Need help valuing 1947 Studebaker Champion

[Snafu_Bohica]

Long story short, I acquired it from a friend who received it from his grandfather. Granddad bought a new car many, many years ago and left it in a field in Utah before passing away. His dad watched it sit in the field and never did anything with it. Son received it and it breaks his heart to watch it sit. He has given it to me free so that I can restore it.

The problem is that as much as the wife and I want to restore it, we don't have the space between all of the hunting gear and my Supra. The neighbor across the street (has two Studebakers, one is a wagon) told me about this forum, and I was wondering if all of you could help me either find a buyer for it or simply just value it so it can live in an off-site storage lockup until I figure out storage for it.

I'm working on getting a title, they're fairly easy to get in Utah. What I know about it is that it's a '47 4-door Champion with a 3-speed on the tree. That's about it. I currently do not have physical possession of it, since my friend who's family it's been in since new lives in Montana and it is currently in his garage in Utah. It is rough, has been in a field for decades and obviously needs love, but is complete. I have a ton of automotive experience, and restore (80s) cars, so once I have it in my possession, I can get ideas of if the engine is seized. Of course, "it ran when it was parked"... In the 70s or so. Hopefully the pictures upload correctly.

[StudeRich]

Sorry to say, but you asked; '47 to '49 Champion 4 doors are available cheap, not THE most desirable, and quite a few still remain, most mechanical Parts are very available New, but as you know just making it run, drive and stop will cost way more than it is worth.
Usually somewhere under $1000.00 as is, IF you can find a buyer.

A 1948 Champion Starlight Coupe:


A 1949 Champion Convertible:


A 1949 Champion Business Coupe:

[Snafu_Bohica]

just making it run, drive and stop will cost way more than it is worth.

Oh yeah, that is VERY common, especially since I'm a fan of the 80's imports. They're expensive right now, regardless of condition - and unless they are fully restored, you'll never see your money again.

Parts, especially new parts are always good to be available. My neighbor with the couple of Studebakers said there are some sources, but never told me where I could find them. Any sources you could share? The wife and I do want to restore it, since it is a classier drive than my 82 Supra. Less fun, but just as many smiles I would assume. It obviously doesn't run yet.

[StudeRich]

Yes we have about 150 Studebaker Parts Vendors, most are here:

https://studebakervendors.com

In the annual March Issue of the SDC Member, Monthly Publication "Turning Wheels" they ALL are listed.

Three Major Vendors have click and buy Catalog Websites:
The Best way to order/buy is to get copies the Studebaker Chassis Parts Catalog, and if you need it; the Body Parts Catalog and Shop Manual for your year Range.

https://mystudebaker.com/

https://www.studebakerparts.com/

And Studebaker International, they have the entire, huge remains of the NOS Parts from the Studebaker, World Wide Distribution Center (Plant 8), formally in South Bend, IN.

https://www.parts123.com/parts123/dyndetail.pta?catalog=0001003a&uKeY=AAVNH