National Auto Museum, Reno - 1953 Studebaker

The Museum's placard for this car reads:

 

1953 STUDEBAKER

Model: Champion Model 14G Starliner “Hard Top” Convertible

Built by: The Studebaker Corp., South Bend, Indiana

Price: $2,116

Engine: L-Head 6 cylinder, 85 H.P.

Bore: 3 in.

Stroke: 4 in.

Displacement: 169.6 cu. in.

 

Production of the new 1953 Studebaker Commander and Champion models signaled introduction of the cleanest and most esthetically styled cars of the fifties. Features of the new styling included a long sloping hood, slim two-section horizontal grille with two suspended bars, small bumper guards, full wheel openings, and a reverse-angled slant styling theme that influenced the door contour line, the slant of the rear taillights, and the shape of the rear quarter windows. There was some resemblance between the 1952 grille and the 1953 version, but the new grille was much cleaner looking and had far less chrome trim. Studebaker’s conservative use of chrome was in stark contrast to the industry’s constantly expanding use of shiny trim, so the Parts and Accessories Division came up with an extensive list of accessory trim items for customers to choose from. Hood and fender ornaments, fog light bumperettes, wire wheelcovers, and exterior sunvisors were just a few that were listed. Model year production for 1953 was 169,599 Studebakers built, with the Champion model lasting until 1958.

 

Donated by: Harrah’s Hotels & Casinos

Adopted by: James Sloan & Janet Perry (C), David Brown (N)

Done