When they first appeared in 1946, the 1947 Studebaker Starlight Coupes were a sensation. That's because they were seriously futuristic compared to other brands' offerings that were warmed-over 1942 designs. About that same time, the new Kaiser and Frazer brands appeared, but their design was not nearly as sleek as Studebaker's.
Some background can be found
here.
This basic Studebaker body platform remained in production through model year 1952, with major frontal facelifts beginning in 1950. Today's post focuses on 1947-1949 models whose appearance was largely the same over that period.
I think the model that most closely typified postwar Studebakers was the Starlight Coupe, the subject of this post.
Gallery
1947 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe - factory photo
The basic Starlight as first publicized.
1949 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe - car-for-sale photo
Champions had a 112-inch (2800 mm) wheelbase.
1948 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe - Barrett-Jackson Auctions photo
Whereas the Commander line was longer, with a wheelbase of 119-inches (3023 mm). The additional length is found forward of the cowling / A-pillar.
1947 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe - for-sale-car photo
Showing the four-segment wraparound back window design - a strong brand-identification feature.
1947 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe - for-sale-car photo set
Now for the walkaround. Commanders had different grilles than Champions. Two-tone Studebakers apparently were rare in those days, as only a few images showing them have turned up on the Internet. On the other hand, note that Studebaker promotional material in those days always showed cars in one color only.
The one-piece windshield was only slightly curved. First-generation postwar American car curved windshields came in two segments when curved greater than seen here. Production glass formation technology was the factor.
The fender line with the attached rear fender became common for a few years as I wrote here.
The backlight window was never given more chrome trim than shown here in six years of production.
The trunk lid has a mild version of boat-tail sculpting.
The angles of the C-pillar and front edge of the rear fender match, helping to unify the design.
Altogether, a distinctive, attractive design.
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