ZZ4 V8-Powered 1953 Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner Restomod

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1953 Studebaker Champion Starliner emerged during a pivotal period for Studebaker, when the company was gaining national attention for bold, forward‑looking design. Introduced as part of Studebaker’s early‑1950s lineup, the two‑door coupe was distinguished by its dramatic “star view” wraparound rear window, and it could be had with higher-end Regal trim.

Styled under the direction of Raymond Loewy’s team, the Champion Starliner reflected Studebaker’s effort to set itself apart from larger Detroit competitors through modern aesthetics rather than sheer size or horsepower. That idea was turned on its head with this '53 Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner, which has been heavily modified. The most significant changes were swapping its original six-cylinder with a Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 350ci small‑block V8 crate engine and replacing the car’s original gearbox with a new TH700-R4 4-speed automatic transmission with Hurst shifter.

Additional modifications included replacing the original frame with one modified to fit from a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck, lowering the suspension, shaving the emblems and front fender vent doors, refinishing the car in dark gray metallic paint, and installing American Racing Salt Flat wheels, two-tone gray velour upholstery, a power-operated trunk release, and a Bluetooth head unit with front and rear speakers.

This 1953 Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner Restomod is now represented by a Broad Arrow Specialist and with a clean Arizona title in the name of its current owner.

Highlights

• Older restomod build completed in the early 2000s

• Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 350ci small‑block V8 crate engine

• TH700-R4 four-speed automatic transmission with Hurst shifter

• Refinished in dark gray metallic paint

• Two-tone gray velour upholstery

Factory Equipment

• Two‑door hardtop body with no B‑pillar

• Low, aerodynamic roofline with wraparound rear glass

• Integrated ponton-style fenders

• Front bench seat with split, fold‑forward seatbacks

• Factory speedometer and odometer

• The chassis number (G1237377) decodes as:

  • G – Champion series; built at South Bend, Indiana, assembly plant

  • 1237377 – Serial number

• The body number (14G-K5-5243) decodes as:

  • 14G – 1953 Champion Regal

  • K5 – 2-Door Starliner 5-passenger hardtop

  • 5243 – Body sequence

Modifications

The car was reportedly modified to its current state in the early 2000s. Work performed included:

• Exterior and Structure:

  • Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck frame

  • Refinished in dark gray metallic paint

  • Shaved emblems and front fender vent doors

  • Power‑operated trunk (via a button on the key fob)

  • Some of the exterior brightwork has been rechromed or polished

• Interior:

  • Two‑tone gray velour upholstery and door trim

  • Retro Air Systems air conditioning and heat

  • Black, three-spoke RACE steering wheel with tilt steering column

  • Bluetooth stereo with front and rear speakers

  • Autometer Sport‑Comp gauges for fuel, oil pressure, and water temperature

  • Seat belts

• Powertrain/Drivetrain:

  • Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 350ci small‑block V8 crate engine

    • Aluminum heads

    • Aluminum intake manifold

    • Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor

  • TH700‑R4 four‑speed automatic transmission with Hurst Quick Shift shifter

  • GM 10‑bolt rear end

  • Limited‑slip differential (LSD)

  • Headers and dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers

  • Trunk‑mounted battery and fuel cell

• Suspension/Brakes/Wheels/Tires:

  • Lowered suspension

  • Power steering

  • Power brakes (front disc, rear drum)

  • Staggered-width American Racing Salt Flat rims

Known Imperfections

• Older build with paint imperfections, rub marks, scratches on the chrome, and interior wear

• Rock chips in paint on hood and behind wheels

• Paint Paint chip/flaking on hood, as shown in gallery photo

• Air conditioner does not blow cold

• Speedometer and odometer are inaccurate/intermittent

• Fuel gauge is inoperable

• Carb and timing adjustments recommended

• Some engine feedback can be heard through the stereo speakers

Ownership History

The seller of this 1953 Studebaker Champion Starlight purchased it in May 2022. He states, “The builder sold the car approximately 15 years ago, and it is believed to have traded hands once or twice before I bought it in 2022. It is estimated to have less than 5,000 miles since the restoration.”

Included Items

• Key with four-button remote fob

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Representative is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Frank Malefors Phone: 602.488.7888 Email: fmalefors@hagerty.com