While out looking for some parts for my '46 Chevy with a friend last week, I stumbled across this '55 Studebaker Champion 4 door sitting in a field. I hunted the owner down and discovered that he'd bought the car to restore, but after having a tornado hit the property, he simply didn't have time to play with the old car. He claimed it ran "a year or two ago".It seemed pretty solid and I couldn't bear the thought of the old girl sitting there unloved, so I asked if he'd sell it. He agreed to and after a bit of negotiating,I now have a Stude. I got it home last night, pumped up the brakes, put gas and a fresh battery on it, and the little flat six purred like a kitten. I immeadiatly took it on a 30 mile roundtrip to town with no problems. I'm thinking she'll get a pretty red and white paint job and just be a driver. Sorry for the pic quality, it was with the cellphone at dusk. Any Stude lovers out there that can give me advice on these little rides?
Yea, that's a 56 front end. The Champion 6 is rock solid and was used with only slight variations from '39 to '61 or so when it got a new head design. Not much power. A few hop parts are made for it though - search for a place caled Cathcarts. Go through the brakes as soon as you can. Studebaker parts are easy to get, lots of vendor support. Enjoy the bubble speedometer, those are just cool.
Congrats on having the insight to see the little gem. Stude running gear parts are plentiful and inexpensive. Keep the little six in there and you'll enjoy plenty of inexpensive cruisin'. thnx, jack vines
Another Studebaker saved! if it doesn't have the overdrive unit, get one it will make cruising a whole lot nicer..if it has wide trim around the windshields it has the Regal trim package..if it has a maple leaf behind the dash logo it was made at the Hamilton Ontario plant..get the Studebaker Clubs magazine "Turning Wheels" it has access to everything..Yes, Cathcarts has split manifolds, dual carbs, disc brakes etc.
Dang, you guys are good! I know nothing about Studes, so when the previous owner told me that it was a '55, I took him at his word. He called today and had located the title, which showed that it is indeed a '56. Looking at the brake system, it looks like it has been replaced sometime recently in the car's driving history. I bled them and they seem to work great. It doesn't have an overdrive, and unfortunately the cool bubble speedo doesn't work- maybe a broken cable? And to make a great deal better, my 64 year old Dad bought it after I showed it to him last week- then gave it to me when we picked it up last night! On top of everything else, it got the wife's seal of approval- if I paint it.
No, it was in a field just outside of Morrilton. I think it had been in the Conway area for a short time several years ago, and the title I've got shows it to have been in the West Plains, Missouri area around 2004.
For those that wanted more pics- here's a couple more. Interior is stained but otherwise in good condition. Stay tuned, I hope to have this one at least in paint this summer. Oh, and thanks for the compliment on the truck too, truckncoupe- it's my baby that has been driven daily. Now it'll fight with the stude for that honor.
Studes Rule! Flathead 6 is a great daily driver motor, especially if you can get the overdrive trannie. In my 1953 Stude coupe, I get almost 30 miles the gallon all around driving with the 3 speed od. Heck, my 1949 1-ton Stude pick-up gets 18! Petronix makes a kit to convert to electronic, Studebakers Drivers Club, http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com, is the best reference for parts and tech, and http://www.studebakervendors.com/ will get you to most of the manufacturers.
Nice score on the Stude, Dude! BTW, did you happen upon any '41-'46 parts? I would really like a second cab with good doors! PM me if you have any leads east of the Mississippi!
I like the stude! My father is selling his 55 president just outside of chicago if you want another four door!
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