1951 Studebaker Champion 'Business Coupe'

Description Rare 3-passenger Business Coupe, originally built for the “on-the-road salesman” White exterior with a white interior Unique interior-accessible trunk area located behind drop curtains, also designed to serve as a sleeper area 170ci inline 6-cylinder engine 3-speed manual transmission with column shift Original AM radio Recently serviced Longtime museum history: This unique coupe spent decades in a classic car museum in Virginia before entering a private collection in 2011. Now, in 2026, it is being offered to the public for the first time through the Saratoga Motorcar Auction 32,342 Miles, per owner, Taken on Consignment, Title Reads ExemptThe 1951 Studebaker Champion Business Coupe featured the iconic "bullet-nose" styling penned by Raymond Loewy’s design studio. Built in South Bend, Indiana, this lightweight, three-passenger utility coupe carried a 169.6-cubic-inch flathead inline-six engine producing 85 horsepower. Historical Facts Exclusivity: The business coupe body style was restricted strictly to the lighter Champion line for 1951; Studebaker did not offer a Commander business coupe that year. Rarity Today: Because they were treated strictly as working/commercial vehicles, very few survived compared to the flashy Starlight Coupe or standard sedans, making original business coupes scarce among collectors. Economy: Thanks to its aerodynamic shape and light weight, the Champion platform routinely praised fuel efficiency, capable of returning impressive real-world fuel mileage for the era. Design and Styling The "Bullet-Nose" Look: Inspired by postwar aviation, the front end featured a prominent central chrome spinner. For 1951, the design was updated with a plastic centerpiece on the bullet and wider side grille-work. Business Coupe Layout: Built specifically for traveling salesmen and commercial use, it featured a sparse 3-passenger interior configuration and an enlarged trunk capacity, omitting the rear seat to maximize cargo floor space. Glass Updates: Received a modern one-piece curved panoramic windshield for 1951, replacing the prior split-windshield layout.

Description as published on the original listing. Sesame Cars does not verify seller claims.