizer heater, radio, factory chrome radiator grill, chrome front bumper, dual sun visors, stainless steel windshield molding, fender trim, and beauty rims and "Lazy S" moon hub cap wheel covers; chrome parking light and air intake grills, chrome headlamp rims, chrome vent window frames; 2 arm rests, and pleated vinyl upholstery. All that chrome and stainless steel really dazzles! It has the OHV 170 c.i. inline 6 with a 3-speed + overdrive on the column. Extra features include dealer-installed chrome rear bumper with ingenious cutdowns so the tailgate can be fully lowered to a vertical position, seat belts, Studebaker hood ornament, and period spray-on bed liner. The P2 "Spaceside" truck bed is in absolutely amazing condition: no dents, no rust holes, only mild scratches from light use. It measures 6.5 feed long by 5 feet wide... a 4x8 sheet of plywood fits perfectly with the tailgate down. The truck comes with period-correct Oregon license plates with Special Interest Vehicle tags that are good into eternity. "Jack" was purchased new in Oakland, California sometime shortly after the end of 1963, thus it is titled as a 1964 (which was customary in California at that time). But the serial number correctly dates it as a 1963 model. Originally painted in Glade Mist Metallic, the thin metallic paint soon evaporated in the California sun, and the truck was repainted many years ago in a very similar (non-metallic) shade that is best described as U.S. Dept. of Forestry light green. The re-paint was a good one, but because it is so old, there are places where the paint is crazed and there are a few small areas of chipping. Amazingly, there is virtually no rust... only a few, small under the surface bubbles on one cab corner, on both front fenders right at the bottom, and on the rear of bottom of the tailgate. It is almost impossible to find Champs that are not rusted, but Jack has spent virtually all of his life indoors. After Jack's owner died, his son in Southern California inherited the truck, where it was used sparingly and was mostly parked in a storage garage in the High Desert near Palmdale. There it sat, until we bought it in 2006 and had it shipped to Oregon, where we have cherished and fussed over it. Here's a list of what is NEW (mostly NOS parts, thank you Studebaker International): entire brake system, steering column, springs, shocks, all hoses and belts, 5 radial truck tires, headliner, carpeted floor mat, battery, clutch and brake pedals, weatherstripping, glove box insert, door kick panels, 1970s era dual chrome rear view mirrors, interior header and side panels, rear tail lights, and probably other things I forget. Here's what is REBUILT, all professionally by Portland's finest auto restoration professionals: transmission, cylinder head, carburetor, generator, starter, water pump, radiator re-cored, seat resprung and original upholstery cleaned and one small rip repaired, gas tank relined. This truck runs probably better than new: it cruises easily at 60 mph and gets 20+ mpg on the highway with the overdrive. It could easily be your daily driver and you shouldn't hesitate to drive it across many states to get it home. And just think: what kind of crappy, used domestic or import truck could you buy for under $12,000, compared to a real show-stopper with personality and utility? This truck draws smiles and compliments wherever it goes; photos snapped of it driving around Portland are all over the Internet. In the interest of full disclosure, here are the imperfections: the original windshield has a few scratches and chips; there are some small scratches, scrapes and chips to the paint here and there; we already discussed the few, minor rust bubbles that may go back to before the truck was repainted; the radio is not hooked up and there is inexplicably no antenna that I can find, so the radio is non-functional at this time; the interior vinyl in a few places is faded or discolored; the gas gage works, but usually underestimates about 1/4 tank (when it shows "empty" there is still at least 1/4 tank); and the seat has one small repair patch on the bottom corner near the floorboard. Why are we selling? Because we need the space and the money to finish our newest Studebaker project: a 1947 M5 pickup truck. This truck is obviously not a Concours candidate, but it is a beautifully preserved, low-mileage, useful and fun little truck. With a new paint job, it would truly be a national prize-winner. You will never find another like this! Vintage pickup trucks are hot, hot, hot! OK, enough selling... you'll know it if you have to have it. Winning bidder will need to put down a $500 deposit through PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction. Payment by cashiers check will be accepted, and once it clears, I will send you the title. I am willing to assist in your arrangements to ship the vehicle and will not be offended at all if you wish to have a professional auto appraiser or estimator come view the truck before you place a bid. Please don't hesitate to ask questions, as I've probably forgotten something important. Thanks for looking and good luck... somebody's going to get an awesome Studie truck!