Nationally Recognized, Magazine Featured, Not a Hot Rod

Attention Patriots and Studebaker Lovers!

A very unique ownership opportunity awaits you. This is your next classic car if you are an American Patriot (and not afraid to show it) with a love for Country. a love for Americana and an interest in American WWII aircraft. This is a very special and truly gorgeous Studebaker with a vinyl graphics scheme depicting the spirit and vigor of the WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightening fighter plane. Studebaker's 1950 model was expressly designed to incorporate many features of the legendary WWII airplanes that helped bring us victory. This iconic custom beauty started life as one of Studebaker's most desirable body styles in 1950 - the famous Champion Starlight Coupe.

History

The Studebaker Champion line was noted at the time for its economical operation and exceptional gas mileage. This 1950 Starlight Coupe body style was penned in the Industrial Design Studios of Raymond Loewy in South Bend. Indiana at the Studebaker Plant Engineering Building. Under Loewy's direction. the creative hands of designer Virgil Exner styled the original 1947-1949 cars which were nearly the same as the 1950-1951 models but without the bold and distinctive bullet nose front end. The 1950 -1951 bullet nose restyle was penned again under the direction of Loewy but now by designer Bob Bourke.

Provenance

This stunning vehicle. although not being represented as a concours restoration. has been a First Place Show Winner in the modified class at multiple Studebaker Drivers Club International Meets. This Studebaker has appeared in Hot Rod Magazine in April 2010. Hemmings Motor News in August 2012. the Lightning Strike (P-38 periodical). and in various Studebaker Drivers Club publications.   This car was also featured as part of a special exhibit at the Studebaker National Museum in 2013. That publicity along with several local awards makes this an accomplished show and drive vehicle.   The attention it grabs and the conversations it starts (just about everywhere you go) make this a special "one of a kind" automobile.

Body. Paint. and Interior

While in my possession. the car underwent a significant transformation. Originally painted in South Bend in its stock Aero Blue. the car was disassembled under my supervision down to the basic body on frame.   Extensive paint work was performed resulting in a body that is straight as an arrow and with its base coat/clear coat silver paint it brilliantly sparkles in the sun like polished aluminum aircraft. The trunk area is completely stock. The under carriage and suspension are also stock. They have been cleaned and painted but are not considered restored. They exhibit normal (but maintained) wear for a vehicle of its age. The most distinct feature of the vehicle are the various airplane markings and are custom designed vinyl graphics…they are not painted.   As such. they can be easily modified but are very durable.   They are firmly in place and cannot be removed without effort.   If you chose to leave them. they will last for many years. If you chose to change. improve. or remove them. doing so will not harm the paint. These graphics do in fact closely resemble the actual airplane markings.   I found a group of enthusiasts who are dedicated to the preservation of the P-38 who directed me to resources with authentic markings.   I took a creative license with some including the nearly 750 rivets throughout the body lines and the VW and Mitsubishi “kills” on the fenders - see photos. The interior of the car is largely stock with the exception of an under-dash CD/radio (with remote) that I chose to install. No material alterations were performed for this installation as it can be removed to completely return to a stock dash if desired.   That said. there are a few very minor exterior and interior cosmetic imperfections. Therefore. please inspect link to photos and examine closely.   These photos open large.  

Mechanical and Electrical Work Performed

Under the hood. the original engine was “gone through” and detailed to factory coloration.   The (numbers matching) stock flat head six is intact. has superb oil pressure. and operates without problem.   Similarly the 3-speed (with OD) manual transmission shifts cleanly without flaw. Electrically. the vehicle has been altered.   The previous owner was an Army electrician and essentially fused every circuit in the car which I chose to retain.   A fuse bank assembly is installed under the dash on the driver side.   Also notable is the installation of an alternator in lieu of a (less reliable) generator. another carryover from the previous owner. The original radio looks perfect but does not operate. hence I decided to install a partial hidden CD/radio. Listen to engine run by clicking on link to photos and video below.

See Photo and Video Link Below

http://imageevent. com/donandgisela/1950championcarplanephotos

This is a completely unique. reliable. clean. honest classic car that will bring all the attention it deserves and can be driven anywhere. You will have children wave at you in parades. car buffs start numerable conversations. and even veterans will come and thank you for the tribute to the “men and machines that saved the world”. Bid now and bid often or BUY IT NOW to own this American icon of all that is great about our Country's history! If you are truly interested and have questions please e-mail me through eBay.   We can progress to a phone conversation as appropriate.   Please do not ask for reserve price as I want to give everyone the opportunity to own this very unique and desirable one of a kind custom automobile.

A few notes on the Photos: