The beautiful Schoschone
06/11/2023
For two weeks now, I have been thinking about how I can gently explain to our readers that I may have been a little over the top. And I expect that after all the congratulatory and excited comments, you will be all the more disappointed when the curtain is lifted. You know: my new car, which has hardly been featured on our site so far.
Unfortunately, my new acquisition is neither a quirky small-series exotic like a Muntz Jet, nor a muscle car fetish like a Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible in Triple Black. No, it is a simple six-cylinder sled that has the speed of an economically miraculous Opel Kapitän and enjoys roughly the same status in its home country as a Borgward Isabella Coupé does here.
You guessed it: the 1954 Studebaker Champion Regal Starlight Coupe shown here is not just any 1954 Studebaker Champion Regal Starlight Coupe. It is my 1954 Studebaker Champion Regal Starlight Coupe. Sure, it doesn't have the charisma of the ever-popular fifties heroes like the Ford Thunderbird or Chevrolet Bel Air. But it does share its pedigree with the Lucky Strike box, Shell shell and economy Christmas tree.
Of course, like everyone else, I initially wanted a hardtop coupé with an eight-cylinder engine - more power and less B-pillar. But I couldn't resist the color combination of "Shoshone Red" and "Sandusky Beige" on the outside and "Flax Vinyl" on the inside. I'm now even happy about the flathead six and center pillars. A six-cylinder is a wonderful contrast to the V8-obliged US classic car culture in Europe. And there's something to be said for tight-closing doors.
The promised driving report will of course still follow, even if it will perhaps be a little less neutral than usual - and after this disappointing unveiling, nobody will probably be interested in it...
