1953 Studebaker Champion

“The Best of NASCAR meets the Best of Mexico”
1953 Studebaker Champion
Multiple Carrera Panamericana overall winner
Now available - Offers invited!

The modern Carrera Panamericana is a grueling and iconic road race held annually in Mexico, reviving the spirit of the legendary 1950’s original. Spanning over 3000 kilometers in just one week, it blends high-speed competition on closed public roads with endurance stages across challenging terrain. Since its revival in 1988, one marque has stood out above the rest: Studebaker.

Extensively modified for speed, reliability and safety, Studebaker coupes -particularly the sleek 1963 models designed by Raymond Loewy- have become the weapon of choice for top competitors. Thanks to their aerodynamic profile, lightweight chassis, and adaptability to powerful modern drivetrains, these cars have taken numerous overall victories, earning their status as icons of the modern Panamericana.

The example on offer was built in Mexico by renowned specialist Efrain Vega for Juan Carlos Sarmiento, who drove it to overall victory in both 2004 and 2005. It was later acquired by two Belgian owners with continued preparation and support provided by Vega. The current “Viva Belgica” hand-painted lettering on the hood pays tribute to its recent European chapter.

Built in classic Carrera style, the car features a tubular NASCAR-style spaceframe and integrated roll cage, clad in a lightweight body composed of both fiberglass and steel panels. The construction is unapologetically functional, prioritizing performance, safety and durability over cosmetic refinement. Well-executed Studebakers like this are capable of reaching speeds close to 300 km/h during the Carrera’s infamous highway speed section.

A full inspection and overhaul was carried out by Vega in 2019 (details available on request), and in 2022 and the car was shipped to Belgium where it remains available for inspection. It will require minor recommissioning before returning to competition.

All European taxes have been paid, and the car is offered with a valid Mexican title.

Some specs
• 5.7 L Chevrolet Engine.
• Dual MSD Boxes and coils
• 5 Speed Richmond competition gearbox, aluminum housing.
• Heavy duty Alloy drive shaft.
• Ford 9 Inch rear axle with fully floating half shafts and locking differential.
• Front suspension: Heavy duty Lefthander double wishbone, Rose jointed Caster bars, Coil springs, QA1 shock absorbers.
• Rear suspension: Heavy duty adjustable trailing arms, Reaction bar, Panhard bar, Coil springs, QA1 shock absorbers, Anti roll bar.
• Willwood Pedal box, adjustable brake balance.
• Front brakes: 6 Pot Willwood calipers, vented discs.
• Rear brakes: 4 pot Willwood calipers, vented discs.
• Power assisted steering.
• 120 Liter Fuel cell.
• 16” Alloy rims carrying 255/50/16 Tires.
• Further details available upon request.

Offers invited!