Studebaker

The Studebaker Champion was introduced in 1939 and became one of Studebaker's best-selling models because of its low price, durable and fuel-efficient engine and exhilarating design. The car's ponton styling was authored by industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who had been under contract with Studebaker since 1936. For its size, it was one of the lightest cars of its era. Production ended in December 1941 when the Studebaker plant had to switch to engine production for the US army. Civilian automobile production could resume on July 1st, 1945. However, Studebaker was unable to start post-war production until December 1945. The car was then named Skyway Champion, Skyway being a trim level on pre-war Commanders and Presidents. Very little promotion was done, because Studebaker did not want to distract from the introduction of their all new 1947 models in May 1946.