Random # 261: 1948 Studebaker Champion

This art deco inspired 1948 Studebaker Champion is one of the most interestingly - quirkily, perhaps - styled cars that I've seen in a long, long time. Its front end is reasonably consistent with other designs of the era, save the fact that it's quite ornate in a few areas, such as the inverted front overriders with decorative pressings, cleverly integrated park and indicators lights and the torpedo-esque bonnet adornment.

However, the four-piece wrap-around rear window lends the car an almost aeronautical look that's truly unique. This is further enhanced by the long, sloping rear profile that makes the car look like it's thrusting forwards, even when stationary, and the rear mudguards are reminiscent of an animal of prey's powerful rear haunches.

Of course, many American cars had strong styling and took their cues from aircraft and even rocket designs but this one, hailing as it did from just a few short years after the cessation of World War Two, strikes me as particularly innovative and beautiful. It's also quite small for a vehicle from Stateside.

The panels, paint and chrome were all in really good nick. The interior has clearly been retrimmed and now features elegant ribbed light blue velour that looked particularly attractive in the booth-like rear passenger compartment. Interestingly, it's a right hand drive vehicle.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please feel to have a look-see around the rest of the uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au site. There's a search facility in the top right corner of the page that allows you to find any of the hundreds of classic, sports and performance cars from Tasmania and mainland Australia, as well as many, many car shows and motor sports events. It's like an on-line car mag but for free! Please share!!

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au)

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Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

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