Chassis no. R555290

Model 2R5. 85-hp, 169.6-cid L-head inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112-inches

The name Raymond Loewy has become almost synonymous with Studebaker cars. It is not so well known, however, that the Loewy studios also did trucks. None were so remarkable as the 1949 R-series penned by Loewy’s assistant, Robert Bourke, who also created the revered 1953 Starliner coupe.

This 1950 2R5 1/2-ton pickup is correctly restored to a high standard. The comely Loewy contours are excellently prepared and perfectly painted in red. In true 1950s commercial fashion there is almost no brightwork. Only whitewall tires, headlight bezels and a pair of cowl-mounted mirrors draw the eye – even the bumpers are painted, albeit with white accents in front. The cab has red-and-black vinyl seats and a black rubber mat. Aftermarket directional signals, supplied by Flash-All and controlled from the steering column, add to the basic complement of equipment. Otherwise the truck is as Spartan today as when it was built.

The engine compartment is correctly detailed, and the undercarriage, in gray matching the engine, is absolutely immaculate. This must certainly be one of the best Studebaker trucks on the market today.