In October 2023, Vice Grip Garage, featured on YouTube, uncovered a hidden gem — a 1948 Studebaker Champion that had been languishing in the outdoors for two years. Remarkably, this classic had been in a garage slumber since 1976, boasting a retirement of 47 years when it was pulled from the field.

Despite exposure to the elements, the Studebaker emerged intact, and the 170-cubic-inch straight-six engine roared back to life. With the two-door now running and mobile, the host, Derek, embarked on a mission to revive the exterior, giving the car its first wash in nearly half a century.

A pressure washer tackled layers of dust and grime, revealing a green paint job reminiscent of post-World War II hues. Though not the original factory color, having been repainted in the early 1970s, the decades spent in the garage preserved the paint’s freshness.

The host took it a step further, repainting the wheels and fitting new tires, transforming the Studebaker into a stunning classic ready for display at any car show.

While visually impressive, the Studebaker still requires upgrades to become roadworthy, including a new tank and brakes. Nevertheless, compared to its barn-found counterparts, this third-generation Champion stands out as a promising project.

Sadly, many third-generation Studebaker Champions have met a less fortunate fate, succumbing to rust and neglect. The bankruptcy of Studebaker in 1967 compounded the issue, leaving owners without company support for maintenance.

Studebaker introduced the Champion in 1939, marking the replacement for the Dictator. Spanning five generations until 1958, this midsize model evolved from a full-size car in 1952. The 1948 Champion, part of the third generation, arrived as the first new American design after World War II, with the 1950-1951 version gaining iconic status for its distinctive “bullet nose” styling.