1948 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe

Jeff Arellano
Oregon

This primered 48 Starlight Coupe with a 50 front end was first spotted by me at the NSRA Western Nationals in Bakersfield, CA. At that time it was owned by Bill Keylon of Fair Oaks, CA. The car runs a 350 Chevrolet engine and one of the cool features Bill added are the "reverse scoops" at the rear of the hood. These allow hot air to flow from the engine bay and helps to keep the car from overheating in traffic, a common problem when late model V-8 engines are transplanted into Studebakers. This view from inside the car shows them on the hood.

The headlights and taillights are frenched and both bumpers were removed as were the door handles and extra trim. The recess on the trunk lid houses a third brake light. The small scoops are functional and the taillights are from a Camaro.

After Bill passed away, Jeff Arellano from Citrus Heights, CA acquired the primered coupe. He added some pinstriping and a stereo system.

UPDATE - 2023

After Jeff moved to Oregon, the car was involved in an accident. It was hit in the quarter panel and spun into oncoming traffic. The ground effects and scoop on the rear fender were destroyed. While the repairs were being made, the ton of bondo Bill used was replaced with metal. Jeff  wanted to pay homage to Bill by keeping the flames that were the last thing Bill did to the car. They were meant to be a place holder until the car could be painted but that never happened before he passed away. While the car was being repaired, Jeff found a handy bible of parts that Bill had stored in the car. It listed 30 or so different car parts that he used to "Frankenstein" this car together. When the bodywork was completed, the flames were masked off and the primered body was painted Porsche pearl white with gold metal flake.