1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe

THF90649 / 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe
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Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1951

Creator Notes

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

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

85.80.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
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
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