Studebaker Champion Fifth Generation 1957–1958
| Studebaker Champion | |
|---|---|
1954 Champion 4-door sedan
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Studebaker |
| Production | 1939–1958 |
| Assembly | South Bend, Indiana Vernon, California Australia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size car (1939–1952) Mid-size car (1952–1958) |
| Body style | 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 4-door station wagon 2-door station wagon 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Studebaker Lark |
The Studebaker Champion is an automobile which was produced by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana from the beginning of the 1939 model year until 1958.
It was a full-size car in its first three generations and a mid-size car in its fourth and fifth generation modelsBackground
The success of the Champion in 1939 was imperative to Studebaker's survival following weak sales during the 1938 model year. Unlike most other cars, the Champion was designed from a "clean sheet", and had no restrictions caused by necessarily utilizing older parts or requiring the subsequent use of its components in heavier vehicles. Market research guided the selection of features, but a key principle adhered to was the engineering watchword "weight is the enemy." For its size, it was one of the lightest cars of its era. Its compact straight-6 engine outlasted the model itself and was produced to the end of the 1964 model year, with a change to an OHV design in 1961.
The Champion was one of Studebaker's best-selling models because of its low price (US$660 for the 2-door business coupe in 1939), durable engine, and styling. The car's ponton styling was authored by industrial designer Raymond Loewy who had been under contract with Studebaker for the design of their automobiles. Champions won Mobilgas economy runs by posting the highest gas mileage tests. During World War II, Champions were coveted for their high mileage at a time when gas was rationed in the United States. From 1943–1945, the Champion engine was used as the powerplant for the Studebaker M29 Weasel personnel and cargo carrier, which also used four sets of the Champion's leaf springs arranged transversely for its bogie suspension.
The Champion was phased out in 1958 in preparation for the introduction of the 1959 Studebaker Lark. Prior to this, Studebaker had been placed under receivership, and the company was attempting to return to a profitable position.
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
1957 Champion 4-door sedan
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| Overview | |
| Production | 1957–1958 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size car |
| Body style | 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 185 cu in (3.0 L) L-head I6 289 cu in (4.7 L) OHV V8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | sedans & station wagons: 116.5 in (2,959 mm) |
| Length | sedans & station wagons: 202.4 in (5,141 mm) |
| Width | sedans & station wagons: 75.8 in (1,925 mm) |
In 1957, the Champion Scotsman, a stripped down Champion, was introduced by Studebaker in an attempt to compete with the “Big Three” (i.e. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) and Nash in the low-price field. Shortly after its introduction, the model was renamed Studebaker Scotsman.
Two engines were available, a 185 cu in (3.0 L) 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) "Sweepstakes" L-head I6, or a 289 cu in (4.7 L) 210 hp (157 kW; 213 PS) "Sweepstakes" OHV V8.
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