Description
The Studebaker Champ was a series of pickup trucks produced by the Studebaker Corporation from 1960 to 1964. As one of the final efforts by Studebaker to remain competitive in the American automotive market, the Champ holds a unique place in automotive history.
Introduction and Development
- Background: By the late 1950s, Studebaker was struggling financially and needed to modernize its aging truck lineup to compete with Ford, GM, and Chrysler. Instead of designing a new truck from scratch, Studebaker sought a cost-effective solution by utilizing components from its existing passenger car lines.
- Design and Engineering: The Champ’s cab was derived from the Studebaker Lark sedan, which was introduced in 1959. This approach allowed Studebaker to offer a more modern and comfortable truck without the significant investment required for an entirely new design.
Features and Innovations
- Cab Design: The Lark-based cab provided the Champ with a more car-like interior, which was relatively innovative for pickup trucks at the time. This included better seating, improved ergonomics, and a more comfortable ride.
- Box Design: The Champ featured a new cargo box design known as the “Spaceside” bed. Initially, the Spaceside bed was sourced from Dodge, specifically their C-Series trucks, due to Studebaker’s limited resources. Eventually, Studebaker developed their own version.
- Engines: The Champ was offered with a variety of engine options, including six-cylinder and V8 engines. These engines provided a range of power outputs to suit different customer needs.
Market Reception and Legacy
- Sales and Impact: Despite its innovative features, the Champ struggled in the market due to Studebaker’s declining brand image and competition from the Big Three automakers. Sales were modest, and the Champ was discontinued after the 1964 model year.
- Historical Significance: The Studebaker Champ is remembered for its unique blend of car and truck elements, representing a significant effort by Studebaker to modernize its product line during a challenging period. The use of passenger car components in a pickup truck was an approach that would later be seen in other vehicles, making the Champ a precursor to more modern truck designs.
The Studebaker Champ remains an interesting footnote in automotive history, showcasing the innovation and resourcefulness of Studebaker during its final years of vehicle production. While it was not enough to save the company, the Champ’s design and features left a lasting impact on the concept of pickup trucks
