1963 Studebaker Zip Van

There were plans to produce 3,391 examples of the Zip Vans, but after an additional 847 orders were placed, the total rose to 4,238. Studebaker built the chassis while the unitized body was fabricated by met-Pro, Inc. of Lansdale, PA. Met-Pro established the Bede Manufacturing Company to handle the Zip Van project.

The Zip Vans featured a sliding door for the driver, no door on the left side, and all examples were right-hand drive. In the back, the door opened up-and-down in a similar fashion to a garage door. Inside, there were two gas pedals. One pedal was for the driver when they were sitting, while the other was to be used when they were standing. Features included a heater and an adjustable seat. The gauge cluster was the one used in Studebaker's Transtar pickup.

Powering the Zip Van was a 170 cubic-inch overhead 'Skybolt' six that offered 112 horsepower. It had a wheelbase of 85 inches and a length of 143 inches.

The Zip Vans used by the U.S. Post office were painted red, white, and blue.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2017