1952
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


A 1952 Studebaker car will be one of two models, based on the engine:

 
 

232.6 cubic inch overhead valve V-8

7.0 : 1 compression

120 H.P. at 4000 R.P.M

115” Wheelbase, except Land Cruiser 4 door (119” wheelbase)

Total Commander production – 84,850 cars

Starting serial numbers:  8217001 South Bend

                                    8816001 Los Angeles

                                    8954001 Hamilton
 
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


169.9 cubic inch L-head straight 6

7.0 : 1 compression

85 H.P at 4000 R.P.M.

115” Wheelbase, all models

Total Champion production – 101,389 cars

Starting serial numbers: G1115501 South Bend

                                    G907301 Los Angeles

                                    G735701 Hamilton
 

 
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

On the cowl tag, a 1952 hardtop will be designated by the “K” code.  Here the tag reads 12G-K2.  12G is the Chmpion.  3H is the Commander.
 
Body type codes for 1952:

K = Starliner hardtop

C = Starlight coupe

S = Convertible

F = 2 door sedan

W = 4 door sedan

Y = Land Cruiser

The digit “2” refers to the trim level.  In 1952 Champion trim levels were either Custom, DeLuxe, or Regal.  All Champion hardtops were Regal Trim.  Commander levels were either Regal or State.  All hardtops were State level trim, although again the digit used was a 2.

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How many survive??

See below for 1952 hardtop registry…
 
     Commander hardtop production (3H-K2) : 14,548   Weight – 3,220 lbs.  Factory price, summer 1952 - $2,488.00

     Champion hardtop  production (12G-K2) : 12,119    Weight – 2,860 lbs.  Factory price, summer 1952 - $2,220.00

 

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Identifying a Commander or Champion:

Besides the engine and hood emblems, there are other differences between the Commander and Champion models.

However, unlike earlier year Studebakers, no difference exists in the wheelbase.  The exterior and interior dimensions of the

cars are the same.

The dashboards are quite different:

                 Champion

          Dashboard

                         à
 

Commander

Dashboard

ß

 

 
 
                                            

 

At the rear of the car, a Commander will have a V8 emblem and a Commander script.  A Champion will have neither.

2 different commander scripts were actualy used, the block letters being the earlier style.  Below are examples.

(items like fender spears, reverse lights, and bumper guards are optional equipment.)

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Studebaker Centennial Celebration

During the 1952 Centennial celebration, A Commander hardtop was selected as the last car to come off the line in the first

Studebaker 100 years.  Click here for more on this special car.

 

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1952 Indianapolis 500

Studebaker paced the Indianapolis 500 for 1952.  The actual pace car was a Commander convertible, but several cars

were taken to the speedway for support purposes, including six Commander hardtops and

one Champion hardtop.  Click here for more on these cars.

 

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Text Box: A bulletnose hardtop…were they built? No, not officially. Shown is a factory photograph of a prototype hardtop on the 1951 body. Maybe. I’m not so sure the top just isn’t airbrush work over a 51 convertible. The photo is heavily retouched, like so many Studebaker marketing photos were. Bulletnose hardtops do exist today. Several hardtops are known to have been modified by adding the popular 51 front end. (a 50 front, while also possible, would be more difficult due to change in wheelbase.) Text Box:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Champion

Owner:  Dan Branch - Michigan

Status:  Project car – photo 2006

 

Purchased in 1997 from SDC Museum overstock auction.  Restoration and modification is still underway.  Serious rust repair in all floors.  Home built narrowed rear houses a 9” Ford.  Setup for Chevy 454 and turbo 350.  Planned for street driving, Studebaker cruising, and drag racing at the local track, US 131 in Martin, MI. 

 

Original color:  Ivory over Maui blue

Options:  OD trans, Whitewalls, Wet air cleaner, AC2193 Climatizer, AC2118 Discs (full hupcaps)

 
 

Any 1952 hardtop runner, project, or non-runner is welcome here.  Please contact me with additions,  changes, or removals.  Serial numbers will be tracked but not posted.  Any known history, options, or stories are welcome.  Jpg photos are best, but I will return anything mailed.

Dan Branch

165411 C.R. 653

Gobles, MI 49055