Studebaker Champion V8 De Luxe from 1955, 3032 cc, 101 HP, max. speed 130 km/h
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, serving as the junior model to the Commander.
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, equal to $13,885 today), 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 fuel efficiency tests. During World War II, Champions were coveted for their high efficiency at a time when gas was rationed in the United States. From 1943 to 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.
