1940 Studebaker Champion Dual Cowl Phaeton

Built for Frank Tracy Griswold II of Wayne, PA., Millionaire, race car builder, driver, and accomplished machinist.

Griswold's claim to fame was on October 2nd, 1948, winning the first, 4 Lap 6.6 mile 'Round the Gorge' Watkins Glen Junior Prix. The Griswold car also proved victorious in the 8-lap Grand Prix. The winning car was a blue 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C-2900B, one of 30 built. Griswold was the first to introduce Alfa Romeos to the United States. Griswold participated in the Indy 500 during his racing career.

The Studebaker is one-of-a-kind Derham-bodied custom, built for Mrs. Griswold for her 21st birthday gift. Phaeton-style bodies were no longer available from the factory. Griswold purchased a 1939 Studebaker Champion 4-door sedan and contracted Derham Body Company of Rosemont, PA, to fabricate an aluminum body from the cowl back; it was completed in 1940.

An unusual feature about this car is the fact that they used a Champion model instead of a top-of-the-line President or Commander. The car was equipped with a Magneto fabricated at the Griswold MFG. Company.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010