Actually, 1946 should have perhaps been included in the 1939 to 1942 prewar group as it more closely resembles those body styles. However, because it is actually a post war car it was included on this page. The 1946 Champion is easy to identify by it’s horizontal grille design, 1947 thru 1949 Champions would have a vertical grille design (See the next photo).
The new post war cars, 1947, 1948, and 1949 are very similar and often hard to tell apart. However these diagram from the Body Parts Catalog 1947 – 1950, show the front of the Champions and is a perfect way to quickly identify which year you are seeing. 1947 has no full length horizontal grille trim bar, 1948 has one full length horizontal grille trim bar, and 1949 has two full length horizontal grille trim bars as shown below.
1947 has rounded ball tops and grooves on and in the bumper guards, these are removed for 1948, but the location is still near the center. 1949 bumper guards are spaced further apart, closer to the ends of the grille. 1949 Champions also have new wrap around front and rear bumpers.
1946 Studebaker Champion Skyway:
The “War Production Board” announced civilian automobile production could resume July 1st, 1945. Ford, was the first domestic auto manufacturer to start post-war production with a warmed over 42 Ford on July 3rd, 1945. Studebaker, however was unable to start post-war production until December of 1945 and then only produced 651 cars for the month.
There are a number of reasons for the delay, but the most significant was that Studebaker wanted to give it’s new car a bit more distinction. New trim had been planned, but a large bottleneck happens as production of these vendor supplied trim items are delayed. Other parts suppliers were also having problems delivering production parts to Studebaker. Most of the automobile industry was suffering from these ailments, but of course the independents had much greater problems.
The logical choice for Studebaker, in returning to production, would be to launch a Champion as it’s engine had remained in production during the war, used in the Weasel. Thus the new car would be the Model 5G Skyway Champion. Skyway had been a trim level on pre-war Commanders and Presidents first introduced in the 1941 model year. The substance for the design would be clean lines to accent the basic lines of the car.
Belt line trim is removed and new wider trim is added to the entire bottom of the car, rocker panels, front fenders, and rear fenders. New bumper guards, new hood ornament, and new hubcaps. The grille is modified with new trim across the top. The car comes in Coupe, Club Sedan, and Cruising Sedan models. Custom and Deluxstyle trim lines are dropped. Only Skyway trim is available. Only solid exterior paint colors were available on regular production cars, in (10) colors, Velvet Black, Berkshire Grey Dark, Berkshire Grey Light, Desert Tan Dark, Desert Tan Light, Sagamore Green Dark, Sagamore Green Light, Winetone Maroon, Sierra Red, and Nassau Blue.
Few interior changes are made, the steel dash portions of the 1942 Champion are now painted and a new “Champion” badge is displayed across the radio grille. Striped Bedford Cord upholstery is the only material available. This is Studebaker’s forgotten car, it’s a stop-gap measure to provide the dealers with something to sell. Only 20,000 units are planned, the number of parts Studebaker has committed to with it’s parts vendors. They came close to this number with 19,275 units manufactured before the introduction of the 1947 models. Very little little promotion was done, because Studebaker was aware of the sellers market and they also did not want to distract from the introduction of their all new 1947 models. Every car was snapped up as fast as they were manufactured, most by high mileage drivers. They were driven hard and few remain remain today. Studebaker has a leg-up using outside design from Lowey and Associates, during the war, so very soon (May 1st, 1946) the 1947 model-year cars would be available. Production of the 1946 Studebaker would end in March of 1946.|
1946 Studebaker Champion Skyway Series 5G, 110 in. wheelbase |
|||||
|
Model |
No. Doors |
Passengers |
1 CCD
Price |
2 TW
Price |
2 No. Produced |
|
Skyway Business Coupe (Q8) |
2 |
3 |
$1,002.00 |
$1,002.00 |
2,465 |
|
Skyway Double Dater Coupe (Q10) |
2 |
5 |
$1,044.00 |
$1,044.00 |
1,285 |
|
Skyway Club Sedan (F7)3 |
2 |
5 |
$1,046.00 |
$1,046.00 |
5,000 |
|
Skyway Cruising Sedan (W7)3 |
4 |
6 |
$1,097.00 |
$1,097.00 |
10,525 |
|
Total |
|
19,275 |
|||
Starting Serial Number G-193,001 Ending Serial Number 212,500. Starting Engine Number 216,501 Ending Engine Number 236,000
Source:1Classic Car Database (Price) – 2TW April 1989
3The suffix “7” was listed in the parts books, but was not put on the body tags on the firewall.
|
1946 Studebaker Champion Skyway Series 5G, 110 in. wheelbase |
|||||
|
Engine color is Olive green with black electrical components and air cleaner.
|
|||||
|
Engine Type
|
L-head (flathead) straight six
|
||||
|
Displacement
|
169.6 cubic inches
|
||||
|
Bore & Stroke |
3″ by 4″ |
||||
|
Horsepower |
80@4000 RPM |
||||
|
Compression ratio |
6.5:1 (optional) 7.0:1 |
||||
|
Carburetor |
Carter WE-532S one-barrel |
||||
|
Tires |
5.50 x 16, 4 ply |
||||
|
Fuel Tank |
15 gallons |
||||
|
All Skyway Champions are built in South Bend. |
|||||
1947 Studebaker Champion:
“First By Far With a Postwar Car”, that’s the slogan for 1947. However, Kaiser-Frazer is actually the first post war car displayed, January 20th, 1946 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Then again, the cars displayed were prototypes and actual production did not start until June of 1946, by then Studebaker had been delivering new 47’s to dealers and customers for at least a month or more, making Studebaker’s claim quite valid.
The 1947 design actually starts during the war year. This can happen because the design work is being provided by an outside firm, not subject to the war time rules for in house automotive work. That firm of course is Loewy and Associates. The South Bend studio is headed by Virgil Exner, who would make his greatest mark, later at Chrysler doing the “Forward Look” designs. Working under Exner is some of the greatest stylists ever assembled. They are Gordon Beuhrig (Coffin-nosed Cord & Auburn Speedster), Robert Bourke (1953 Studebaker), Holden Koto (1949 Ford), and John Reinhart (1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II). By 1943 most of the parameters of the post-war design have been established. However, it is about this time when Exner and Lowey began to quibble about design recognition. The details are to great to cover here. But, suffice to say, Exner departs in early 1944 and Gordon Beuhrig becomes Lowey’s new head guy. Then, Studebaker’s chief engineer Roy Cole , no fan of Lowey, hires Exner to continue design work on the sly at his home. This set the stage for two competing designs to evolve. Now, the shenanigans really start. Cole gives Beuhrig exterior dimension limitations which are much smaller then the ones given to Exner. When Lowey makes his presentation to the Board, he is told his prototype is to small, thus Lowey’s project is delayed and eventually the Board selects Exner’s secret design. Lowey is understandable upset and to pacify him Studebaker gives Lowey 100 percent credit for the new design, thus robbing Exner and Cole of the very recognition they were trying to achieve.
Early mock-ups were of a slab-side design like the Kaiser-Frazier and some consideration was also given to a possible rear mounted engine. As rear engine drive and slab-side designs were eliminated, slightly protruding bolt-on (pontoon) rear fenders appeared. Thus, avoiding the upside-down bathtub look of the Ford, Hudson, Packard, and Nash. Chrysler and General Motors post-war designs would look much like Studebaker’s side treatment. Exner’s main influence would be from the cowl forward where he favored the square front treatment, as opposed to Beuhrig’s sloping hood design, that would eventually appear in 1952.
The 1947 model line-up included two Sedan’s, now simply identified as two-door and four-door. A Business Coupe (3-pass) and two new models, the five passenger coupe and convertible.
This new coupe has a rear window made from four separate curved glass sections, which wrapped around the rear of the car, nearly to the doors. This design initially named “5-passenger coupe” would become the “Starlight” coupe in 1949 and that name would eventually be applied to all coupes of this design. The rear seat of this coupe was contained by two large armrests on either side, the top of which was hinged in the front, creating storage space underneath. An interesting accessory, only available to “Starlight” coupes, often appear on these cars, “Venetian Shades” (AC-1542). The convertible was not available in the initial run. Two prototype station wagons were planned but never put into production.
Two trim levels would be available, DeLuxe and Regal DeLuxe, the convertible would only be available in Regal trim. The main identifiers between DeLuxe and Regal DeLuxe, is Regal’s had stainless body sill (rocker panel) moldings and stainless windshield reveal molding. The Regal interior has better appointments, but is not as clear an identification as the outside trim was. The Starlight coupe and convertible would have a single curved windshield, while the two sedans and the business coupe would have the conventional two part flat glass treatment. The major differences between the Champion and Commander is the grille and tail lights. The Champion grille being a single component affair placed in an open space in the front of the car. It featured five horizontal rounded bars in the center, flanked by four vertical bars on either side, mounted to top and bottom stainless trim. The grille design is attributed to Vince Gardner. Exterior ornaments were done by John Reinhart. The taillights were a two lens design mounted in stainless bezels. The hubcaps were new and featured a flat radial line around the edge, then reverse dished smoothly too the center. The Starlight coupe would initially have stainless steel trim around the outside of the rear window, but was soon dropped. The window space is dramatically increased, sedan windshield glass increased by 144 square inches and rear window glass by 239 square inches.
The wheelbase is increased to 112 inches and a new frame is designed by Harold E. Churchill, which allowed the body to be set much deeper, thus the 47 Champion is four inches lower then the 46 Champion Skyway. The front and rear seat are moved forward, which required the engine to also move forward. The engine oil pan sump would have to be move forward in front of the suspension. There would be as much as 11 inches more hip room in the new Champion’s. The first self-adjusting, self-centering brakes with an additional 24 square inches of brake lining appear. Gas tank capacity increases to 17 gallons. Other mechanical improvements are nil, the same engine, transmission, rear axle, and suspension designs prevail.
The Champ has not been on a diet either as the four-door sedan gains 155 pounds.
Interior design is conservative with cloth much like those found in 42 models, but not near as impressive as those used in late 1940 models and all the 1941 models. The dash design was done by John Reinhart. It featured a cluster of three round faces, left to right, gauge pod, optional clock, and speedometer. All are lighted by the new “black light” no-glare system developed during World War II for aircraft, encased in an oval chrome rimed surround with a mesh metal background. The right hand portion of the surround held the radio speaker (if equipped), overlayed with a scripted “Champion” badge. One of the distinguishing features between DeLuxe trim and Regal Deluxe trim was the steering wheel. Deluxe trim now had a very simple two spoke wheel with a horn button and no horn ring. The Regal DeLuxe steering wheel had two spokes with a horn ring and button.Restoration Information:
Upholstery Fabrics : 1947 Studebaker Champion
- Champion DeLuxe Trim: Canda Cloth or Bedford Worsted Cloth
- Champion Regal DeLuxe Trim: Novelty Woolen Cloth or high quality Canda Cloth
- Option: Leather upholstery was optional at extra cost on all models.
Floor Covering:
- Champion DeLuxe Trim: Front – Rubber, Back – Carpet
- Champion Regal DeLuxe Trim: Front – Carpet, Back – Carpet
Engine Colors:
The block, pan, head and associated parts were painted Studebaker’s olive green engine color. The fan was usually black, but sometimes may have been olive green. Most electrical components, except the overdrive relay, were black. The oil filler tube cap, spark plug wire bracket, and air cleaner canister were black. The carburetor, fuel pump, coil clamp, voltage regulator base, overdrive relay, air cleaner wingnut, battery clamp wingnuts and washers, hose clamps, and radiator cap were natural metal color. The oil filter canister, if factory installed, was black. The battery box was body color, but the top clamp was black. The radiator, radiator support frame, and upper radiator air deflector were black. The hood latch base in the air deflector was natural metal. Olive green over spray on starter and factory installed oil filter was common. There were decals on the air cleaner, oil filler tube cap and oil filter canister. The bell housing and transmission were normally painted olive green, but the rest of the drive train and chassis were painted black.
Color | Code | Wheel Cover | Outer Wheel Stripe Color | Inner Wheel Stripe Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Winetone Maroon | 7694 W-NB | Winetone Maroon | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Velvet Black | 7696 W-NB | Sierra Red | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Alleghany Dark Gray | 7969 W-RF | ? | ? | ? |
Alleghany Light Gray | 7973 W-RG | Holiday Red | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Navaho Light Tan | 8041 W-SC | Holiday Red | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Navaho Dark Tan | 8042 W-SD | Cerise Red | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Holiday Red | 8043 W-SE | Holiday Red | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Osage Blue | 8044 W-SF | Holiday Red | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Shenandoah Green Dark | 8045 W-SG | Shenandoah Green Light | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Shenandoah Green Light | 8046 W-SH | Shenandoah Green Dark | Jasper Green | Manila Cream |
Coronado Gray | 8075 W-SM | Osage Blue | Ardent Blue | Apple Green |
Oxford Gray | 8079 W-SN | Holiday Red | Orange | Tusk Ivory |
Tulip Cream No. 2 | 8097 W-SS | Tulip Cream No. 2 | Oxblood Red | Tusk Ivory |
Coronado Gray No. 2 | 8107 W-ST | Osage Blue | Ardent Blue | Tusk Ivory |
Convertible Colors | ||||
Velvet Black | 7696 W-NB | Ruby Glow Red | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Holiday Red | 8043 W-SE | Cerise Red | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
1Tulip Cream No. 2 | 8097 W-SS | Apple Green | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Vibrant Black | 8128 W-SX | Ruby Glow Red | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Balsam Green Metallic | 8131 W-SY | Tulip Cream No. 2 | Apple Green | Apple Green |
Silver Gray Metallic | 8134 W-SZ | Ruby Glow Red | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Gala Brown Metallic | 8139 W-TB | Cerise Red | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
Cumberland Blue Metallic | 8145 W-TD | Cumberland Blue-Extra Light | Tusk Ivory | Tusk Ivory |
1Tulip Cream was evidently a special order color for closed models. The December 1947 Service Bulletin (No. 197), page 3, says it was “used on convertible bodies only,” but the Studebaker Passenger Car Color Combination Paint Chart does list it under closed bodies, so some 1947 closed models were probably painted Tulip Cream No. 2. | ||||
1947 Champion Specifications | |
Engine type | L-head straight six |
Engine bore | 3 inches |
Engine stroke | 4 inches |
Engine Displacement | 169.6 cubic inches |
Engine Horsepower | 80 @ 4000 RPM |
Engine Torque (ft-lbs) | 134 @ 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression ratio | 6.5:1 optional 7.0:1 |
Engine Carburetor | Carter WE 1bbl |
Engine Oil Capacity | 5 quarts w/oil filter 6 quarts |
Engine Spark Plugs | Champion J7 or J9 |
| Engine Cooling Capacity | 10 quarts, 11 quarts with Climatizer |
Electrical Equipment | Auto Lite |
Battery | Willard |
| Tire Size | 5.50 x15 |
Fuel Tank Size | 17 Gallons |
1947 Studebaker Champion, Series 6G, 112 inch wheelbase | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2Model | No. Doors | Passengers | 1CCD Price | 1&2No. Produced | 2TW |
DeLuxe 3-Passenger Coupe (Q1) | 2 | 3 | $1,197.00 | 5,221 | $1,288.00 |
DeLuxe 5-Passenger Coupe (C3) | 2 | 5 | $1287.00 | 7,670 | $1,383.75 |
DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F3) | 2 | 6 | $1262.00 | 10,860 | $1,356.50 |
DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W3) | 4 | 6 | $1292.00 | 23,958 | $1,388.00 |
Regal DeLuxe 3-Passenger Coupe (Q2) | 2 | 3 | $1267.00 | 3,379 | $1,361.75 |
Regal DeLuxe 5-Passnger Coupe (C5) | 2 | 5 | $1357.00 | 9,061 | $1,456.50 |
Regal DeLuxe Convertible (S2) | 2 | 5 | Unknown | 2,251 | $1,902.00 |
Regal DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F5) | 2 | 6 | $1332.00 | 12,697 | $1,430.25 |
Regal DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W5) | 4 | 6 | $1362.00 | 30,000 | $1,461.75 |
Total | 105,097 | ||||
Serial Number South Bend G-212,501 – G-314,397 Los Angeles Serial Number G-824,001 – G-827,200 Engine Number 236,001 – 341,393 Source: 1Classic Car Database. 2TW Aug. 1995 | |||||
1948 Studebaker Champion:
As was the case in 1946 and 1947, 1948 was still very much a sellers market. There was very little incentive to change or upgrade the then new 1947 design. Interior changes are limited to the dash. A rectangular ring, rounded in the corners, surrounds the three instrument cluster. Last years mesh background in the surround is gone in favor of a painted surface. We have seen at least one 1948 Regal, where the dash and surround background were painted wood grain, however we don’t know if this was standard or not. The radio speaker trim matches the surround shape (rectangular with round corners) and is painted not plated and has a square holed pattern. The “Champion” badge formally on the radio grille is moved above the glove box. It’s a separate plastic affair, gold in color, with a fax chrome ends, and “Champion” script. The grooved trim strip from the bottom of the dash is removed, except a portion below the radio. Again, we have seen at least one 1948 Re gal, with the grooved strip across the entire bottom of the dash as it was in 1947. This trim would return to the bottom of the dash in 1949. 
Exterior treatments include adding a gun-sight ring to the hood ornament, modifying the hood badge to look similar to the
Commander. Removing the name “Champion” from the center and adding “Studebaker” to the right front of the hood and “Champion” to the left front of the hood. One of the five center grille bars is removed and the second center bar now extends across the full length or the grille. Front and rear bumper guards are simpler and the rounded protrusions at the tops are removed as well as the groves in the bottom. Mechanical changes are limited carburetor modification that help solve hot starting and warm-up problems.
Left, 4dr Regal Sedan, right 2dr 5-Pass Regal DeLuxe Coupe
Note the stainless steel rocker moldings
Five models in two trim levels are available. 4dr Sedan, 2 dr Sedan, Business Coupe, 5-Passenger Coupe (Starlight), and 2dr Convertible. The trim levels are DeLuxe and Regal DeLuxe. It is difficult to determine from the exterior the differences between the trim levels, but some of the tell’s for Regal trim are stainless steel rocker panel moldings and stainless steel windshield reveal mouldings. The Convertible was only available in Regal trim. The 5-passenger coupe and convertible have one piece curved windshield.
Restoration information:
Engine color:
Block and head olive green, fan usually black, some were olive green. Electrical components (except overdrive relay) black. Oil fill cap, spark wire bracket, air cleaner black. Carburetor, fuel pump, coil clamp, voltage regulator base, overdrive relay, air cleaner nut, battery clamp nuts and washers, hose clamps, radiator cap natural metal. Oil canister (factory installed) black. Battery box body color (except the top clamp black). Radiator, radiator support, radiator deflector black. Hood latch base natural metal. Decal on air cleaner, oil filler cap, and oil filter canister. Bell housing and transmission olive green, rest of drive train was black. Trunk sprayed with insulation material and no trunk mat was available.
There was a huge list of accessories listed for this year, way more then we wish to attempt to list. You can find these listed in Fred Fox’s article in TW, August, 1992 page 16.
Air Cleaners: 1948 Studebaker Cars
Studebaker supplied it’s cars with two types of air cleaners. Cars sold north and east of Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia, including Illinois and Tennessee were fitted with an air cleaner with an oil soaked element. All other states used the oil bath air cleaner. Ref. Service Bulletin No. 212, November 1948.
Coupes & Sedans Exterior Paint Colors | Convertible Exterior Paint Colors |
|---|---|
Holiday Red | Tulip Cream #2 |
Rodeo Tan | Balsam Green Metallic |
Shenandoah Green-light | Gala Brown Metallic |
Boulevard Grey | Varsity Maroon Metallic |
Parkway Green | Cumberland Blue Metallic |
Melody Blue | 1Cumberland Blue #2 Metallic |
Peacock Green | Silver Grey Metallic |
Iroquois Blue | Velvet Black |
Allegheny Grey-light | 1See page 3, April 1948 Service Bulletin. Gala Brown Metallic mixing formula was only available from Ditzler. Rear fender welt was painted body color before assemble. |
Velvet Black | |
Tulip Cream #2 |
Nothing is mentioned about upholstery in the August 1992 TW article by Fred Fox, so it is assumed and maybe incorrectly that the interior fabric options were the same as offered in 1947.
|
1948 Champion Specifications |
|
|
Engine type |
L-head straight six |
|
Engine bore |
3 inches |
|
Engine stroke |
4 inches |
|
Engine Displacement |
169.6 cubic inches |
|
Engine Horsepower |
80 |
| Engine Compression Ratio |
6.5:1 optional 7.0:1 |
|
Engine Carburetor
|
Carter WE 1bbl |
|
Electrical Equipment |
Auto-Lite |
|
Battery |
Willard |
| Tire Size |
5.50 x 15 |
|
Fuel Tank Size |
17 Gallons |
|
1948 Studebaker Champion Series 7G, 112 in. wheelbase |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Model |
No. Doors |
Passengers |
CCD Price |
TW
Price |
No. Produced |
|
DeLuxe Business Coupe (Q1) |
2 |
3 |
$1282.00 |
$1,445.75 |
3,783 |
|
DeLuxe 5-Passenger Coupe (C3) |
2 |
5 |
$1372.00 |
$1,540.50 |
5,499 |
|
DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F3) |
2 |
6 |
$1347.00 |
$1,514.25 |
10,203 |
|
DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W3) |
4 |
6 |
$1377.00 |
$1,545.75 |
21,436 |
|
Regal DeLuxe Business Coupe (Q2) |
2 |
3 |
$1352.00 |
$1,519.25 |
823 |
|
Regal DeLuxe 5-passenger Coupe (C5) |
2 |
5 |
$1442.00 |
$1,614.00 |
8,982 |
|
Regal DeLuxe 2dr Convertible (S2) |
2 |
5 |
$1780.00 |
$1,969.75 |
9,996 |
|
Regal DeLuxe 2dr Sedan (F5) |
2 |
6 |
$1442.00 |
$1,587.75 |
9,471 |
|
Regal DeLuxe 4dr Sedan (W5) |
4 |
6 |
$1447.00 |
$1,619.50 |
30,494 |
|
Total |
100,687 |
||||
Serial Number South Bend 314,501 – 400,500 Los Angeles 827,301 – 839,700 Canada 700,001 – 703,100
Engine Number South Bend 342,001 – 441,000 Canada C-1,100- C-4,100
Source: Classic Car Database (CCD). CCD production numbers exactly match TW numbers (August 1992), however CCD’s “Price” figures are much different, which leads us to wonder about the 1947 & 1949 CCD cost information?
1949 Studebaker Champion:
Studebaker was well aware that the sellers market was shortly going to end and had actually planned to introduce completely new cars this year, but in the end they decided to get by with another minor face lift, of a extraordinarily out of date 1947 design. This indecision delayed the release of the 1949 models until December of 1948 and another rush to introduce the 1950 models would end production of the 1949 models in July of 1949. This means that the 1949 models were actually only in production for 7 months and accounts for the lower model year production. (1948 production lasted 13 months and 1950 production was 14 months).
Exterior changes involve the grille design. For the Champion, all but two of the horizontal bars are eliminated. These two bars now extend all the way across the grille. The front and rear bumpers now wrap around to the side of the cars.Interior changes are 
found in the dash area where the instrument cluster area has a metal insert with a horizontal lined motif and the grooved panels are again across the bottom of the dash, like they were in 1947. The radio grille moved back to horizontal bars and the Champion badge above the glove box is removed in favor of just a simple “Champion” script in the same location.
found in the dash area where the instrument cluster area has a metal insert with a horizontal lined motif and the grooved panels are again across the bottom of the dash, like they were in 1947. The radio grille moved back to horizontal bars and the Champion badge above the glove box is removed in favor of just a simple “Champion” script in the same location. (*Champion DeLuxe sedans used Canda cloth with Regal DeLuxe using grey Bedford cord. Starlight Coupes had their own distinctive cloth, not specified in our resource material. Regal DeLuxe trim featured alligator motif vinyl sections on the door panels.)
*Studebaker The Complete Story
Mechanical changes involved a new carburetor and tire size change from 5.50 x 15 to 6.4 x 15. Gas tank capacity is increased from 17 gallons to 18 gallons and would remain this size until the end.
The model and trim levels are identical to 1947 & 1948.
Left: 1948 Champion Regal DeLuxe Convertible.
Right: 1948 Champion Regal DeLuxe 4dr Sedan.
Restoration information:
Engine Color: Same as 1948 (see that section of this page for details).
|
Coupes & Sedans Exterior Paint Colors |
Convertible Exterior Paint Colors |
|---|---|
|
Bermuda Green |
|
|
Glacier Green |
Varsity Maroon
|
|
Willow Green |
Highland Mist metallic
|
|
Plaza Gray |
Velvet Black
|
|
Alleghany Gray |
Bahama Mist metallic
|
|
Velvet Black |
Copper Mist metallic
|
|
Holiday Red |
Silver Mist metallic
|
|
Concord Blue |
Colors of wheels and wheel stripes can be found in Studebaker’s Color Combination Paint Chart |
|
1949 Studebaker Champion Series 8G, 112 in. wheelbase |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1Model |
No. Doors |
Passengers |
2CCD
Price |
1TW
Price |
1No. Produced |
|
DeLuxe Coupe (Q1) |
2 |
3 |
$1,432.00 |
$1,588.00 |
1,642 |
|
DeLuxe Starlight Coupe (C3) |
2 |
5 |
$1,522.00 |
$1,683.00 |
5,917 |
|
DeLuxe Sedan (F3) |
2 |
6 |
$1,497.00 |
$1,657.00 |
10,359 |
|
DeLuxe Sedan (W3) |
4 |
6 |
$1,527.00 |
$1,688.00 |
20,134 |
|
Regal DeLuxe Coupe (Q2) |
2 |
3 |
$1,502.00 |
$1,662.00 |
718 |
|
Regal DeLuxe Starlight Coupe (C5) |
2 |
5 |
$1,592.00 |
$1,757.00 |
9,829 |
|
Regal DeLuxe Convertible (S2) |
2 |
5 |
$1,930.00 |
$2,086.00 |
7,035 |
|
Regal DeLuxe Sedan (F5) |
2 |
6 |
$1,567.00 |
$1,730.00 |
5,618 |
|
Regal DeLuxe Sedan (W5) |
4 |
6 |
$1,597.00 |
$1,762.00 |
24,328 |
|
Total |
85,580 |
||||
Serial Number South Bend 400,501 – 468,100 Los Angeles 839,701 – 851,800 Canada 703,101 – 709,400
Starting Engine Number South Bend 342,001 – 521,000 Canada C-4,101 – C-10,500
Source: 1TW June 1990, 2Classic Car Database.