1953 Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner Coupe
AACA Senior National First Prize • Approximately 2,000 Miles Since Restoration • Comprehensive Documentation
Among postwar American automobiles, few designs have earned the lasting admiration of collectors quite like the 1953 Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner. Offered here is an AACA Senior National First Prize-winning example that combines award-winning presentation, extensive documentation, and thoughtful long-term stewardship. With only approximately 2,000 miles driven since its comprehensive restoration, this Starliner represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire one of the marque's most iconic automobiles.
This vehicle is one of several carefully selected Studebakers being offered from a private family collection assembled by a lifelong Studebaker enthusiast and longtime member of the Studebaker Drivers Club. Each automobile in the collection was chosen for its quality, authenticity, and mechanical integrity, then carefully maintained and preserved. This Starliner exemplifies that philosophy.
A comprehensive frame-off restoration was undertaken in 1993 and completed in 1995. During the restoration, the car was refinished in its present Coral Red and Ivory Mist color combination, replacing its original blue and ivory factory finish. In August 2000, the original 169.6-cubic-inch flathead inline-six was professionally rebuilt and restored to factory specifications. Power is delivered through its original automatic transmission. Since completion of the restoration and engine rebuild, the car has accumulated only approximately 2,000 miles, remaining a carefully preserved collector car.
The quality of the restoration is evident in every aspect of the automobile. The paint continues to present beautifully with excellent depth and gloss, while the chrome, stainless trim, and glass remain in outstanding condition. The restored interior has been exceptionally well preserved, and the engine compartment and trunk reflect the same attention to detail found throughout the vehicle. The result is a Starliner that presents to a high show standard while retaining the character and authenticity that knowledgeable collectors appreciate.
Prior to being offered for sale, the car underwent a comprehensive mechanical inspection and service by a professional mechanic experienced with vintage Studebakers. Any items requiring attention were addressed, and today the lights, gauges, heater, original factory radio, and major accessories are all functioning properly. The car starts easily, runs smoothly, shifts properly, and is ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Its AACA Senior National First Prize award, combined with an extensive history file documenting the restoration from beginning to end—including restoration photographs, receipts, records, judging documentation, and additional historical materials accumulated throughout its ownership—provides exceptional provenance seldom found in today's collector car market. Cars of this caliber are rarely offered with this level of documentation, award history, and such limited mileage since restoration.
Highlights
Combining national-level judging recognition, comprehensive documentation, exceptionally limited mileage since restoration, and careful long-term stewardship, this Champion Regal Starliner represents one of the finest examples of Studebaker's most celebrated designs currently available. Restoring a Starliner to this standard today would require substantially more time and expense than acquiring an already completed example of this quality.
Located in Washington, New Jersey.
