Print this listing Very Nice 1951 Studebaker Champion Convertible Rare AutomaticCalifornia Automobile Museum2200 Front StreetSacramento, CA 95818Call Us Today(916) 442-6802Ask ForArt OsbyAsk Us A Question Vehicle DetailsYear: 1951Make: StudebakerModel: All ModelsVIN: G1057385Stock Number: C11088Mileage: 80789Transmission: AutomaticEngine: 6 Cylinder, 169.6 C.I.D. LExterior Color: BlackInterior Color: BrownTitle: Clear Description Once the butt of jokes, today the Pride of South Bend, Indiana stands out as strikingly modern. Some even thought it weird--the allegedly hilarious joke about not knowing which end was the front started here. Studebaker marked a sharp break from 1930s streamlined styling and the beginning of flamboyant, futuristic styling. Studebaker led the way in this styling and marketing change, and the Big Three auto manufacturers soon followed. Offered For Sale by the California Automobile Museum A 1951 Studebaker Champion Convertible. Quite the looker, this beauty is a head turner in any event. The older re-paint black still has a fabulous shine to it but it is showing some age with signs of wear around the windshield pillars and with some checking or cracking in the paint. The body is very straight with no signs of damage past or present. The panel alignment and fittment is pretty good for 60 years of use. The passenger's door being the only part needing some attention. It appears to be slightly out of align causing some resistance when closing. The convertible top is in excellent condition and has been replaced not long ago. It opens and closes as easily as can be expected for a manual top. The fit is good and the canvas is taught when closed. The window seal or felt is loose on the passenger's side rear window and will hang if the top is in the up position and the window is lowered. On the interior, the dark brown vinyl like material is in fabulous shape. No flaws, rips, tears, rot, cracking, or any other signs of use are present except one small blemish on the passenger's side rear seat lower fascia. There is a small circular mark, almost resembling a burn of some sort. There is also a similar mark on the instrument cluster bezel/fascia. The interior is clean and odor free. The carpet and all other surfaces are in very nice condition. The front bench seat has been modified and may need some adjustments or repairs. The seat currently will not adjust forward or rearward and the two rear brackets securing the bench seat to the floor have been shimmed with wooden blocks. The real reason is unknown but it is assumed that it was done to adjust the angle of the position of the seat. Additionally, the seat backs on the front bench seat are not perfectly aligned, the driver's portion being reclined slightly more than the passenger's. The cardboard type material in the glove box is a bit worn and slightly loose and or misaligned. The functionality of this Studebaker could use some attention. There are a few items that have stopped functioning over the 60 years of service this car has provided. Those items include the windshield wipers, the motorola stereo, the heater, the clock, and the speedometer/odometer. Also one of the vent control knobs is seized. Some other minor functional issues are with the door lock cylinders. The passenger's door lock cylinder is operational but stiff and could use lubrication. The driver's door lock is not operational. The trunk locks and secures as it should. The hood release cable will also need to be replaced and the springs that attach to the hinges are missing. Mechanically, the 6 cylinder purrs nicely and the automatic transmission shifts well. It starts without hesitation when warm, and when cold, will start after a few revolutions and pumps on the accelerator pedal. When left sitting over a period of a few days or more, some choking will be required to start. The electrical system has been modified and now utilizes an eight volt battery instead of the factory six volt. There are some minor fluid leaks present but nothing major. The majority looks like common seepage from dried gaskets. Driving this Studebaker is quite enjoyable. It rolls along smoothly at low speeds. At higher speeds, there is a little looseness felt in the steering and or front end. This may be caused by tires or worn suspension components. The car tends to run a little warm at idle but seems to maintain normal operating temperatures when driving. The braking is decent, good for a manual drum brake system. There are no significant rattles or vibrations, and no out of place noises when driving over bumps or uneven roads. Technical SpecificationsEngine/Driveline Number of cylinders/type: I-6, L-head. Displacement: 169.6 cu. in. 3.00 in. bore x 4.00 in. stroke. Induction: Single carburetor. Horsepower: 85 @ 4,000 RPM. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Transmission type: Three speed automatic Chassis Wheelbase: 115 in. Weight: 2,890 lbs. Brake type: Hydraulic drums. Production Information Original list price: $2,034 Production: 4,742 The History Studebaker is one of the longest lived and well respected names in the American auto industry. Beginning as a family business in the 1850’s, it would become the largest wagon maker in the world. The four Studebaker brothers would enter the automotive world with an electric car in 1902, selling their second car to none other than Thomas Edison. A gas powered car followed in 1904, though sold under the E-M-F and Garford names until 1913. Studebaker sold cars under their own name from 1913 on, and established themselves as makers of solid, mid-priced cars. In 1936, industrial designer Raymond Loewy joined Studebaker and brought his unique talents to their products. Studebaker, like all American car companies, looked to new designs to attract the post-war consumer. Unlike most companies that produced warmed-over versions of their pre-war models, Studebaker brought out fresh, new designs in 1947 and sales improved dramatically. 1950 was the 98th anniversary of the company and their best ever sales year. Seeking to keep their product looking fresh, Studebaker brought out the “bullet nose” models of 1950-51. Designed by Bob Bourke under Loewy’s direction, the cars were radically different from anything else on the road. The forward sweep of the grille, central “spinner” and rakish front fenders evoked an airplane in flight…exactly what Loewy intended. Despite dramatic styling and solid mechanicals, strong competition forced Studebaker out of business by 1966. Features & Options Automatic Transmission Chrome Bumper Clock Convertible Coolant Temp. Gauge Interior Hood Release Rear-Wheel Drive Additional Photos Warranty Information This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Terms & Conditions This vehicle was either consigned or donated to the California Automobile Museum, a non-profit organization and licensed California dealer located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, California, where it is available for inspection. This vehicle, and all vehicles sold through us are sold AS-IS with no warranty intended or implied by the California Automobile Museum or its consigner/donor. All sales are final, and in there is no cooling off period in California. This Vehicle's mileage is subject to increase as it may be test driven or inspected during this auction. All sales will include a California Bill of Sale and a Warranty Disclaimers to be signed. Your bid, winning or not, signifies you agree to these terms and conditions and you agree to make all payments within the alotted time. All purchased vehicles must be removed from the museum within 2 weeks from auctions end or storage fees of $10.00 per day will be applied. (unless written arrangements for additional time have been agreed to by the Vehicle Sales Department) If you are the winning bidder and back out of your obligation to purchase, or fail to pay within the time alotted, (unless written arrangements with the vehicle sales department have been made) you WILL receive negative feedback and be reported to Ebay. REGARDLESS of your reasons. The Museum is open 7 days a week, 10 AM to 6 PM (excluding major U.S. holidays) and we welcome you or your representative to inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing or bidding. If you have any questions regarding the vehicle or would like to schedule an inspection between 10 AM and 6 PM, you can contact us through Ebay messaging, or call Art directly at 916-442-6802. The California Automobile Museum is formerly the Towe Auto Museum (1997-09) and formerly the Towe Ford Museum (1987-97) Visit our website at http://calautomuseum.org/ Thank you for bidding on our items and for supporting the California Automobile Museum (a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization). We require a deposit within 72 hours of the end of the auction and full payment within a week (7 days). We try our best to clearly describe the condition of the vehicle, but please note that we are often selling cars that are either donated to us, or are on consignment and we may not have a complete history. We reserve the right to end this auction early. We are a Brick and Mortar Dealer, this vehicle advertised is also advertised for sale in our Museum located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, California, 95818. Because of this, this vehicle is subject to sell prior to the auctions end. About Us The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, California, is the oldest non-profit Automobile Museum in California. We are both a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, and a licensed dealer in California. We sell cars that have been donated or consigned for sale through our vehicle program. All proceeds directly support cultural and educational activities provided by the museum to the Northern California community. Would you like to donate to the Museum? Do you have a vehicle you would like to consign with us? Please contact Art for additional information regarding donating or consigning your vehicle for sale.See our other listingsDisclaimer: This auction is a legally binding contract to buy this vehicle. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise specified. I have done my best to accurately describe this vehicle. It is up to the buyer to come see and further inspect the car before the end of the 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Nice 1951 Studebaker Champion Convertible Rare AutomaticYear1951MakeStudebakerModelAll ModelsVING1057385Stock NumberC11088Mileage80789TransmissionAutomaticEngine6 Cylinder, 169.6 C.I.D. LExterior ColorBlackInterior ColorBrownTitleClearAutomatic TransmissionChrome BumperClockConvertibleCoolant Temp. GaugeInterior Hood ReleaseRear-Wheel Drive
Once the butt of jokes, today the Pride of South Bend, Indiana stands out as strikingly modern. Some even thought it weird--the allegedly hilarious joke about not knowing which end was the front started here. Studebaker marked a sharp break from 1930s streamlined styling and the beginning of flamboyant, futuristic styling. Studebaker led the way in this styling and marketing change, and the Big Three auto manufacturers soon followed.
Offered For Sale by the California Automobile Museum
A 1951 Studebaker Champion Convertible. Quite the looker, this beauty is a head turner in any event. The older re-paint black still has a fabulous shine to it but it is showing some age with signs of wear around the windshield pillars and with some checking or cracking in the paint. The body is very straight with no signs of damage past or present. The panel alignment and fittment is pretty good for 60 years of use. The passenger's door being the only part needing some attention. It appears to be slightly out of align causing some resistance when closing. The convertible top is in excellent condition and has been replaced not long ago. It opens and closes as easily as can be expected for a manual top. The fit is good and the canvas is taught when closed. The window seal or felt is loose on the passenger's side rear window and will hang if the top is in the up position and the window is lowered. On the interior, the dark brown vinyl like material is in fabulous shape. No flaws, rips, tears, rot, cracking, or any other signs of use are present except one small blemish on the passenger's side rear seat lower fascia. There is a small circular mark, almost resembling a burn of some sort. There is also a similar mark on the instrument cluster bezel/fascia. The interior is clean and odor free. The carpet and all other surfaces are in very nice condition. The front bench seat has been modified and may need some adjustments or repairs. The seat currently will not adjust forward or rearward and the two rear brackets securing the bench seat to the floor have been shimmed with wooden blocks. The real reason is unknown but it is assumed that it was done to adjust the angle of the position of the seat. Additionally, the seat backs on the front bench seat are not perfectly aligned, the driver's portion being reclined slightly more than the passenger's. The cardboard type material in the glove box is a bit worn and slightly loose and or misaligned. The functionality of this Studebaker could use some attention. There are a few items that have stopped functioning over the 60 years of service this car has provided. Those items include the windshield wipers, the motorola stereo, the heater, the clock, and the speedometer/odometer. Also one of the vent control knobs is seized. Some other minor functional issues are with the door lock cylinders. The passenger's door lock cylinder is operational but stiff and could use lubrication. The driver's door lock is not operational. The trunk locks and secures as it should. The hood release cable will also need to be replaced and the springs that attach to the hinges are missing. Mechanically, the 6 cylinder purrs nicely and the automatic transmission shifts well. It starts without hesitation when warm, and when cold, will start after a few revolutions and pumps on the accelerator pedal. When left sitting over a period of a few days or more, some choking will be required to start. The electrical system has been modified and now utilizes an eight volt battery instead of the factory six volt. There are some minor fluid leaks present but nothing major. The majority looks like common seepage from dried gaskets. Driving this Studebaker is quite enjoyable. It rolls along smoothly at low speeds. At higher speeds, there is a little looseness felt in the steering and or front end. This may be caused by tires or worn suspension components. The car tends to run a little warm at idle but seems to maintain normal operating temperatures when driving. The braking is decent, good for a manual drum brake system. There are no significant rattles or vibrations, and no out of place noises when driving over bumps or uneven roads.
Technical Specifications
Engine/Driveline
Number of cylinders/type: I-6, L-head.
Displacement: 169.6 cu. in.
3.00 in. bore x 4.00 in. stroke.
Induction: Single carburetor.
Horsepower: 85 @ 4,000 RPM.
Compression ratio: 7.0:1.
Transmission type: Three speed automatic
Chassis
Wheelbase: 115 in.
Weight: 2,890 lbs.
Brake type: Hydraulic drums.
Production Information
Original list price: $2,034
Production: 4,742
The History
Studebaker is one of the longest lived and well respected names in the American auto industry. Beginning as a family business in the 1850’s, it would become the largest wagon maker in the world.
The four Studebaker brothers would enter the automotive world with an electric car in 1902, selling their second car to none other than Thomas Edison. A gas powered car followed in 1904, though sold under the E-M-F and Garford names until 1913.
Studebaker sold cars under their own name from 1913 on, and established themselves as makers of solid, mid-priced cars.
In 1936, industrial designer Raymond Loewy joined Studebaker and brought his unique talents to their products.
Studebaker, like all American car companies, looked to new designs to attract the post-war consumer. Unlike most companies that produced warmed-over versions of their pre-war models, Studebaker brought out fresh, new designs in 1947 and sales improved dramatically.
1950 was the 98th anniversary of the company and their best ever sales year. Seeking to keep their product looking fresh, Studebaker brought out the “bullet nose” models of 1950-51. Designed by Bob Bourke under Loewy’s direction, the cars were radically different from anything else on the road.
The forward sweep of the grille, central “spinner” and rakish front fenders evoked an airplane in flight…exactly what Loewy intended.
Despite dramatic styling and solid mechanicals, strong competition forced Studebaker out of business by 1966.
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
This vehicle was either consigned or donated to the California Automobile Museum, a non-profit organization and licensed California dealer located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, California, where it is available for inspection. This vehicle, and all vehicles sold through us are sold AS-IS with no warranty intended or implied by the California Automobile Museum or its consigner/donor. All sales are final, and in there is no cooling off period in California.
This Vehicle's mileage is subject to increase as it may be test driven or inspected during this auction.
All sales will include a California Bill of Sale and a Warranty Disclaimers to be signed.
Your bid, winning or not, signifies you agree to these terms and conditions and you agree to make all payments within the alotted time. All purchased vehicles must be removed from the museum within 2 weeks from auctions end or storage fees of $10.00 per day will be applied. (unless written arrangements for additional time have been agreed to by the Vehicle Sales Department)
If you are the winning bidder and back out of your obligation to purchase, or fail to pay within the time alotted, (unless written arrangements with the vehicle sales department have been made) you WILL receive negative feedback and be reported to Ebay. REGARDLESS of your reasons.
The Museum is open 7 days a week, 10 AM to 6 PM (excluding major U.S. holidays) and we welcome you or your representative to inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing or bidding. If you have any questions regarding the vehicle or would like to schedule an inspection between 10 AM and 6 PM, you can contact us through Ebay messaging, or call Art directly at 916-442-6802.
The California Automobile Museum is formerly the Towe Auto Museum (1997-09) and formerly the Towe Ford Museum (1987-97) Visit our website at http://calautomuseum.org/
Thank you for bidding on our items and for supporting the California Automobile Museum (a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization).
We require a deposit within 72 hours of the end of the auction and full payment within a week (7 days).
We try our best to clearly describe the condition of the vehicle, but please note that we are often selling cars that are either donated to us, or are on consignment and we may not have a complete history.
We reserve the right to end this auction early. We are a Brick and Mortar Dealer, this vehicle advertised is also advertised for sale in our Museum located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, California, 95818. Because of this, this vehicle is subject to sell prior to the auctions end.
The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives.
The California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, California, is the oldest non-profit Automobile Museum in California. We are both a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, and a licensed dealer in California. We sell cars that have been donated or consigned for sale through our vehicle program. All proceeds directly support cultural and educational activities provided by the museum to the Northern California community.
Would you like to donate to the Museum?
Do you have a vehicle you would like to consign with us?
Please contact Art for additional information regarding donating or consigning your vehicle for sale.
This auction is a legally binding contract to buy this vehicle. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise specified. I have done my best to accurately describe this vehicle. It is up to the buyer to come see and further inspect the car before the end of the auction.-->