1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Hagerty Marketplace is honored to offer a selection of vehicles from the SugarCreek Collection. This private collection in southwestern Ohio is supported by its own in-house restoration and maintenance shop, with a full-time staff of craftsmen. The passion of one car enthusiast can be benefited by all to enjoy, as cars return to the road after extensive builds and care. The garage is a true spectrum of car enthusiast dreams, ranging from unfinished restorations to million-dollar builds, American muscle to European classic, drag racers to off-road machines. There is truly something for everyone in SugarCreek.    

This selection of vehicles is being offered by the SugarCreek collection without reserve. The 14 lots feature premium American classics, as well as wide assortment of European enthusiast cars. The two Buick convertibles will be participating in the 2025 Hot Rod Power Tour, traveling over 1,000 miles and will be available for public preview throughout the tour.    *  *  * 

In 1950, Studebaker debuted the radical “bullet nose” look that would come to define the automaker despite only lasting for two model years. The boldly futuristic design was the work of Raymond Loewy and Robert Bourke, and consisted of a long, sloping hood and propeller-like center grille flanked by prominent front fenders. The Starlight Coupe’s hallmark was its wraparound rear window, composed of four curved glass panels that created a panoramic effect reminiscent of a railroad observation car. This innovative design offered unmatched rear visibility and a unique silhouette. 

Under the hood, the 169.9 cu-in “L-head” inline-six gained an additional five horsepower and could now be had with a BorgWarner automatic along with standard three-speed manual transmission. Six-cylinder Champions had three trim levels: base Custom (as on this example), mid-range DeLuxe and high-line Regal. With an appearance unlike anything else on the road, bullet nose Studebakers represented a turning point in mid-century American automotive style. It’s such a landmark design that a 1951 Champion Starlight Coupe is on display at Henry Ford Museum in the Driving America exhibit.  

Highlights 

• Offered from The SugarCreek Collection 

• A rare and original Starlight Coupe example  

• Powered by a 169.9 cu-in “L-head” inline-six rated at 85 horsepower  

• Column-shifted three-speed manual transmission  

• Finished in black over gray cloth and vinyl upholstery in base Custom trim 

Features 

• Recent maintenance by the SugarCreek shop includes: 

  • Rebuilt carburetor  

  • New water pump  

  • Repaired heater core 

  • New spark plugs 

• Famous “bullet nose” styling  

• Multi-pane wraparound rear window  

• Chrome steel wheels and “Moon” hub caps 

• Turn signals added 

• Auxiliary water temperature gauge 

• Spare Tire and Jack 

Known Imperfections 

• Dents, dings, and scraps in the exterior paint  

• Interior carpet, seats, and door panels are missing fabric 

• A list of other imperfections is in the Additional Documents section below

Included 

• Keys 

Ownership History

This 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe joined The SugarCreek Collection in 2024.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Matt Lowney    Phone: 623.308.2640    email: mlowney@hagerty.com