1949 Studebaker Champion

Studebaker introduced the Champion model in 1939 and would remain in production through 1958. Its lightweight design and fairly aerodynamic profile gave it excellent fuel mileage during the World War II gasoline rationing. A new design was introduced for 1942 and, except for the World War II years, was produced until 1946. Both the Champion and the Commander received styling updates in 1947, making them the first new cars proceeding World War II. The Champion remained popular, accounting for over 65 percent of Studebaker's 1947 sales. It was an affordable automobile that had automatic courtesy lights, backlight illumination for gauges, a new rear window design, and flat front fenders. Power was from an inline six-cylinder engine with a 169.9 cubic-inch displacement that offered 80 horsepower.

The 1947 Studebaker Champion had Deluxe and Regal Deluxe trim levels, and these would continue through 1949. The 1950 Champion had Custom, Deluxe, and Regal Deluxe.

Body styles on the 1949 Champion Deluxe line included a coupe, Starlight Coupe, and a 2- and 4-door sedan. Prices began at $1,590 for the coupe and rose to $1,690 for the sedan. The Regal Deluxe line had the same body styles as the Deluxe but added a convertible. The coupe, once again, had the lowest price at $1,660. The convertible was the most expensive in the Champion lineup at $2,090. The Regal Deluxe Sedan had the most sales at 24,328, while the Deluxe Sedan also proved popular with 20,134 sales. The 2-door Deluxe sedan had 10,359.

The Regal Deluxe trim level added stainless steel windshield trim and stainless steel rocker panel moldings. New this year were wraparound bumpers on all models, and a second full-width horizontal stainless steel bar was added to the grille.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020