The legend of Studebaker lives on in this modern tribute car
Now this car looks like a stud.
San Antonio custom car outfit GWA Auto Design & Tuning has whipped up a modernized version of the 1953 Studebaker Champion Regal Starliner as a tribute the brand’s continuing success in Mexico’s annual La Carrera Panamerica cross-country race.
The event itself is a revival of one held from 1950-1954 that’s been organized every year since 1988 and allows for modified cars from the original era to compete in its top competition class. The Starliner’s sleek and sturdy design has made it a favorite of competitors and last year it racked up its eighth win in a row and 20th overall.
But while the “Veinte Victorias” has a classic look, it’s a thoroughly modern car. Built on a tube-frame chassis, there’s a 620hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 behind its signature nose, Brembo brakes, modern low-profile tires on 19-inch wheels, and a Fabspeed performance exhaust system. Meanwhile, its brakelight-edged tailfins put the original's to shame.
Fittingly, only 20 of the cars are set to be built, one a black beauty that the company hopes will serve as the race’s pace car for years to come. Pricing has not yet been announced, but the company’s other creations typically sell for well into the six-figures.
Whether or not this is an officially licensed project is not clear. Neither GWA nor the current owner of the rights to the Studebaker name have responded to requests from FOXNews.com for comment.