By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Studebaker Archives and the Robert Tate Collection
Published 11/13/2024
1955 Studebaker truck sales material (Robert Tate Collection)
Throughout its history, Studebaker produced great-looking and functional trucks. The company’s truck history traces back to 1902, when their first electric commercial delivery vehicles were assembled. The gas-powered commercial models were introduced in 1912.
In 1916, a standard one-ton Express pickup truck was priced at $1,200. One of the first buyers was the Tennessee Mill & Mine Supply Company in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Commercial Lines 1902-1917 (Studebaker Archives)
According to some automotive historians, the period from 1925 to 1940 was the golden age of the Studebaker’s history. For example, the 1932 Rockne Six panel delivery truck became a very popular model for businesses of all sizes. In 1932, Studebaker purchased the White Company to improve and build on its truck business.
The 1936 Metro Boss deluxe cab (Studebaker Archives)
In 1936, Studebaker introduced a popular line of cab-over-engine trucks. One of their most popular trucks was the 1937 Model J5 half-ton Coupe Express.
During World War II, Studebaker produced trucks for military use to help win the war. The last Studebaker vehicle before the assembly line was switched to wartime production was produced on January 31, 1942. A series of truck models, the US 6x4 two-and-a-half to five-ton cargo trucks, were built from 1942 to 1945.
A 1930s Studebaker truck (Studebaker Archives)
After the war ended, Studebaker continued to manufacture trucks, introducing the 1946 M15A-20 one-ton pickup, which replaced the M15. These models sold very well in the post-war period. In 1949, Studebaker produced the popular 2R truck series that was engineered by Russell MacKenzie and manufactured at their truck plant in South Bend, Indiana.
A 1946-1947 Studebaker Truck advertising photo (Studebaker Archives)
In February 1952, Studebaker celebrated the milestone of producing trucks for 50 years. The celebration included truck division manager Richard Hudson, truck sales manager K.B. Elliott, and superintendent Lloyd Ransom.
1952 Studebaker First Century celebration (Studebaker Archives)
In 1955, Studebaker introduced the E5 one-and-a-half-ton pickup truck that proved to very popular with the consumer market. Then, in 1958, the company introduced the Scotsman half-ton pickup model 3E1-112 with a sticker price of $1,595, considered the least expensive pickup in America.
1958 Studebaker Scotman pickup truck (Studebaker Archives)
During the 1960s, Studebaker introduced more exciting and restyled trucks, including the great-looking Champ, which was produced from 1960 to 1963 and turned out to be the final trucks produced by the company. The larger truck models featured a V8 engine only, then diesel-powered ones were introduced in 1962. The Champ series of trucks became great sellers, however, there were manufacturing problems that slowed down production. Also during this era, Studebaker manufactured a line of two-and-a-half and five-ton truck models for the U.S. Army, a contract that would later be transferred to Kaiser Jeep.
1963 Studebaker Champ pickup truck sales material (Robert Tate Collection)
On Monday, December 9, 1963, Studebaker closed its South Bend plant, ending U.S. production. However, the company’s Hamilton, Ontario operation continued through March 1966. The Studebaker brand will always be remembered as part of our automotive and truck history.
Bibliography
Hemmings Contributor. “A Brief History of Studebaker, 1852-1966.” Hemmings.com. August 27, 2024.
Lackie, Skip. “A Brief History of Studebaker Trucks.“ An Analysis of Production Records.
Hall, Asa E. and Langworth, Richard M. “The Studebaker Century: A National Heritage.” Dragonwyck Publishing, 1983.