Vehicle Description
1940 Studebaker Champion 2-Door Coupe
A car company started by a band of German brothers, was known from
the very beginning, and throughout its history, for innovative
design, and use of technology. In fact, the first "horseless
carriage" produced by the Studebaker Brothers, was electric.
Throughout the history of the company, management fought to compete
with the big three, but proved to be a very difficult, uphill
battle, due to sheer volume differences.
This Loewy designed "slipstream" automobile is all about looking
like it's moving when standing still, gas saving and clean lines,
peppered with Art Deco styling. For consignment, we present to you,
"Anthony", a 1940 Studebaker Champion Business Coupe in older
restored condition. The paint and interior were done in 1990 and
are holding up well with a slew of extra parts included. A very
nice example of a 1940 post market crash, fair priced automobile,
that would see one of Studebaker's largest output since the early
1920's
Exterior
Overall black with thin chrome "belt trim" goes along each side,
and adds to the concept of motion while standing still. Two
die-cast grilles with vertical vanes sit low in the front fenders
while flanking a horizontally vaned center grille assembly with a
large single-bar bumper giving ample protection from minor
collisions. A chrome-plated ornament with a wispy "S" on an
oxblood-red field graces the leading edge of the hood. This emblem
melts back into a trim line that spits the hood and runs back to
the dual pane windshield. Pontoon style fenders, part of Loewry's
design, are on the front with semi-integral headlights and swoop
back into the tapered rockers, so long running boards. Another
die-cast Studebaker ornament is centered below the decklid. The
stylized taillights present following the peak of the rear fenders
and are mounted as such. 16" Studebaker dog dish trimmed steel
wheels are on the corners and are wrapped in 5.50-16 medium width
whitewall rubber.
Interior
The interior features a maroon deluxe banjo steering wheel complete
with a central horn button with its wispy "S" logo. Rich broadcloth
upholstery with vertical and horizontal stitching makes up the door
panels with a circular insert around the window crank. Bright
chrome appears for the cranks and door releases along with maroon
bakelite bezels and trimmings. Art Deco styling is very present
here in particular within the taupe steel dash area with the
instrumentation. This includes a circular speedometer in front of
the driver and a large circular chrome and black Studebaker emblem
in front of the passenger. Residing in the center of the dash is a
waterfall of chrome flanked on both sides by auxiliary gauges to
monitor engine vitals. Clean gold carpeting covers the floors and
behind the seat we see a small vinyl covered compartment to store
your samples and wares while on a business call. Finishing off the
roof is a tight tan broadcloth headliner.
Drivetrain
This Champion is powered by a six-cylinder L-head engine, which
traced its heritage back to the 1932 Rockne 65. In 1940,
displacement was at 164.3 cubic inches and horsepower at 76. This
power plant was one of the most efficient engines then being
produced with Studebaker claiming 27.25mpg. A 1bbl carburetor feeds
this fuel efficient mill and on the back is a 3-speed manual
transmission. Bringing up the tail end is a 4.56 geared rear axle.
Showing with some patina and road dirt this engine bay is well
sorted and just needs a freshening to be topflight.
Undercarriage
The car's suspension features transverse leaf springs in the front
and traditional leaf springs in the rear. Houdaille lever-type
shocks were used front and rear in conjunction with the springs. We
note hydraulic drum brakes on all for corners and a single exhaust
system to handle noxious fume removal. Overall, the undercarriage
is solid with only minor surface rust on the suspension, meanwhile
the frame and flooring remain strong and rust free with a coating
of black rustproofing.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter for this classic, smooth idling, and after sliding
the shifter into 1st gear we were off to the test track. Here it
accelerated from a standstill respectfully and got up to speed
quickly with no complaints and shifted smoothly. Handling was good,
and brakes were nice and quick to react. A good cruiser and head
turner for sure with all functions operational.
If you are looking for an iconic Studebaker, this car deserves some
of your time. A good quality older restoration on a beautifully
styled automobile from the early 1940's. Instantly starts up and
has a smooth-running engine, wonderful ride, and fuel efficient, a
very nice example indeed is offered. Take this car to the drive in,
and catch Citizen Kane, or just give a listen to Chattanooga Choo
Choo on the radio.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.