1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight

America's Car Museum received an extra special gift in our stocking this year from Dick Hannah of Vancouver Washington. This 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe was lovingly restored by Dick Hannah Dealerships (under Mr. Hannah's direction) in 2009 and was frequently on display at the dealership's showroom.

Studebaker's design team created the Starlight under the direction of  legendary Raymond Loewy and final designs were executed by Virgil Exner.  The daring 1950-51 Bullet-nose Studebaker has become one of the most iconic American automotive designs.

Automobile Magazine's June 2009 issue writes: the "Studebaker's Starlight coupe - sold in both low-priced Champion and luxurious Commander model lines - was the most special iteration of all postwar Studebakers and tested one's credulity. The rear window wrapped around to meet the B-pillars, as the C-pillars were dispensed with entirely. Rear-seat passengers were treated to the equivalent of a Cinemascope-styled picture window. The body style was and is nothing short of sensational and continued to be offered when the freshened bullet-nose design debuted. If ever there were a Studebaker to, so to speak, out-Studebaker all others, it would be the '50-'51 Starlight."

Dick Hannah Dealerships has been a family owned business since 1949, serving Vancouver, Washington and Portland Oregon. Dick Hannah Giving supports charities in the state. America's car Museum is grateful for Mr. Hannah's support.