1953 Studebaker 2R5 Pickup

Description

This is exactly everything you want in a vintage pickup. This 1953 Studebaker 2R5 truck was stylish when new, and absolutely unique today. Plus, underneath the attractive style is everything from an A/C interior to a dependable and powerful Chevy V8 heart.

Showing up in a Studebaker pickup is already an experience. After all, the fellas from South Bend produced far less than the Detroit guys. This outsider prospective allowed them to be more aware of styling, and that helped in building some of the best-looking trucks on the road. The curvy cab, sculpted rear fenders, and upright box have a sturdy and stylish appeal like a pair of designer jeans. And this one goes even further on the flair scale. After all, the teal and champagne two-tone is far more than what the factory ever offered, and they even utilize a custom pinstripe package to give it a clear and stylish dividing line. While extra custom pinstriping on the hood would normally be the centerpiece, this one also attracts plenty of eyeballs for its custom Rambler grille and bright LED halo headlight upgrades. Along the side, the Chevy 16-inch alloys add a nice shine while also hinting at the source for some of the upgrades you'll see within. As you go around back, you can instantly see the smooth tailgate is a custom piece, and the LED taillights running up the side look Cadillac inspired. And while plenty of people will admire the flush-fitting tonneau cover, their jaws will absolutely drop when they see it rise up from its electronically-operated hinge.

The modern and vintage combination continues inside. The exterior teal and champagne/beige was also the inspiration for the color theme inside. It starts with a custom set of bucket seats with a jump seat/center console in-between. The door panels, carpeting, and headliner all coordinate in this thoughtful packaging. There's also plenty of wood accenting for the right vintage feeling. But this classic has modern appeal, too. You have great features, like a power driver's seat, power windows, an AM/FM/CD stereo with USB and Bluetooth, and cold-blowing R134a air conditioning. The wood-rimmed sports steering wheel has the classic Studebaker badge. It's mounted on a tilt column, so you get a clear view to the modern digital gauge package.

Studebaker made some fine engines, but when you want nice power and parts availability, nothing beats a Chevy small block. This 350 cubic-inch V8 looks great in the engine bay with its flame-kissed valve covers and air grabber. Plus, it's a true performance build with roller rockers, an upgraded torque camshaft, 202 heads, an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, Holley Contender aluminum intake, and Hooker headers feeding the dual exhaust. There's even a bright aluminum radiator w/dual electric fans to help keep this upgraded power package running cool. Because this truck is powerful, they also made sure it was more comfortable to drive. It's on an updated chassis, including a Camaro front suspension. There's also a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes with front discs.

We have a breakdown of the full build that shows there was over $66k invested in creating this custom truck. And there are also restoration photos to show the detailed work it took to create something this cool. So with distinct looks, the best features, and a powerful heart, this Studebaker really delivers on everything you want in a memorable classic. Call today!!!