Now for something completely different - Russian Custom Champion

[Lou Van Anne]

Bob, don't you dare do that to my old Commander!....or I'll do the same to your old Hawk.

the hood is 52, I for some reason can not open the link but see some of the pictures posted them self, a year ago I sold a guy a 55 hardtop and when I delivered it he showed me his custom 52 truck he was doing, in my oppion it is something Studebaker should have done.













I think he said it will powered by a 471 Cad.

[candbstudebakers]

Don't worry Lou, the 52 hardtop is safe as it is my pride and joy, I love the 52's thanks for making it happen for me to own such a nice perfect car...Bob

[52-fan]

The Russian car is a nice job although the styling features are a mix of eras. IMHO The squarish headlight bezels would look better on a later car than a 52.

The custom truck is really cool. At the point the pictures left off, the only thing I don't care for is the oversize Studebaker logo on the tail gate and maybe how squared off the back of the cab is.

[EssexExport]

Now that's certainly different. Kind of grows on you.

[Roscomacaw]

I like it!

[Lothar]

I agree that this modification is very thoughtfully designed and apparently well executed. I don't think that it is an improvement on the iconic Bob Bourke design but who knows what this guy had to work with. Maybe the front end was crumpled up? If you've seen any of the Russian dash-cam footage on Youtube, you know the Russian body repair shops must stay very busy. By the way Chris, in my thoroughly unbiased opinion, four door sedans, while not as valuable or sought after, are every bit as stylish as two-door cars!

[Noxnabaker]

Kinda brings back memories of certain taxi's when I was a kid...

They were also made to run over rough grounds.

[Ron Dame]

I really like this thing. Someone apparently had great skills and not a bad eye. It still has Studebaker steering and suspension, but perhaps a power steering box?

Alas! Let us all buy Volgas for power steering boxes!

[Jerry Forrester]

I really like this thing. Someone apparently had great skills and not a bad eye. It still has Studebaker steering and suspension, but perhaps a power steering box?

Alas! Let us all buy Volgas for power steering boxes!

Ron, I don't see a power steering box. I do see a power steering drag link from the pitman arm to the bell crank.

[StudeNorm]

I wonder if the headlight wipers on the Russian job are off a Mercedes? Interesting touch. Along with that oversized rubber-baby-buggy-bumper.

[t walgamuth]

Is that really a Studebaker or a Russian built clone? There is that little character line at the rear of the roof where it overhangs the door, is that Studebaker? This looks too complete and consistent to be a backyard custom.

I see now there is Studebaker commander script on the hood....so the clone idea is probably not valid. Very nice body work.