1951 Studebaker Champion in Saratoga Springs, New York

- Rare 3-passenger Business Coupe, originally built for the "on-the-road salesman" - White exterior with a white interior - Unique interior-accessible trunk area located behind drop curtains, also designed to serve as a sleeper area - 170ci inline 6-cylinder engine - 3-speed manual transmission with column shift - Original AM radio - Recently serviced - Longtime museum history: This unique coupe spent decades in a classic car museum in Virginia before entering a private collection in 2011. Now, in 2026, it is being offered to the public for the first time through the Saratoga Motorcar Auction - 32,342 Miles, per owner, Taken on Consignment, Title Reads Exempt The 1951 Studebaker Champion Business Coupe featured the iconic "bullet-nose" styling penned by Raymond Loewy's design studio. Built in South Bend, Indiana, this lightweight, three-passenger utility coupe carried a 169.6-cubic-inch flathead inline-six engine producing 85 horsepower. Historical Facts Exclusivity: The business coupe body style was restricted strictly to the lighter Champion line for 1951; Studebaker did not offer a Commander business coupe that year. Rarity Today: Because they were treated strictly as working/commercial vehicles, very few survived compared to the flashy Starlight Coupe or standard sedans, making original business coupes scarce among collectors. Economy: Thanks to its aerodynamic shape and light weight, the Champion platform routinely praised fuel efficiency, capable of returning impressive real-world fuel mileage for the era. Design and Styling The "Bullet-Nose" Look: Inspired by postwar aviation, the front end featured a prominent central chrome spinner. For 1951, the design was updated with a plastic centerpiece on the bullet and wider side grille-work. Business Coupe Layout: Built specifically for traveling salesmen and commercial use, it featured a sparse 3-passenger interior configuration and an enlarged trunk capacity, omitting the rear seat to maximize cargo floor space. Glass Updates: Received a modern one-piece curved panoramic windshield for 1951, replacing the prior split-windshield layout. -- This item is a part of Saratoga Motorcar Auction's upcoming auction on September 18 & 19 | 2026 in Saratoga Springs, New York. -- More information, additional photos and/or videos may be available on our website: