1938 Studebaker Coupe Express

Studebaker introduced a pick-up truck in 1937. About 1,000 trucks were produced in 1938, cost as new was $735.

Special features of this truck include an overdrive transmission with free-wheeling capability, a hill holder, a clock, a radio, a heater, and inside sun visors. The engine is an in-line L-Head six-cylinder, 226 cubic-inch, which produces 90 horsepower. It has a three-speed transmission laid on its side to eliminate the hump.

The box is unique, with no square corners, made by Edward Iron Works in South Bend, Indiana.

The Studebaker Coupe Express pickup truck was produced from 1937 through 1939. The pick-up shared many similarities to the passenger cars and was built atop of the Studebaker Dictator chassis. The box of the vehicle was constructed of steel. Under the hood was an L-head six-cylinder flathead engine attached to a three-speed manual gearbox. A Borg-Warner 3-speed unit with overdrive was offered as optional equipment. The Coupe Express came in a variety of options, including a wire wheel, steel 'Artillery' spoke wheel, and steel-disc types. A radio, heater, turn indicators, and a reinforced wire-sliding back window were offered as optional equipment.

In 1937 there were 3000 examples produced. The following year, 1200 units were created. The number dropped to 1000 in 1939.

The Studebaker Coupe express was no longer offered in 1940; in 1941 the M-Series pickup truck was introduced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006