Vehicle Description
In the early 1960s, Studebaker needed a new truck to stay viable on
the American market but didn't really have the money to build one.
The solution? The somewhat cobbled-together Champ pickup, which
took Studebaker's existing E-Series truck chassis, a Dodge C-Series
bed, and grafted-on front end and doors from a 4-door Lark,
creating one of the strangest and coolest pickups ever. It's
eclectic to say the least, but in a good way, and if you want the
best of the bunch these final year 1964 8E versions were exactly
that. This particular 1964 Studebaker Champ pickup was given a
light restomod treatment during its comprehensive restoration, and
with only 653 miles on the build it looks like a million bucks.
Featuring a transplanted Ford drivetrain, it has plenty of added
pop with a 302 V8 under the hood, a smooth-shifting FMX automatic
transmission managing the gears, and an upgraded suspension
planting it to the ground. And with a slick black-over-red paint
job and a gorgeous custom interior, it's also the best-looking
Stude truck we've ever seen.
The pros who built this truck were certainly resourceful, not
unlike the original designers of this Frankenstein production.
Starting with a Studebaker Champ is one thing, but then adding a
high-impact paint job, Ford power, a custom bucket interior, and a
few other modern bits makes it even more unique. The paint was done
when the truck was built less than 700 miles ago, and because it
was finished to a high, driver-grade standard, it still looks fresh
and slick today. A two-tone paint job like this is a perfect choice
for the Stude's design, as it emphasizes the swooping lines and
transitions from one body component of the truck to the next. The
black finish up top and on the bumpers is very slick, while the red
really makes it all pop out, and the two colors are separated by a
razor-sharp pinstripe the encircles the entire pickup. Other than a
few small imperfections up front (minor rock chips on the front
bumper and grille area that are difficult to spot), the truck looks
pretty darn amazing, much better than you'd expect for a hauler
that was built to be driven. The Lark front end has a rugged look
that's instantly familiar, although the Studebaker designers added
a horizontal bar grille to make the pickup look a bit tougher, and
the Dodge C-Series bed selected for the 1964 models was the
'wide-cargo box' variety, and a short bed at that, which is
certainly the most practical and appealing. The inside of this bed
was neatly finished with black spray-in bedliner and features a
flush-mounted billet gas cap that gives access to the relocated
tank underneath, so if you actually want to use this truck for its
original purpose, it's more than capable. There's not a ton of
chrome, but the front grille absolutely sparkles, as does all the
bright work around the glass, and on the side mirrors, door
handles, and badges. The stamped 'Studebaker' lettering on the
tailgate was painted white and wears that advertisement with great
pride, and that's indeed a sliding back window - a feature that was
first introduced on the Champ and then later applied by every truck
manufacturer in the world.
The Champ was the first pickup to offer 'car-like' comfort inside
(which was pretty easy since the Champ actually was a car inside),
and regardless of what claims the Dodge Dakota might try to make,
these Studes were the first 'mid-sized', rugged pickups on the
market. That's right all you Ranger, S-10, and Tacoma lovers, this
cool little Champ started it all. The completely reworked cabin now
features contoured low-back bucket seats and a custom middle
console, wrapped in a gorgeous two-tone upholstery that matches the
exterior theme. The door panels were stitched to match, as were the
plush black carpets below, and the show-piece dashboard continues
the look and is further punctuated with high-end wood applique and
billet trim. The spacious cabin is anchored by an up-turned,
polished tilt column with a mounted Grant GT wheel affording max
comfort for drivers of any size, and a full set of AutoMeter gauges
keeps an eye on the upgraded engine under the hood. A tall Lokar
shifter manages the gears, and even though these final year 8E
pickups did offer factory A/C, this reworked beauty now carries a
completely modernized R134a system that blows ice cold. Beautifully
executed and looking practically new, this cabin is downright
gorgeous.
There's plenty of power on tap from a swapped-in 302 Ford V8, and
it looks right at home in the Stude's engine bay. Chrome valve
covers and a matching Edelbrock air cleaner are traditional ways to
dress up the Ford Blue block, and modern components like the HEI
ignition, newer alternator, and big aluminum radiator suggest that
someone wanted this truck reliable. It's fairly straightforward,
but the builders ensured reliability and great pop with an
Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake, and long-tube
headers at the flanks, so don't be afraid to take this one for a
spin any time. Underneath, it has an upgraded front clip, complete
with tubular A-Arms, power front disc brakes, and power
rack-and-pinion steering, while out back there's a rugged 10-bolt
rear end and upgraded air shocks. The FMX automatic transmission
features a transmission cooler and is capable of handling all that
power, while the soundtrack is enhanced thanks to a Flowmaster dual
exhaust with side exits that jut out right before the rear wheels.
Flash alloy wheels look great with staggered 225/70/15 front and
255/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials that really fill
those fat fenders.
The Studebaker Champ really paved the way for what we consider a
'truck' to be today. These beauties deserve to be restored, and we
absolutely love how this dialed-in '64 has been transformed and
turned up to 11. Call today!
