Studebaker Champion Third Generation 1947–1952
| 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.
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
1949 Regal Deluxe 4-door sedan
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Studebaker |
| Production | 1947–1952 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 2-door sedan 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 169.9 cu in (2.8 L) I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112 in (2,845 mm) |
| Length | 1947: 192 in (4,877 mm) 1950: 197.3 in (5,011 mm) |
In 1947, Studebaker completely redesigned the Champion and the Commander, making them the first new cars after World War II. The styling included new rear window, flat front fenders, as well as convenience features like back light illumination for gauges and automatic courtesy lights. The Champion made up 65.08% of the total sales for the automaker in 1947.
The 169.9 cu in (2.8 L) I6 engine produced 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) in 1947. In 1950, output was increased to 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS). Also, new styling (new grill, sheet metal, and rear end) was introduced, as well as an automatic transmission.
One of the new styling features on the cars was the wraparound, "greenhouse" rear window that was on 2-door cars from 1947–1951, at first just an option, in 1950 it was given its own trim line, the Starlight coupe. The "spinner" grill was introduced in 1950, similar to that of a Ford Deluxe, but was dropped again for the 1952 model year.
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