Vehicle Description
The stunning styling of the Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner
Restomod (try saying that 5 times fast) has always needed a bit
more horsepower than the original engines could provide. Sure, they
tried supercharging a few years later, but this 1953 Studebaker
hardtop coupe now features a stout small block Chevy V8 and all the
modern conveniences, without losing its stunning good looks. That's
a win-win if you ask us!
The Starliner hardtop coupes must have been something when they hit
the streets in the early 1950s. Where everything else was
conservative and staid, the Stude was sleek, low, and beautifully
proportioned. It wasn't a sports car, of course, but an early grand
touring coupe, making it perfect for a makeover. This one shows
excellent bodywork wrapped in a lovely electric blue paint job
that's both flashy and sophisticated, perfect for the Stude's
slinky shape. Fit and finish are good all around, and despite a few
signs of use and age, it still cuts a dashing profile and draws
attention wherever it goes. Chrome and stainless trim is a big part
of any '50s car's appeal, and this Studebaker is no exception,
offering lots of the bright stuff to really make the details stand
out. The grille was similar to other Studebaker products, domed
hood and peaked fenders make for an awesome view from behind the
wheel and there are vestigial tailfins out back, all trimmed in
chrome. The sweep panel on the flanks adds some drama and that
hardtop profile with the wrap-around rear window makes this car
stand out everywhere it goes.
The handsome interior has been thoroughly updated, giving it a
clean, modern look without losing the spirit of the original
design. Leather bucket seats from a Pontiac GTP flank a custom
center console, and the original dash has been extensively
reworked. A tilt column with a beautiful leather-trimmed steering
wheel is elegant and comfortable and the original gauges are
replaced with white-faced Dolphin dials. Amenities like power
windows, seats, and locks, a tilt/telescope steering column, and a
great-sounding AM/FM/CD stereo are all part of the package.
Everything inside the car is nicely finished and showing only
minimal wear, so it's sure to get its share of complements at
shows. The rear seat appears to be original and is strictly for two
passengers, and the beautifully finished trunk is definitely big
enough for all your gear on a road trip.
A reliable 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 replaces the original lump,
and it likely makes roughly three times the horsepower as the
factory mill. It's a clean installation, with much of the wiring
tucked neatly out of sight and a lot of color-matched components.
There are also some polished aluminum details and upgrades like
power front disc brakes make it feel quite contemporary on the
road. Obviously the firewall and inner fenders have been smoothed
and there's a big aluminum radiator up front. A TH350 3-speed
automatic transmission feeds what appears to be a Ford 9-inch rear
end that hangs on original leaf springs. A rumbling dual exhaust
gives the clean coupe just the right sound and it sits easily on
those polished KMC "Hot Wheels" aluminum wheels with staggered
225/50/16 front and 265/60/16 rear BFG radials.
Studebakers aren't for everyone, but it's easy to fall for a car
that looks this good and runs this well. Maybe go off the beaten
track for a while and see what Studebaker's best effort can do.
Call today!
