Win a dashcam

Studebaker Champion
1954 Champion 4-door sedan
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 models

Background

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.

Second generation
1946 Skyway 4-door sedan
Overview
Production	1942–1946
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupé
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110 in (2,794 mm)
Length	193 in (4,902 mm)

In 1946, Studebaker built a limited number of cars based on their 1942 body shell in preparation for its new body and design roll out in 1947. All Studebakers built in 1946 were designated Skyway Champion models. Only the Champion series was produced, it being the most popular before the war.

1942 4-door sedan

1946 Skyway 4-door sedan