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This 1947 Studebaker Sportster is known as the 'Gardner Special.' Vincent E. Gardner of South Bend, Indiana, bought a new 1947 Studebaker Champion three-passenger coupe off the assembly line. He took it home, tore it down, and made a Sportster out of it.
The firewall and cockpit were moved back 18 inches. He fitted it with a new grille, hood, deck, and taillights. The exhaust was routed through the tail lights, something that made the pipes look red hot at night. Sedan doors were used by reworking the top section. Bumpers were from a 1949 Studebaker Commander. The hood and deck are equipped with an automatic lift operated by compressed air. Many other modifications were accomplished in this vehicle.
This vehicle competed against some of George Barris' creations at the 1950 National Roadster Show in Oakland, California.
The firewall and cockpit were moved back 18 inches. He fitted it with a new grille, hood, deck, and taillights. The exhaust was routed through the tail lights, something that made the pipes look red hot at night. Sedan doors were used by reworking the top section. Bumpers were from a 1949 Studebaker Commander. The hood and deck are equipped with an automatic lift operated by compressed air. Many other modifications were accomplished in this vehicle.
This vehicle competed against some of George Barris' creations at the 1950 National Roadster Show in Oakland, California.
2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $350,000-USD $450,000
Sale Price :
USD $390,000
2016 Mecum : Monterey
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $75,000
Recent Sales of the Studebaker Gardner Prototype
(Data based on Model Year 1947 sales)
| 1947 Studebaker Gardner Special Chassis#: G222901 Sold for USD$390,000 2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction |   |
Studebaker Gardner Prototypes That Failed To Sell At Auction
1947 Studebaker Gardner Prototype's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 Studebaker Gardner Special | G22290I | 2016 Mecum : Monterey | $75,000 |
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1947 Studebaker Gardner Prototype
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