1948 Studebaker Special - Green Dragon

1948 Green Dragon Special

more photos at link below

1948 Studebaker Green Dragon photo link

The Green Dragon began its life as a 1948 Studebaker Champion sedan, a truly unique creation in automotive history. In 1956, plans were formulated to transform this family's basic transportation vehicle into the owners idea of what all young American men of that era wanted... a European sports car! He studied the designs by Morgan, MG, Alfa Romeo and many others and in June of 1958 the talents of a young mechanical engineer employed at Allis Chalmers, began the transformation.

The Green Dragon Special was hand built over an eight year documented period and although never detailed to a finished car, it was a proven road machine.

The basis of the GD Special is a 1948 Studebaker drive train and chassis. Frame and wheelbase was shortened from 112" to 100”, a mere 6 inches longer than a 1955 MG TF. A rebuilt 80 HP Studebaker flathead 6 cyl engine and 3spd w/overdrive transmission was set back 20 inches and lowered eight inches into the frame according to detailed day by day chronicles and many photo documents included with the sale. The entire body was entirely designed and crafted by its builder in hand laid fiberglass. The quality of the layup is unique as most glass bodies of this era are heavy handed. This construction is light yet with a strong cloth layup as the total vehicle weight proves out at approximately 1650 lbs. Most all components are Studebaker. The strong 6 cylinder was retained and in the 50s was a popular swap into light weight cars such as "T" series MGs and Jeeps.

Condition is good to better given its 40+ years of storage prior to my ownership.

The GD Special stops and drives well due to new 5.60 15 tires, a recent tune up and brake overhaul. Day to day the car starts easily. I do have a new 6V fuel pump for install that will be included for long term storage concerns. The only electricals needed are a manual switch for the overdrive unit and dash mounted turn signal switch.

The frame has been reengineered and strengthened well beyond its original design to accommodate spirited driving and drive train modifications, which can be seen in the photos. The Dragons body has held up very well over the years, and yet to be perfect only slight body work and paint would be in order.

1948 Green Dragonhas clear title in previous owners' name. The Dragons VIN number, reassigned as a WI home built, includes the original Studebaker serial number, 72LE6646G3223382

The following features were hand crafted by the builder:

1. Cloisonné Dragon emblem on grill shell.

2. Crafted glass body, headlight buckets, tail lights, and individually cast louvers in folding glass hood.

3. Fiberglass buckets modeled after vintage Gran Prix cars.

4. Fold down windshield.

5. Three spoke aluminum steering wheel.

6. 20 gallon steel fuel tank.

7. Custom brake, clutch, and gas pedal levers.

8. Custom steel, race car inspired, cross member and transmission mount.

9. Hand crafted floor shift and mechanism, works great!

10. Modified rear suspension, custom made trailing arms, tubular shocks and revised front and rear spring rates.

White carpet inserts up front have been disposed of.

The "STUDEBAKER" hood emblems where added by myself and yes, they are on the car. Some photos shown are prior to the install.

-Shipping is the responsibility of the new owner-

Thank you