"They're only original once", anprobably best describe this very fun and iconically styled 1952 Studebaker Champion Custom Coupe originating from the design studios of Raymond Loewy, ith the collaborative efforts of Bob Bourke, nd Virgil Exner.
Originating out of Kokomo, ndiana, t was a one family owned vehicle until 1980, herein in later re-appeared, nd was acquired by a gentleman in Michigan, fter 35 years of hibernation. Based on the documentation which accompanies it, t appears the mileage and chronology is probably correct.
Absolutely revolutionary in its design for the Studebaker Centennial celebration for 1952, t was, nd is a vehicle design by which no other manufacturer came close to emulating. Its rear glass, Vista Dome" wrap around four windows, ncompassing the cockpit has an aviation cockpit inspired motif, s did the previous years "Bullet Nose" chassis, hich was discontinued for the newer design illustrated herein, ltimately the inspiration for the nose treatment of the Studebaker Hawk.
Upon acquiring it, ecommissioning it to drive facilitated some minor metalrepair to the left front floor, eft rear inner fender house, ut simply not much else with respect to body work. Its body, efinished many years ago, n a single stage enamel has chipped in anumber of spots, ost notably, spot on the right front lower passenger door and rearbody to fender seams,howeverthe balance of the paint polishesup beautifully. New brake lines, heel cylinders, aster cylinder,new carpeting, ll lubricants replaced, omplete suspension lubrication, oolant flush, ome coolant hoses, ew fuel lines and rebuilt fuel tank, ew exhaust header pipe, nd much much more, oo numerous tolist herein, oultimately produce a nice, un, river quality Coupe.
The Studebaker Champion chrome illustrates 63 years of wear from polishing, he elements and exhibits pitting. Stainless trim and the Solex tinted glass are in nice condition with one almost unnoticeable crack to the right lower aft section of the passenger window, ncompassing no more than perhaps one inch.
The 1952 Studebaker Custom Coupe is powered by a 169.9 cubic inch LHead "inline" six cylinder engine, oupled to a three speed manual with Overdrive transmission and a 4.10 ratio differential. The engine operates at a consistent 40+ psi when driving. Theclutch is complemented by the accessory "Hill Holder" function.
Documentation, s illustrated in the accompanying photo includes the original Build Sheet, ultiple Indiana registrations over the decades, nnual inspection sheets illustrating only 32 miles accrued between 1970and 1972, s well as the original Motoring Accessories by Studebaker book.
In conclusion, his is a very unique, ncorrupted, nd nicely documented example of Studebakers 1952 Champion model, hich has experienced very minor changes over the last 63 years. Its "wear and tear" represents a visual historyof its survival over the previous decades, nd tells its own unique story. Its absolutely fun to drive, nd you will very rarely see anything like it on the road when behind the wheels.
Finally, he 1952 Studebaker Champion Custom Coupe, ill be sold as is, here is, ith no warranty expressed or implied. It is strongly recommended personal inspection, nd or inspection by a "qualified" individual of your choosing, e performed prior to auction end. Inspection as a condition of sale after the auction end will not be permitted.
**Bidders with a feedback score of 10 or less, espectfully please contact me prior to bidding, hus avoiding having your bids cancelled. Also, lease do not ask what the reserve is,..... and I reserve the right to end the auction early, iven the Studebaker is for sale on other local and international venues.
Thankyou for the interest, ndenjoy thepictures. Best regards and good luck. Chris.