1951 Studebaker Champion Regal

Sedan

169.6/2.8 Liter Inline six cylinder

Three Speed Manual w/Overdrive

G1084364

Clear

Gasoline

Representing the third generation in Studebakers post WWII design from the Raymond Loewy Studios, and the creation of Virgil Exner, this 1951 "Bullet Nose" Champion Regal emulated many of the aviation design cues from a earlier period. Treatment of the center "Spinner" grill and back sloping front fenders emulate the frontal architecture of Lockheeds P38 Lightning twin engine fighter. Art imitates life as was the case of many cars produced in the decades of the fifties and sixties. Found parked in the back of a garage of a vintage car collector, generally being ignored after years of being idle, recommissioning it illustrated many original and uncorrupted aspects of the car. Much effort was kept to retain its original interior with the exception of the seats and carpeting which required much needed attention and were ultimately beatifully reupholstered/rebuilt and carpets replaced. New carpeting was added to the trunk. The body, floors, doors, trunk, hood and frame are very solid with some surface rust on the undercarriage and floors/trunk. There appears to be no previous body damage or repairs other than refinishing as is noted below. There is one noted very small perforation curiously on a left front body mount off the frame in what appears to be where someone tried to hook something on to it, causing it to rust at this spot but is structurally very sound. Originally finished in the factory Plaza Gray, a rather uninspiring color, its was nicely refinished in a almost Emerald Blue/ Gray single stage enamel a number of years ago which polished beautifully. The Studebakers chrome bumpers illustrate some minor pitting and scratches, but are very presentable and original. All glass is very nice with the exception of the drivers window which has a few cracks, quite typical of what we see in this vintage of vehicle. Unique to this chassis additionally are the aft "Suicide" doors which actually made ingress and egress to the back seat easier, a body design which pretty much disappeared after 1952 for most manufacturers. A very hard to find windshield bonnet graces the forward upper windshield blocking sun glare and weather to some degree. All the lights and gauges function normally with the exception of the speedometer needle periodically not engaging. The odometer consistently works fine and is very correct. The windshield wipers thankfully are electric (not vacuum) and work great. The radio illuminates and "hums" through the speaker once warmed up (a plus if you wish to meditate, but please not while driving). I would imagine it requires a new tube. The turn signals presently do not function to which I am researching. A lot of hand waving for now when turning. I'm making a lot of friends. The Studebaker's interior heater incorporates 2 heater cores, one under the dash and under the passenger side seat for back seat passengers. The interior manually controlled with a knob retractable antenna works nicely, as do the right and left side fresh air intake vent controls for the vents located on vertical sides of the fenders providing fresh air while driving (unless your'e following a bus). All the door and trunk locks function with the handles and keys. Powered by a recently reconditioned and refreshed 169.6 cubic inch, 2.8 Liter inline six cylinder engine,(noted below) it's coupled to a three speed manual transmission with Overdrive and a 4.10 geared live axle downstream. The transmission and Overdrive shift and function very nicely with perfect first through third gear shifts, and has smooth clutch actuation, and Studebaker's progressive at the time "Hill Holder" function works great. No Subaru.... you did not originate this design. Within the last 400 Miles, the 169.6/2.8 liter engine was reconditioned with new Hastings Premium piston rings, cylinders measured (3.0 inch bore), honed, new connecting rod bearings installed, the cylinder head sent to the machine shop for cleaning, inspection and machining, and new Fel-Pro gaskets were installed resealing the engine. It runs beautifully with great oil pressure and more power. The Studebaker with its Overdrive function cruises very comfortably at highway speeds. All oils (10/30 Pennzoil with ZDDP additive) and canister filter were replaced inclusive of the differential which received a new pinion seal, and transmission oils. New radiator and heater hoses were installed a new fuel filter, new fuel line hoses, clamps, as well as Autolite R45 Spark plugs. The "Where's Waldo" exercise of finding all the grease Zerk fittings was fun. Four new 205/27/15 Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewall radial tires were installed to the factory original wheels with complementing new stainless steel Moon hubcaps, reminiscent of the racing decorative modifications for these cars in the decades when they were raced on the Bonneville Salt flats in the 1950's and 1960's. I do not have the original hubcaps, however they are available online. The Sucony Vacuum Oil company Pegasus (later to be Mobil Oil) logo is merely a decal and can be easily removed if you wish.. Overall, this is a very fun, and certainly uniquely designed car, not perfect, but a great and very respectable driver quality, eliciting a tremendous amount of attention from those who see it on the road. Its design was ahead of the cultural and artistic standards from which it was produced, only to be appreciated in decades hence for its uniqueness amongst many of the prosaic cars produced in the last thirty years. The Studebaker Champion Regal Sedan will be sold as is where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. I strongly encourage personal inspection and a test drive, or by a quality representative of your choosing PRIOR to auction end. Inspection as a condition of sale after the auction end will not be permitted. Reasonable offers will be considered in keeping with published values (i.e. Hagerty, NADA, etc.). Transportation, taxes, registration, license, etc, will be the sole responsibility of the buyer. The Studebaker will be sold with a clear Rhode Island registration (they do not issue titles on vintage cars, registrations only), and notarized bill of sale, and the original and fun 56 page 1951 Studebaker Champion Deluxe Regal owners manual. Buyers with a feedback rating of ten (10) or less, respectfully please contact me ahead of time. It would be appreciated. Last, I reserve the right to end the auction early, given the Studebaker is for sale on other International venues and locally. Feel free to call if any questions. 413-575-8600. NO texts appreciated. Thank you for the interest and enjoy the pictures. Its a beautiful car. Best..... Chris.