Studebaker started manufacturing kool trucks as early as 1902, first with an electric commercial delivery vehicle, and in 1912 introduced gasoline-powered trucks. Studebaker’s 2R Series (’49–’53) was its most successful truck era. The design began at the end of WWII by Robert Bourke—and get this—it was the first truck manufactured in the USA without exposed running boards, featuring a double-sided pickup bed so smooth it defined the Studebaker look. What’s surprising is the stock running gear came from Studebaker cars—but that’s where the similarities stopped.
The Studebaker 2R Series was kool, with its iconic hood emblem and front grille that resembled a jet intake, along with painted bumpers, chrome headlight rings, and a chrome mirror. It had a clean, smooth look—and yes, it was the first American truck with no running boards. The split front windshield gives it that classic ’50s style, complete with vent windows—it looks kool just sitting still.
Terry made sure this smooth Studebaker truck has a heart. It beats to the pavement with a Ford 429 CI pushing about 470 HP—yep, you’ll see him in your windshield at stop lights. Fuel is delivered through a Holley Brawler dual feed, topped with an Edelbrock air cleaner and finned accessories. The exhaust runs 2”, helping this sweet truck breathe.
The seats came from a ’78 Granada, wrapped in leather and complemented by VDO gauges, along with a leather headliner and door panels. Plenty of Lizard Skin insulation keeps the interior quiet for cruising tunes. The console was custom fabricated and wrapped in leather. And for those stop light moments, the tach sits on the dash to hit the shift points just right. It even features a kool Studebaker horn button on the steering wheel. The interior design uses white pleats running front to rear, echoed in the door panels, tying in nicely with the stock dash lines—very well done. The headliner received special attention, with graphic lines that complement the truck’s smooth styling.
The bed is all business, featuring an RC Cola ice chest paired with a Squirt cooler. Since this ride is driven regularly, a rubber insert makes perfect sense. The graphic split flows well throughout the truck, with a clean break at the tailgate. The wheels—Cragar Ultra Lights—keep it planted, while the taillights are cleanly integrated into the rear panels for a natural, finished look.
Look for Terry and Sheryl cruising Main Street on McCulloch Blvd on Thursdays, and showing up at local Coffee & Cars events around Havasu, as well as the Lighthouse Lounge meet-up, Cruizin’ the Park, and sometimes at BlondZees for the Saturday breakfast meet-up.
