1950 Studebaker

Sedan

-

Manual

G575766

Clear

Gasoline

1950 Studebaker Champion Overdrive, Radio, heater and Turn Signals 82,866 Miles-Serial number G575766 Be sure and follow the more pictures link at the end of this write up. As many of you may know, I find nice Studebaker around the country, fix them up and find new homes for them on ebay. This nice little Studebaker Champion is the last of four Studebakers we bought from a collector in California and had trucked to a friend's shop nearby. The car had been sitting for a few months in a climate controlled warehouse and only needed some minor work to get her running and driving. To keep the price reasonable, we chose not to spent a lot of time and money for a bumper to bumper inspection, but just wanted to make sure there were no major problems for the new owner. We've only driven the car a few miles, and everything seems fine, but as with any 60 year old car, some more local driving and checking out is in order before a long trip. i.e. the old, weathered factory wiring harness should be replaced with a new reproduction unit, the brakes should be given a good inspection and so on. The car was a occasional driver as-is, but it's time for some attention in my honest opinion before it's trusted for a long drive. Commonly know as "pencil sharpener" or "bullet nose" by collectors, the 1950-51 Studebaker's are probably the most iconic Studebaker designs to most of the public. This example is a nice, solid driver, certainly not perfect, but far above average. There are some minor rust bubbles here and there down low on the body. (See closeup pictures at the more pictures link) By salt belt state standards, she'd be considered pretty much rust free, but someone that lives in the Arizona might expect no hint of rust. Having said that, the chassis and floors appear rock solid, and what rust there is, is in a few small area's and mostly under the paint and not visible until you get up close. I'd call it a the car a "20 footer'. looks nearly perfect from 20 feet. It's one of those cars that folks might comment "Wow, what a beauty ! ", but I know she's not a show car because the old gal is showing her age around the edges. If you want a nice driver, and don't care about about winning $10.00 plastic show trophies, this could be your car. Like the rest of the car, the interior is just nice, not show car ready, but not torn and tattered either. The floor mats, headliner, seats and door panels are very presentable with only some slight water stains and wear. If it was my car, I'd just give it a good cleaning, and call it done. The engine starts right up, does not smoke, it has no unusual noises or oil leaks and carries good oil pressure. I suspect, but can not document a engine overhaul in her past. The overdrive transmission is a popular option and gives you a sort of auto 4th gear for freeway cruising. Fozzie: Ahh, a bear in his natural habitat - a Studebaker. (Muppet Movie quote) Public reaction is what matters in the auto industry, and "The Next Look" 1950 Studebaker, featuring the company's signature "bullet-nose" look for the first time, was a winner -- more popular than even the 1947's. Sales began in August 1949, nearly a month ahead of other 1950 cars. Hundreds of dealers sent glowing telegrams describing announcement day: "Showroom crowded to capacity." "Public acceptance best ever." "Huge crowds, all agreed Studebaker still leads the way." "Showing a definite flop, showroom holds 100 people, needed room for 500!" For all this hoopla, the 1950s were identical to the 1947-49 models except for the bullet nose front clip, minor trim changes inside and out, and vertical instead of horizontal taillights. All 1950 Studebakers boasted a new double-A-arm front suspension, with Champions featuring tubular shocks mounted inside new "long-travel" coil springs. Champs used an antiroll torsion bar in front. Demand for the bullet-nose '50s proved so strong that Studebaker added a third shift at its large South Bend factory and ran its Southern California and Hamilton, Ontario, assembly plants at or near capacity. A 14-month model "year" (July 15, 1949, to September 27, 1950) produced 343,164 cars -- the most for any vehicle in Studebaker's long history. By the end of 1950, company employment was up to 25,000, a peacetime record. Here's my Studebaker friends impressions of the car after working on and driving her: "This car is what I would call the quintessential 20 footer. This car looks great from 20 feet. It has the iconic Studebaker bullet nose styling, the paint looks good, chrome is shiny even though it's pitted a bit. The interior is very usable as is. it has great quality in that the factory headliner only has a couple of small holes, the seats are in good shape, the door panels are good and the dash looks great. Even the radio works, though the volume seems low. One wing window has a crack and is a under $40 fix with new flat glass. The tires are near new. This car runs out great, it starts right up, and runs down the road smoothly. This car is perfect for the entry level collector car owner. It already looks good and runs well. It has some rust showing through the repaint in a few areas which could be dealt with or just left alone and have the car enjoyed just the way it is. It still gets thumbs up everywhere it goes. The bullet nose styling screams the 1950s and this is perhaps the most recognizable Studebaker car design ever made. The only problem is having to discuss the car with all those who are attracted to it ever time you gas it up. You'll be shocked at how many folks out there are tied to the beautiful styling of the 1950 Studebaker. It sometimes seems that millions of people have a grandfather, uncle aunt or other family member who still speak kindly of their association with their old Studebaker Champion. This is a wonderful car for anyone looking for a special adventure with a classic car for an entry level price tag. " I've spent a lot of time nit picking this car, but it's basically a very nice example of a 60 year old, very collectable Studebaker that could get you in the old car hobby without spending a fortune. A listing with just a few pictures, and a brief description of this car would probably bring me higher bids, but that's not how I've maintained 100% positive feedback on 1000's of ebay sales. I'm so confident in this little car that I'm listing it without a reserve even though NADA's "low book" is over $5000. More pictures here NADA Values Just some examples of my 100% positive feedback on car sales. Good car......as described in ad......'goldenhawk' helpful and easy to work with Nice R2 Hawk! It's great to start with a rust free car! Thank you :) WOW! THIS CAR IS E-V-E-R-Y-T-H--I-N-G to me. STUDEPENDOUS! Thanks!!! honest and responsive, car exactly as described, integrity on ebay, excellent!!! Just like what was listed very pleased great photos easy to deal with. AWESOME car!! Everything he said it was. HONEST car guy AAAAA+++++++ car was described accurately, got money's worth. AAA+++ Perfect transaction -- car exactly as advertised Honest and reliable car was as adv. very helpful in every way. would do business again car is as advertised-Very honest person to deal with-will use again-THANK YOU Car was exactly as described; fully satisfied; A+ Car accurately represented, outstanding service, a credit to the hobby and ebay. Car was as advertised and more. Just what I needed. Great communications. Pleasure to do business with. A beautiful car. Thanks. great to deal with, car was exactly as described in ad. square dealer!! Car as described :) Happy with purchase... recommend Seller !! Great transaction on a great car. A pleasant purchasing experience, A ++ Great Seller. Great little car. Thanks a bunch. A+++++ Great little car, excellent communication, very ethical seller, Thanks John! Perfect transaction -- car exactly as advertised Honest and reliable Nice '63 Avanti - as advertised - smooth transaction - THANKS !! U R a great asset to we ebay car nuts. Thanks John We're thrilled. YUP !!!! Nice car. Well worth the investment. car was as represented . A plus Car exactly as described. Great seller--highly recommended! Very helpful! car was as adv. very helpful in every way. would do business again