Studebaker Champion Regal Starlight Coupe
The post-war Studebaker Champion was a design revolution. Raymond Loewy's team created the first genuinely modern American car, with clean, flowing lines that made every competitor look dated overnight. The famous 'bullet nose' 1950-1951 models and the elegant 'Starlight' coupe with its wrap-around rear window were design landmarks that influenced the entire industry. Under the stunning body, the Champion was a practical, fuel-efficient car built by America's oldest manufacturer. The inline-six was modest in power but economical, and the car's light weight made it nimble. Studebaker consistently led the industry in design, from the 1947 models through the stunning 1953 Starliner coupe penned by Robert Bourke of the Loewy studio.
The 1950-1951 bullet nose models are most iconic and valuable. The 1953 Starliner coupe is the design masterpiece. Starlight coupes with wrap-around windows are desirable. Champion sixes are economical but slow. Commander V8 models offer better performance. Studebaker parts are available through specialty suppliers.
The Champion nameplate ran from 1939 to 1958. The 1947 models were the first all-new post-war American cars. The 1950-1951 'bullet nose' is the most iconic version. The 1953 Starliner coupe is considered one of the most beautiful American cars ever designed.