Studebaker Champ V8 Pick-up 1960

The 1960 Studebaker Champ V8 Pickup is a rare and distinctive model within American pickup history. Studebaker, a brand with roots dating back to the 19th century, was known for its innovative designs and reliable vehicles. The Champ was introduced in 1960 in response to the growing demand for practical and modern work vehicles, with Studebaker using existing components from their passenger car line to cut costs. Despite its clever design and good handling, production was limited to just four years, making this model a rare find today.

This example is extra special because of the presence of the original V8 engine, while most Champs at the time came with a six-cylinder. Combined with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, this pickup offers a pleasant and torquey driving experience that was unusual in this segment at the time. The car features an original stepside transmission, which not only adds to its authentic appearance, but also underscores its rarity. Studebaker was known for making idiosyncratic choices in their designs, and that is well reflected in this Champ.

This Studebaker has been owned by ééone owner, the treasurer of the Studebaker Club in Canada, for the past 31 years. This indicates careful handling and well-preserved condition. Meanwhile, the car has a Dutch registration, which adds to its practicality. The model is praised for its compact size compared to the full-size American pickups of the time, making it manageable without sacrificing appearance and character.

The Champ's design is remarkable, in part because Studebaker used parts of the Lark passenger car for the cabin, resulting in a more modern and comfortable look than many of its competitors. The functional yet stylish body lines give the pickup a distinctive character that sets it apart from other classic work vehicles. Despite its limited production years, the Champ remains beloved by fans of classic American trucks because of its unusual design and unusual specifications.

This example is in very cool condition and represents an interesting piece of Studebaker history. With its powerful V8 engine, overdrive transmission and authentic appearance, this Champ is a standout both on the road and within collector circles. The combination of well-preserved condition, interesting history and Dutch registration makes it an attractive choice for connoisseurs and lovers of classic American pickups.

To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.