Hey all, I am new here, and I have always loved to looks of the old bullet nosed Studebakers and was wondering which models were available as a coupe during the 50s. I am new to Studebakers and have done a little digging around on this site, and while wandering around I have seen some of the gorgeous automobiles you all own and am truly jealous. I will own one and make it my own very shortly. Thanks for the advice guys (and gals)!
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The bullet noses are 1950 and 1951 only. The 1951 is considered the more desirable of the two, as it is the original design used for the rest of production until the end. They are available as the Champion (six cylinder) and the Commander (OHV V8). The coupe models are mostly Starlight coupes (beautiful cars) and as what is referred to as the "businessman's coupe" or the "salesman's coupe", a one seat coupe, also very pretty, but much more rare. Only one Commander businessman's coupe was built in 1951. You might also consider one of the four door sedans. Unlike most cars, the bullet nose sedans are very desirable, probably because of the suicide doors. Join the Studebaker Driver's Club on the home page of this site. Great magazine and access to meets, local clubs, parts and people who already own one (or several - bet you can't own just one!).Last edited by whacker; 12-20-2011, 08:13 PM. -
Welcome to the forum! To add to what whacker said, the basic body of the 1950-51 Studebaker was basically the same from 1947 to 1952. If you want to build a custom, a bullet nose doghouse will fit onto a '47 thru '52 body. Studebaker's are fun cars to have and drive, and have superior styling. You're also almost always the only one to have one at a local cruise in. Good luck, and post often.
Chris DresbachComment
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There was the "five passenger coupe" Starlight.
And the "three passenger coupe" Business. Thank you, Matthew. I couldn't think of a better picture than this. It's like Tom is right there saying, "Go with this one."
Both were available as Champions (170 cid six cylinders) or Commanders (245 cid six cylinder in 1950 and 232 cid V8 in 1951). 1950 models had one-year-only suspensions and unique front clip sheet metal.
1950:
1951:
Last edited by rockne10; 12-20-2011, 10:01 PM.Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in processComment
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Hi, Andy, welcome. Now is a good time to shop for a Stude because you have more of a buyers market than we have experienced in years. The 50-51 cars have been rapidly gaining in popularity in the past few years and there are no decent coupes left at affordable prices, so get ready to bite the bullet for one of those. The 50 & 51 models are so popular with younger people that I see young guys buying rough 4 dr examples to restore or modify. We had a prominent collector in your area with a large collection who passed away a couple of years ago. Did you ever have a chance to meet Gene Mitchell? I think he had a 50 Commander for sale when he passed among quite a few other cars & I do not know what has become of his collection. Has anyone heard?
BTW, I have a 51 Q body builder car FS, but pls do not ask for pix because it is not where it can be easily photographed.Last edited by TX Rebel; 12-20-2011, 09:39 PM.Comment
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Thanks for the smile Brad. I've not driven that car in a while. I think I'll have to dust it off and take it out of the garage this weekend.Originally posted by rockne10 View Post
And the "three passenger coupe" Business. Thank you, Matthew. I couldn't think of a better picture than this. It's like Tom is right there saying, "Go with this one."
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I had the same thought about Gene's cars as you Barry.......In fact Gene Mitchell was from Baldwin City Ks. same as Andy is. I don't know about whether there is a 50 Commander still there or not, but I do know that Gene's kids have slowly been disposing (selling not scrapping) of Gene's cars and parts. Tiffany (Gene's daughter) jokes that the parts and cars will probably still be there when her young kids are old enough to drive. I was fortunate enough to find my long sought after 57 Transtar front bumper there on a parts truck last summer. Several other cars out there that I wish I had room for at my place............ Andy, PM me if you want the contact info to see Gene's parts and cars.Originally posted by TX Rebel View Post\'57 3E6-12 Transtar Deluxe
\'64 Daytona HTComment
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Hmmm.... Not sure someone that lives so close to Lawrence Kansas and has a Mizzou tiger avatar can be trusted....
If you don't already know about it there is a local chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club in your area. Their web site is http://studebu.tripod.com/
I'd check out the next meeting and make some contacts; if anyone knows of a car that is available in your area they will. Even if no one knows of any cars available they can tell you about the different models and the differences between years.
Good luck finding a car.TDITS The Dude In The StudeComment
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Actually there are 2 local chapters in the area. The one that TDITS mentioned is basically the Missouri side chapter known as the Heart of America Chapter. We (as I am a member of the HOA chapter) do have members on the Kansas Side also but the majority are Missouri based. Our members range from north near the Iowa line to south near Warrensburg and Clinton.Originally posted by TDITS View Post
The second chapter is the Kaw Valley Chapter that is based more around the Baldwin City/Lawrence/Topeka areas and the farm country surrounding.
I am sure you would be welcome at either chapter and in fact several members of HOA belong to both chapters including the current president of the Kaw chapter.
As I mentioned earlier, let me know if you want the contact info for Gene's parts and cars. I'll be more than happy to help you.Last edited by snowy_buffalo; 12-21-2011, 01:00 PM.\'57 3E6-12 Transtar Deluxe
\'64 Daytona HTComment
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