1953 "Studillac" Studebaker Champion with Cadillac V8, 700R4 Auto Disc Brakes

Studillac is a name given to an American customized aftermarket car assembled in Rockville Centre, New York between 1953 and 1955, comprising a hard-top Studebaker Starliner coupé fitted with an OHV 210–250 hp Cadillac V8 engine. Bill Frick Motors charged from $1500 to $1795 (manual 3-speed vs automatic) for the conversion or about $4500 to $5000 for a complete car. An option was a dual-range Hydra-Matic transmission. Other extras included leather, wire wheels (bolt-on or Borrani knock-off), electric tachometer, etc.

With top speed of 125–130 mph and 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds, it was a very good value compared to the Aston Martin DB4 introduced five years later costing £3967 including taxes ($19,835) having 240 hp, top speed of 139.3 mph and 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, although even considering the Studillac had upgraded drum brakes, the DB4 had all-wheel disk brakes, and very fine fit and finish.

Fictional CIA agent Felix Leiter, friend of James Bond, owned a black Studillac in the Ian Fleming novels Diamonds Are Forever and Goldfinger. Fleming himself had driven a Studillac when in the US.

This Champion is owned by a seasoned collector who had one back in the day that had its engine blow and he put a Caddy V8 in in it himself in the model of the Frick cars. A talented restorer and engineer, he decided to build one again and bought this car in 2010 and embarked on a comprehensive restoration. He added a 365 Caddy V8 and added a mild Iskenderian Cam, sourced a Dual Carb manifold, added 2 Edelbrock Carbs with a custom progressive linkage, Electronic Ignition, and custom billet brackets and pulleys. Underneath he fabricated a 1 piece Driveshaft, added front disc brakes and a 700R OD transmission. Inside he completely redid the upholstery, added a Commander Dash and had all gauges rebuilt and restored and they all work including the clock! The car runs and drives perfectly and has covered roughly 5,000 miles since the build.

In short we have beautifully restored and tastefully upgraded Studillac in turnkey condition that needs nothing but a happy new owner.