1951 Studebaker Champion Regal. 10G-W5 Very Iconic and Unique Design

Representing the third generation in Studebakers post WWII design, a creation from the Raymond Loewy Studios, the ultimate brainchild 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 inthe 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,(eleven plus as near as I can determine) 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 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 whichpretty much disappeared after 1952 for most manufacturers.A very hard to find windshield bonnet graces the forward upperwindshieldblocking sun glare and weather to some degree.
Allthe lights and gauges function normallywith theexception 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 workgreat. The radio illuminates and "hums" through the speaker once warmed up (a plus if you wish tomeditate, 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.TheStudebaker'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 worksnicely, as dothe right and left side fresh air intake vent controls forthe 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.
a recently reconditioned and refreshed 169.6 cubicinch, 2.8 Liter flathead six cylinder engine producing a impressive 85 hp (justkidding of course) is 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 second and third gear synchro rings, 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.
The Studebaker with its Overdrive function cruises verycomfortably at highway speeds. All oils (10/30 Pennzoil with ZDDP additive) andcanister filter were replaced inclusive of the differential which received a new pinion seal, and transmissionoils. 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 allthegrease 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 onthe Bonneville Salt flats inthe 1950's and 1960's. I do not have the original hubcaps, however they are available online. The Sucony VacuumOilcompany Pegasus (later to be Mobil Oil) logo is merely a decal and can be easily removed if youwish..
Overall, this is a very fun, andcertainly 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 ofthe 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 inspectionand atest drive, or by a quality representative of yourchoosing PRIOR to auction end. Inspection as acondition of sale after the auction end will not be permitted. Reasonable offerswill beconsidered in keeping with published values (i.e. Hagerty, NADA, etc.). Transportation, taxes, registration, license, etc, will be thesoleresponsibility of the buyer. The Studebaker will be sold with a clear Rhode Island registration (they do not issue titles on vintage cars, registrations only), andnotarizedbill 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 andlocally.
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.
Withinthelast 400 miles, the 169.6 cubic inch flatheadsixcylinder engine received new Hastings Premium piston rings, cylinderswere measured and honed (3 inch bore),the cylinder head was inspected, cleaned and machined thus increasingcompression, new connecting rod bearings were installed, and the engine resealed with all new Fel-Pro gaskets. Its runs beautifully with very niceoil pressure and has more power.