Jim & Paula Stoltman – 1948 STUDEBAKER CHAMPION ‘BULLET NOSE’ CONVERTIBLE

My name is Jim Stoltman and I’m a retired plumbing contractor. I’m a drag racer and hot rod enthusiast. I have been building cars for about 26 years. The Stude is my first build and since then I’ve completed 7 cars, the last three have been gassers. This is my 1948 Studebaker Champion ‘Bullet Nose’ Convertible,

Jim & Paula Stoltman

1948 Studebaker

350 S.B.C.

2 Years

This is my 1948 Studebaker Champion ‘Bullet Nose’ Convertible, I liked the bullet nose so I purchased a 1950 Stude and used the front clip and rear fenders. In the pre-assembly it didn’t look right so I extended the nose 8” to give the car the look and stance I was looking for. Special thanks to Bill Hart (Hartrods) located in Ventura, CA. I bought the car in 1995 and it took 2 years to build. I’ve been driving it for the past 24 years.

The motor is a 350 S.B.C. with an Isky roller cam, trick heads with roller rockers. 671 Blower with 2 Elderbrock 600 CFM blower carbs, Headman Headers and MSD ignition, transmission is a 700R4 with Lokar shifter, hooked to a Ford 9” posi with 3.90 gears. Custom tube frame with triangulated four bar rear suspension, and a Nova front clip. 4-wheel power disc brakes, power steering, and power windows. 4 core crossflow radiator. Front fenders, rear fenders, rockers and splash apron are welded on the body. All glass is tinted(smoke). 15×6 American wheels on the front and 15×12 on the rear with 31×16.5 Micky Thompsons.

The paint and body were done by Scott Nething in Ventura Ca. The frame is powder coated metallic gray and black. The interior was stitched by Mike Wray (Cayucos, Ca) the interior, is black and gray leather, black wool carpet and black Mercedes cloth top.

— Jim & Paula Stoltman