1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe

Summary

By the 1950s, Americans expected to have cars and travel widely. Even people of average income wanted their cars to reflect their personalities. If you wanted to turn heads, then Studebaker was the brand for you. Studebaker competed for customers with Ford, Chevy, and Plymouth, using airplane-inspired styling and radical wraparound rear windows. This model seems to leap forward even when standing still.

By the 1950s, Americans expected to have cars and travel widely. Even people of average income wanted their cars to reflect their personalities. If you wanted to turn heads, then Studebaker was the brand for you. Studebaker competed for customers with Ford, Chevy, and Plymouth, using airplane-inspired styling and radical wraparound rear windows. This model seems to leap forward even when standing still.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1951

Creators

Exner, Virgil M. (Virgil Max), 1909-1973 

Studebaker Corporation 

Place of Creation

United States, California, Vernon 

Creator Notes

Designed by Virgil M. Exner; manufactured in Vernon, California by the Studebaker Corporation.

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

85.80.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Steel
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Cloth
Chromium

Color

Blue

Dimensions

Diameter: 3 in  (Bore)

Length: 4 in  (Stroke)

Height: 60.25 in

Width: 70.688 in

Wheelbase: 115 in

Specifications

Make & Model: 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight coupe

Maker: Studebaker Corporation, South Bend, Indiana

Engine: inline-6, L-head valves, 170 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Height: 60.5 inches

Wheelbase: 115 inches

Width: 70.5 inches

Overall length: 197.5 inches

Weight: 2675 pounds

Horsepower: 85 at 4000 revolutions per minute

Pounds per horsepower: 31.5

Price: $1,985

Average 1951 wage: $3,452 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 7-1/2 months

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More