1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe
Add to SetSummary
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
Place of Creation
United States, California, Vernon
Creator Notes
Designed by Virgil M. Exner; manufactured in Vernon, California by the Studebaker Corporation.
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