Studebaker truck history [1][2][3][4] It was founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 [5] as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. Want to discover the history of your Studebaker? The Museum has many resources available to give you a helping hand during your next restoration project or give you more insight into the fascinating history of Studebaker. Jul 12, 2016 · Detailing the technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Studebaker US6 2. The 1949-1956 Studebaker trucks, including the 2R and 3R series, were among the best the company made. Jul 10, 2024 · Studebaker also manufactured electric trucks and delivery wagons, with prominent companies such as American Express and Gimbel Brothers using them consistently. It will focus on such information as model and series numbers, engines and tonnages in each model, major developments and improvements, company developments that affected truck production and design, unique Studebaker was an American wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana with a building at 1600 Broadway in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City. TECHNICAL INFO July 2025 Parts Sale Not this Site SEARCH the SDC Forum TECH Archive (2004-2017) (update - Mar 2025) Studebakers & their engines One thing you will soon find out is that Studebaker engines, both the Flathead six cylinder and especially the OHV V8 are extremely well-build while being considered the best American engines ever made. . 5-, and 2-ton capacities, and the 1956: 2E series; 1957-58: 3E series; 1959: 4E series; 1960: 5E series; 1961: 6E series; 1962: 7E series; and 1963-64: 8E series. Here Jul 5, 2022 · As the decade of the 1960s opened up, Studebaker-Packard appeared for once to be in pretty good shape. Sep 16, 2015 · 1966 Studebaker Cruiser. The E series Studebaker trucks are the original 1955 E series Studebaker trucks, sold in half-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-, 1. During WWII, the Americans and British supplied the Soviet Union with all kinds of equipment. ) The pickup truck is a common sight on American roads and remains the world’s top-selling passenger vehicle. Studebaker Truck | Rare Classic American Pickup History & Legacy The Studebaker Truck is one of the most iconic classic American pickups ever made – a true legend that still excites collectors May 14, 2021 · Welcome to the website for the new Studebaker Motor Company. The Classic Studebaker Trucks Channel includes histories, photos and specs for this classic truck. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868[1] under the name of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the company was originally a producer of wagons for farmers, miners and the military. The history of Studebaker is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of American entrepreneurs. Learn about the bullet-nose Studebakers and see their specifications. Dec 1, 2023 · The History of the Studebaker Company: A journey from wagon manufacturer to automobile producer, shaping the American automotive industry with innovations, iconic designs, and enduring legacy. Aug 2, 2023 · Studebaker US6-62 trucks near the factory powerhouse ready for shipment. Studebaker had its best years with the Commander and Champion in 1950 and 1951. This surprising success was the result of introducing its… Nov 3, 2012 · The 1949 Series Studebaker Truck was this historic automakers first totally new designed light pickup after World War II. Mar 15, 2019 · During World War II Studebaker built nearly 200,000 trucks and continued at a production rate of about 67,000 trucks a year up to 1948, after when Studebaker trucks continued in production at a lower level until 1964. Studebaker’s hometown was South Bend, Indiana, but in December 1963, the assembly lines in South Bend closed and production moved to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Apr 15, 2024 · Today, Studebaker cars are highly sought after by collectors, and the company’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who owned or admired these iconic vehicles. The new Studebaker light trucks, called the 2R Trucks, were entirely different looking than the M Series introduced prior to the war. Nov 19, 2018 · The legendary truck was produced only for four years, from 1941 to 1945. Source for information on Studebaker: Gale Encyclopedia of U. Dec 7, 2023 · From blacksmith and wagon shop to its demise as one of the Big Four auto manufacturers, this timeline gives the highlights of Studebaker's history. trucks that were most valued and looked-forward-to. But it was U. Studebaker, off and on, assembled postwar military trucks until March 1964. Rooted in Studebaker’s longstanding tradition of craftsmanship and utility. . Jan 1, 2022 · Comtnercial Thucbs: During the thirties, Studebaker made a uck field. The three largest U. One novel feature exploited by Studebaker's advertising was "lift the hood accessibility" to the engine. After the war, automobile and truck production resumed with a vengeance. Billed as "The '49er" the Studebaker 2R family arrived in early 1948 to replace the prewar M-series. All information sources are reliable, from owners experience. The 1935 line was one of Studebaker's lowest production years for trucks. Studebaker Nov 13, 2024 · Throughout its history, Studebaker produced great-looking and functional trucks. 27. for hauling mail, supplies, and publications,” according to a 1912 issue of San Francisco Examiner. We are not the old company that manufactured the horse drawn carriages and later, the vehicles that you may be familiar with (1852 till 1966). It started in 1852 as a family operated blacksmith shop in South Bend, Indiana, and began manufacturing wagons five years later. But how many wonderful pages were written in military history with its wheels! Today we will tell you about appearance of the Studebaker US6 and its role in the victory of the anti-Hitler coalition in the Second World War. Explore Classic Studebaker truck lineups. What are the paint codes for? We have them all here. Paint codes for all 1947-54 Studebaker trucks (M and R series) Paint codes for 1960-64 Champ (T-cab) trucks Paint codes and color chips for 1964-65 cars HOME May 15, 2019 · The first Studebaker automobile made its debut in 1902, and the company produced a line of great looking electric-powered vehicles which many consumers admired. Sep 28, 2025 · Studebaker had a long history in truck manufacturing, producing various models from 1929 until December 1963. Feb 28, 2023 · The Studebaker National Museum The Studebaker National Museum is a museum in South Bend, Indiana, United States that displays a variety of automobiles, wagons, carriages, and military vehicles related to the Studebaker Corporation and other aspects of American history. Earlier we wrote about some of the military vehicles in the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Ind. 1939The Champion is Introduced. Studebaker also built bus and fire engine chassis. Studebaker began business as a builder of covered wagons. Thanks to SDC and local chapter members who are passionate about Studebaker cars and trucks, we all benefit from their knowledge and their willingness to share that knowledge readily. Fox, Skip Lackie “Studebaker Truck History” and Studebaker National Museum period advertisement. In 1936, they introduced a line of cabover-engine tru 7937 rhe smoothly contoured Coupe-Express pickup premiered. Introduction This history of Studebaker trucks is an attempt to bring together in one document a reasonably comprehensive chronology of Studebaker truck developments and production. Most of these were exported to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease by the US during List of Studebaker vehicles The following list consists of automotive models produced by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana from 1899 to 1963 and Studebaker Canada Ltd. Great site for Studebaker people, who need answers or want to reminisce old photos, literature, Ads, etc. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Source: Most of the information in the above section comes from “Studebaker the Complete Story” by William A. Discover the history of your classic Studebaker using our exclusive Classic Studebaker VIN Decoder tool. The six-cylinder Champion proved to be an instant success. Sep 18, 2021 · Studebaker introduced an overhead-valve V8 in 1951, years before Ford or Chevrolet, and it was an impressive achievement for a company a fraction of the size of the mighty Big Three. 2. For the 1954 model year, after a light redesign, the line was renamed 3R and built for an additional eight months. Studebaker’s success with the 1941-48 M-Series trucks set the stage for its most successful trucks: the 1949-53 2R-Series that was the first American truck without exposed running boards and with a smooth, double-sided pickup bed. Census Bureau also purchased “a 1,500-pound Studebaker electric. Built on Studebaker's passenger car chassis, it combined the comfort of a business coupe with practical utility. The Studebaker Champ is a light-duty pickup truck produced by the Studebaker Corporation from 1960-1964, the last such vehicles designed by the company before leaving the automobile manufacturing business in 1966. S. 1949 Studebaker 2R-5 This 1949 Studebaker 2R-5 was a part of the 2R series. Many of these members and local chapters have posted a wide variety of Studebaker Nov 19, 2009 · Most Studebaker trucks were sold through established truck dealers which handled several lines from different manufacturers. The company was founded in 1852, when the Studebaker brothers built their first two wagons for business owners and for traveling The Studebaker National Museum is a museum in South Bend, Indiana, United States, that displays a variety of automobiles, wagons, carriages, and military vehicles related to the Studebaker Corporation and other aspects of American history. Bob's Studebaker / Avanti / Avanti II Information Portal. Jan 27, 2021 · By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher Images Courtesy of the Studebaker National Museum/Studebaker Archives Published 1. Designed at a time when Studebaker's truck line had not seen major upgrading in over 10 years, Studebaker engineers were forced to use a number of existing components to fit within During WWII, Studebaker produced trucks and radial engines for aircraft, including the B-17. government contracted the Studebaker Motor Company to begin production of 2. The Studebaker US6 truck was the basis for the legendary GAZ-51 Soviet truck that was produced in the Soviet Union until 1975, [75] nearly a decade after Studebaker had closed, and proceeded to form the basis for all GAZ trucks later, such as the GAZ-53, GAZ-3307 and 3309 and the GAZon Next. In 1950 and 51, Studebaker offered their famed bullet-nose design. A Brief History of Studebaker Trucks: An Analysis of Production Records By Skip Lackie Introduction This history of Studebaker trucks is an attempt to bring together in one document a reasonably comprehensive chronology of Studebaker truck developments and production. The chassis and cargo box of the Champ were basically the Feb 6, 2025 · The 1937 Studebaker Coupe Express pioneered the concept of a comfortable, car-based pickup truck decades before the modern lifestyle truck trend. 5-ton Utility Truck including pictures. It will focus on such information as model and series numbers, engines and tonnages in each model, major developments and The Studebaker US6 (G630) was a series of 2 1⁄2-ton 6×6 and 5-ton 6×4 trucks manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation and REO Motor Car Company during World War II. Mar 1, 2012 · Studebaker built tens of thousands of US6 "Deuce and a Half" trucks for the wartime Lend-Lease program, most destined for the Soviet Union. Mar 10, 2015 · Studebaker truck enthusiast lands a US6 and makes a quirky discovery. [1] Given these model-year designations, "E series" has come to mean all Studebaker trucks built between 1955 and Jul 30, 2020 · Learn about the history of the Studebaker truck in our series on Classic Truck History including interesting facts and figures and little known information about classic trucks of that era. Most of these were exported to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease by the USA during The Studebaker Champ was a light-duty pickup truck produced by the Studebaker Corporation from 1960-1964. It failed to start a new trend, but sales remained high. The Champion, a very advanced small car, was introduced by Studebaker in 1939. Read about 1949-1956 Studebaker trucks. Cannon and Fred K. Studebaker debuted its new 2R-Series truck line in mid-1948 to much fanfare. With the closing of South Bend, production of Hawk, Avanti and truck lines stopped, and only “Lark” models were built in Canada. The Studebaker M-series is a pickup truck series designed in the late 1930s by the Studebaker Corporation. If we don't have it, we will get it. 5 million, while boasting calendar-year production of 153,823 cars and 7,737 trucks. Designed at a time when Studebaker's truck line hadn't seen major upgrading in over 10 years, the company, which had endured years of declining sales, was forced to use a number of existing components, but the result was impressive. from 1964 through the spring 1966. In 1926 Studebaker became the first automobile manufacturer in the United States to open a proving ground. "The Studebaker deserves a Dec 14, 2023 · In Conclusion – History of the 1947 Studebaker M5 1/2 Ton Pickup Finally, the 1947 Studebaker M5 stands as a testament to post-war America’s need for practical and reliable transportation. The Studebaker G630, US6 2½-ton 6×6 truck was a general purpose medium off-road military truck built in large numbers during WW2, and largely procured via lend-lease, notably to USSR. The 2R’s styling was penned by Studebaker designer Robert Bourke, who later designed the 1953 Studebaker Starliner hardtop. Over the years, the company developed a wide range of trucks, including pickup trucks, commercial transport vehicles, and diesel-powered models, each designed to serve different needs. The M Series really were Studebaker’s first pickup trucks. The U. , ranging from the company’s wagon-making days to its World War II MV’s such as trucks and go-anywhere Weasels. 5-ton truck manufacturersGeneral Motors, Events in Studebaker History ( new locaton) Apr 2025 A Brief History Refresher New Historic Marker South Bend IN 2025 Promotional Video Subsidiaries . Apr 22, 2015 · The Studebaker history is a short one, and a sad one at that, but inside Studebaker, you'll find a meticulously crafted history of the early automobile. Prior to the M Series, Studebaker’s answer to a light hauler was essentially Studebaker produced its last wagons in 1919 adding a 6-cylinder truck line to replace the horse-drawn vehicles. Introduced in 1951 on the deluxe-sized Commander line, … Continue reading → Today we are here with part 1 of episode #36 of Truck History, where we will be making our way through the History of Studebaker Trucks. The truck market continued to expand in the coming decades, including car-based trucks (Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero) and performance/specialty trucks (Ford F150 Lighting, GMC Cyclone, Dodge Ram SRT 10. The company’s truck history traces back to 1902, when their first electric commercial delivery vehicles were assembled. The 1951 Studebaker 2R5 pickup was part of the Studebaker 2R series the company's first postwar truck design. The styling was intended to be the new look for cars. 2021 An 1852 Studebaker Brothers wagon When you look at Studebaker’s automotive history, you have to go back to the late 1800s. After losing money steadily since 1954, the company recorded its largest profit ever in 1959, some $28. Let's get right into it! STUDEBAKER The Studebaker Corporation traced its business origins earlier than any other U. The basic cargo version was designed to transport a 2 1⁄2-short-ton (5,000 lb; 2,300 kg) cargo load over any type of terrain in any weather. The firm was originally a coachbuilder, manufacturing wagons, buggies, carriages and harnesses. The Studebaker 2R is a series of light- and medium-duty trucks built by the Studebaker Corporation from April 1948 until the end of 1953. Studebaker entered the automotive business in 1902 with electric Oct 12, 2020 · Studebaker was one of the most foremost automobile manufacturers. This pickup truck served as a vital tool for individuals and businesses alike. How did “Studebaker” get its name? Like many auto brands, Studebaker got its famous name after History of Studebaker US6 In April 1941, as World War II loomed again in Europe, the U. Come pay a visit! Studebaker also built bus and fire engine chassis. In March 1966, the Hamilton plant also closed, and this severely affected Apr 14, 2025 · Studebaker was heavily subsidized by military contracts during WWII, building aircraft engines and trucks that helped propel the Allies to victory. Check out: America's Best V-8 Engine: Studebaker Also: Quality by Design Over the past 25 years I have been to many Car Meets where Studebakers were on Display. Every manufacturer from A to Z, plus fleet color from Semi's and National Standard company's paint codes. This easy-to-use tool provides you with a complete record of your vehicle, including the year, model, engine, transmission, and more. The Studebaker US6 (G630) was a series of 2⁄ -ton 6×6 and 5-ton 6×4 trucks manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation and REO Motor Car Company during World War II. Many people, especially those new to Studebakers, don’t realize that there is a wealth of information and assistance available. Updated on a fairly regular basis. Studebaker Corporation, or simply Studebaker, was a United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. In 1953, the incredible new “Lowey coupe” was introduced. automobile manufacturer. Journey through the history of the Studebaker Corporation for its beginnings to its role in developing iconic automobiles during the 1950s. Studebaker built quality trucks continuously from 1929 to December t963. Lets delve into Studebaker company facts, evolution, history and demise. 5-ton military trucks at its South Bend, Indiana, plant. Economic History dictionary. 1950 Studebaker Convertible (Studebaker Museum) A good place to learn more about Studebaker’s great history and see many of their vehicles is the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend. The basic cargo version was designed to transport a 2⁄ -short-ton (5,000 lb; 2,300 kg) cargo load over any type of terrain in any weather.