Studebaker Champion 1953 – V8 Chevrolet 5.7L – 450ch

Multiple Overall Winner of the Carrera Panamericana
Available Now – Offers Welcome!

The modern Carrera Panamericana is one of the world’s most demanding and iconic road races, held annually in Mexico to revive the spirit of the legendary original event of the 1950s. Covering more than 3,000 kilometers in just one week, it combines high-speed competition on closed public roads with endurance stages across challenging terrain. Since its revival in 1988, one marque has consistently stood above the rest: Studebaker.

Extensively modified for speed, reliability and safety, Studebaker coupes—particularly the elegant 1963 models designed by Raymond Loewy—have become the weapon of choice for many of the event’s top competitors. Thanks to their aerodynamic profile, lightweight chassis and ability to accommodate powerful modern drivetrains, these cars have claimed numerous overall victories, earning their reputation as true icons of the modern Carrera Panamericana.

The example offered here 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, who continued to have the car prepared and maintained by Vega. The hand-painted “Viva Belgica” script on the hood pays tribute to its recent chapter in Europe.

Built in the traditional Carrera style, the car features a NASCAR-style tubular chassis with an integrated roll cage, clothed in a lightweight combination of fiberglass and steel body panels. Every aspect of its construction is focused on performance, safety and durability rather than cosmetic refinement. Well-developed Studebakers such as this are capable of reaching speeds approaching 300 km/h during the Carrera’s famous highway speed stages.

The car underwent a complete inspection and service by Vega in 2019 (documentation available upon request). In 2022, it was shipped to Belgium, where it remains available for inspection. It requires only minor recommissioning before returning to competition.

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

Specifications
• Chevrolet 5.7L V8 engine
• Dual MSD ignition boxes and coils
• Richmond 5-speed gearbox with aluminum case
• Heavy-duty alloy driveshaft
• Ford 9-inch rear axle with full-floating axle shafts and locking differential
• Front suspension: reinforced Lefthander double wishbones, spherical caster rods, coil springs and QA1 shock absorbers
• Rear suspension: reinforced adjustable trailing arms, torque arm, Panhard rod, coil springs, QA1 shock absorbers and anti-roll bar
• Wilwood pedal box with adjustable brake balance
• Front brakes: Wilwood 6-piston calipers with ventilated discs
• Rear brakes: Wilwood 4-piston calipers with ventilated discs
• Power steering
• 120-liter fuel tank
• 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/50/16 tires
• Additional details available upon request.