Now, this is a find you don’t come across often! In the late ’50s, Studebaker offered a wide range of vehicles, including a new, for ’58, low budget model known as the Scotsman. You most likely think of the car version, but they also built a Scotsman Pickup. It was their barebones entry-level truck and was one of the most affordable trucks on the market in 1958. Today, you rarely see these trucks as most were driven hard and left to rust away. This example has been parked for the past 20 years, but John B has it running and driving again! Being a California survivor, it’s quite solid and would make for a great project. You can find it in Palm Springs and you can bid on it below!
Reader John B is friends with this truck’s owner and is helping them with the auction. When his friend bought the truck, it was a nearly finished restoration project, but that was 20 years ago. It’s been parked ever since in their driveway. As much as he hates to see it go, he’s throwing in the towel and admitting defeat. So rather than leave it in the driveway to deteriorate more, its time for it to go to a new home. John helped get the engine running again, which just involved flushing the fuel system out and installing a fresh battery. There’s a video below showing the truck driving.
Being an entry-level truck means it’s as spartan as it gets, but that’s not a bad thing. The simpler a vehicle is, the easier it is to restore! When this truck made its way to Palm Springs, most of the interior had been replaced. The list of replacements included new seat upholstery, new gaskets, and various other rubber parts. Unfortunately, that was 20 years, so some parts will need to be replaced again.
As you can see, this truck runs and drives as it should. It makes the typical old truck sounds, but seeing it move under its own power is a major plus. With a little work, it should be a nice driver.
This Studebaker has a cool look to it, although it would sure look great after some restoration work. The chassis and body are showing some surface rust, but look to be solid. Finding parts might be a bit more difficult than finding parts for a Ford or Chevy, but all the important bits are present. The bed looks to be the area the needs the most attention, but anyone with basic skills and tools should be able to fix it up! So, if you’d love to give this Scotsman a new home, be sure to bid! Leave any questions for John in the comments section below and he will get back to you.
- Location: Palm Springs, CA
- Mileage: 04158 Showing On Odometer
- Title Status: Clean
- VIN: E1232
Bid On This Auction
Rjm8949 bid $4,000.00 2019-12-31 15:58:39
Aurora1 bid $3,700.00 2019-12-31 14:41:55- Rjm8949 bid $3,500.00 2019-12-30 14:51:45
classichondaman bid $3,100.00 2019-12-30 14:32:26- Rjm8949 bid $3,000.00 2019-12-29 19:17:42
bembry bid $2,650.00 2019-12-29 16:59:31- Rjm8949 bid $2,500.00 2019-12-29 15:54:42
Greenpickle77 bid $1,750.00 2019-12-27 18:26:48- Rjm8949 bid $1,650.00 2019-12-27 14:29:08
4spdbernie bid $1,500.00 2019-12-27 14:26:29- Rjm8949 bid $1,350.00 2019-12-27 13:59:52
- 4spdbernie bid $1,250.00 2019-12-27 13:06:32
Auction your car here on Barn Finds for only $99!
I don’t think “basic woodworking skills” will help much in rehabbing the bed, it’s all steel.
I best get my eyes checked! It looked like a wooden bed to me, but after a second look, it appears you are correct.
They were the first with all metal bed in 1949.
Around 1970, I bought an earlier version (therefore not called a Scotsman), which lived most of its life in California, and had immigrated to the Boston MA area. I always wondered how it got to my area; its market value was only a couple of hundred dollars, so I don’t think it could be transported economically. On the other hand, it was a six (don’t remember if the little or big version) with a 4-speed crash box, geared so low that you wouldn’t need to downshift going around a 90 degree corner Top comfortable speed was in the low forties. It would have been a long drive from California!
The truck had zero rust, but looked like it was painted with a broom. It had belonged to a house painter, who had apparently mixed and stirred paints in the bed. There was almost 1/2″ of dried paint in the bed; took a couple of weekends with a hammer and chisel to remove it.
I believe these were the first truck to have a double-walled bed, and no external running boards (excluding the Crosley!).
I loved this truck, and wish I had never sold it!
rjc – you are correct – concealed running boards and double walled pickup box in 1949. The fuel tank was mounted below the bed inside the frame rail between the driveshaft and the driver’s side rail – the muffler went on the passenger’s side. The cab and bed were used into 1959, and then the Lark station wagon body was modified into a cab. for the later trucks. Sadly, Studebaker went bankrupt due to underfunded pension liabilities, and compounded the problem when they merged with Packard, whose workforce was even older than Studebaker’s. They never had enough funding to update and upgrade their cars and trucks to compete with the big 3. Studebaker seemed to peak about 1955-6 , although the Lark Daytona, the re-roofed Hawk, and the Avanti had both style and performance, they were still basically the same chassis underneath as in 1953.
Hi Doug, I believe Studebaker used this cab on their larger semi trucks called Transtars into the early 60’s. In all my trucking, I never recall seeing one.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jefferysview/36390957414
The larger Transtars could be had with a 4-53 Detroit. I’ve only seen pictures of them.
http://www.trucktrend.com/news/0511dp-studebaker-trucks
Their is one down the road from me. It had been in a bilding for along time. Then the building feel in and no one knew it was their. I been watching for the man,s son to ask about it. Its abouut the same color as this one. I do remember when his dad drove it along time ago. He just might let me have it. We GET along pretty good. Wish me luck.
Good luck. Sounds great. Don’t wait, find the guy.
Like On and On said, Johnny, find the guy! Save the truck and let us know if you’re successful or if you think we can help with suggestions.
As Michael Jordan said “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!”
Good luck, Johnny.
Nevadahalfrack
This truck is a gem in my opinion. The best photograph above is the gentleman’s time worn hands, gently placed on the fender of this time worn Studebaker.
That photograph just says more to me than any words that I can find. Poignant.
Great Trucks I had a 57 or 58 Tran-star 1/2 ton pickup with 327 and muncie 4 speed.
Awesome even made a few passes down the strip at 15:50 84 mph.
Love these trucks.
I never knew they had a “Scotsman” pickup. I knew they had a car with that name, as bottom of the line as they came. I think it was the least expensive car in the late 50’s. I always wondered if the Scots took offense to that, being the cheapest. These were great trucks, those motors were still a carryover from the WW2 trucks that slogged through France. Not much but a howitzer could stop them. These aren’t quite my favorite as the M series, but great trucks, probably the truck division that kept Studebaker going at all towards the end. I had a friend that had a Cadillac motor in one. Great find.
Doubt many Scots would have been aware tbh. It does use ethnic stereotyping that I doubt you’d get away with now, although I’ve seen German shopping bags with a kilted individual to promote their discounted prices. I’ve got the brochures for the Scotsman Station wagon and saloon, but couldn’t stretch to the real thing….
Saw one of these built into a mild street rod. They sort of match the early Internationals as fodder for modification. Someone might consider moving the fuel filter off the exhaust manifold before the whole thing goes up in flame. Neat old ride.
looks to me the truck needs a lot of work not worthy of a bid by me
I would trade THIS TRUCK for the HIGHEST PRICE TRUCK on the market. If anything goes wrong.Raise the hood and you can see everything. Raise the hood on any new vehicle and what do you see? COVERS –EVERYTHING IS COVERED. This truck has survived alomg time–sitting outside. Try that with a new one. A year its a rust bucket. Give me a old vehicle any day. Alot of the got over 20 mpg and comfortable to ride.
I would NOT trade this truck for a new one. You can fix something on this one –the new ones–you better have plenty of money.When you take it to the garage and get ripped off. They don,t even uphold their warrantys. Read the complaints about any new vehicles.Shameful and the way they do their customers. They should be shut down until they make everything–BUY the customers. the new ones are made CHEAP and Sold for HIGH PRICES.
I hate to tell you this but in the video of the truck running the brakes are catching and stopping at least the right side tires not to turn correctly. It may be rust or it may be they just need adjusted or a full brake job. Good luck with the sale it is a nice looking truck.
It needs a complete brake job, but as you can see they did stop the truck. I thought it was more important to show it running under it’s own power for the video, no questions about does the engine turn, or was it running when parked?
Fantastic truck, John B. I don’t know that I’d change anything that didn’t require it.
And thank you for showing it honestly-you’ve a rare trait there these days, unfortunately.
GLWTSale
Nevadahalfrack
The bed is all metal, and it’s all there.
Very Cool
This truck is very solid, there is surface rust, but no serious rust issues. Please ask if you have any questions, if I don’t know I’ll find out. Any photo requests can be done in a timely manner.
Hi John B
I would love to have this beauty. Had a 58 TransStar not sure if that is correct model name but it had a one piece grill ?
Im old guy would like to do minimal and get it back on the road for daily uses its great as is cosmetically!
I see wheel bolt pattern is 5 lug is it like a 5 on 4.5?
Im thinking the closer to the end of auction the $ could take off and leave me in the dust,
Hope not.
Studes are such well made vehicles. I built a 53 coupe it was a drag/street car. Have photos if interested.
In the 60s there were two Detroit powered Stude trucks behind my fathers Lumber yard they hauled almond hull sounded so cool 2 stroke diesels!!
Best of Luck maybe ill be the lucky guy to get this wonderful truck!
The standard trucks had the one piece grills, the Scotsman models was basically a 1949, a stripped model, in order to be incredibly cheaply priced. I think it was the lowest price on the market. 20 years ago it was all gone thru ready for paint, everything worked as it should, I drove it from Long Beach to Palm Springs, about 115 miles, almost 2 hours, ran perfectly on the freeway and city streets, but sadly, it sat for nearly 20 years since.
Can’t imagine this being a deal breaker, but as I recall, it’s a 4.5″ PCD. A warning though; there is something odd the way the Stude wheels are contoured and the hubs are machined. If you fit generic wheels, they will not seat around the studs, and will crack in due time.
Judging by the clutch and brake pedals, the odometer reading of 04158 has been over at least once. That means the engine has had at least a partial rebuild as engines in the 50s seldom made it to 100K. I don’t know what difference that makes. When planning a restoration, allow for an engine rebuild and if it’s not needed—you got lucky.
For you have any more pictures of inside the cab? Thanks..,
Just sent some photos of the interior to Barn Finds. Thank you for your interest. Would love to see this go to a good home.
Thanks… haven’t seen them yet,but will continue to look. I would love to add this to my collection and keep it all original. Just wished it were closer to me with transportation cost. Randy..
The photos have been added! You can find them.in the photo gallery.
Does it shift in all 4 gears and do you have the rear bumper and hub caps? Thanks..
I agree with Art- a good old weathered work truck that someone made their living with. Probably put his kids thru school using this truck for his job. Worn pedals- Honest!! Hope it goes to a good home. Even with a period correct v8 like a 283 would be righteous. Good luck to the new owner!!
Cheers
GPC
In 58 that body style was quite dated, low cost was the reason for them being sold. Didn’t see many Studebaker p/u’s around where I grew up outside Redding, California. Some of my relatives and neighbors drove Dodge or International but most drove Ford or Chevy.
I like this little truck, but agree it needs a bigger mill. To bad you couldn’t get a Hawk engine in this, but then that would have driven the cost up.
God bless America
My everyday driver is a ’56 Transtar 1/2 ton. This thing is built like a tank and travels down the road with no complaints. We use it to pick up hay, gravel, dirt… what ever. Great truck & if it’s not rusty, this is a good value!
Does this truck have overdrive and/or a hill holder?
Not as far as I know, these were very stripped models.
Ok.. thanks John.
John,some people have been know to swith the brake and pedal out and put theirs in. To cheap to buy their own. Worn pedals DOES NOT always mean it has over 100,000 miles. I have a 41 Chevy. The motor was rebuilt in 1972 and has about 3 miles on it. I bought the truck in 1969 before going to Viet Nam. I,d like to find some parts for it. Give me a old vehicle an anyday. I love this one . Their is one down the road from me. The building it was in.The roof fell in on it. I,m gonna check on it.Its the same color blue. Thank you John
After looking at the pictures closer, I can see that this is a very solid truck. The body including the bed & fenders are barely dinged up at all… that’s rare, because these trucks were usually worked pretty hard. The floors & foot wells look cherry, too… If you’re interested in buying it, don’t hesitate!
Also John.. haven’t seen any new pictures of inside the cab. Thanks again….Randy
Sorry John… just saw the interior pictures. Thanks again… Randy
I am told it is a 3-speed on the column, it shifts fine in all gears. Never had a bumper that I know of, has 5 freshly painted wheels and small silver hubcaps like the blue ad in the photos.
Just one more question.., do you know if all the gauges work?
Don’t know about gauges, I can look tomorrow, fire it up and check them.
Look at the photo showing all the gauges, they seem to be working, photo taken with engine running, there is very little gas so I’m not sure about the fuel gauge.
And how long could you you store it if paid for? Thanks again John for putting up with me with all my questions as I need to be sure to transport it to Iowa.
The truck is safe, but parked outside here in Palm Springs, short term storage is not a problem.
How much time are we talking about, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days?
As I am gone for the winter..
Living in Palm Springs full time, I understand here for the season, gone for the Summer. 90 or 120 days is not a problem. Just need to give my 89 year old client, where the truck is parked, a ball park of time.
90 if possible.. thanks
Great… thanks John! Randy…
Wow, been many years since I’ve been on BF, yet here I am. And a trip planned to Palm Springs in a few weeks. For some reason, this project Stude is speaking to me.
**Edit** Hey BF – maybe something you can fix – when photos get added to the gallery after the launch of the auction, FYI you can’t advance to the new photos if you are in the original portion of the slideshow. Hopefully that’s an easy fix for you.
I didn’t know it was doing that. I’ll do some investigating!
Studebaker produced the Scotsman series of automobiles for two model years, 1957 and 1958. If the author researched he would have found that.
Hi Merlin, I wasn’t aware that the truck version was available in ’57. I know the car was released that year, but my researched didn’t show the trucks being available until ’58. My apologies if I’m mistaken on that!
You did not specify Pickup truck [ read what you wrote ]. But you are correct that the Scotsman Pickup truck was new for 1958.
Is there a reason why they took off the pictures of the new tires, wheels, and hub caps that go with the truck? Thanks..
Sorry… I was looking at an old add.
Ok… thanks John
Just as an aside, if you’re ever in the neighborhood of South Bend, Indiana, the Studebaker Museum is fantastic!
I was there 2.5 years ago, along with ACD, Gilmore, Hostetler, and more. Wonderful trip for a couple of car guys!
I love it. Buy a hard lesson I learnt about 2 months ago. Working on my 78 Bronco . The only thing I would change on this truck that I can see now. I would extend the metal gas line over to the inner finder. This gas filter could spring a leak onto the exhause manifold and catch on fire. I ended up in the burn center with both hands burnt.Putting the fire out. I was told I was very lucky I hadn,t burnt up. When I got done fighting the fire,.All I had on was one sock and my undershorts.When the fire department pulled in. I know–go ahead and laugh—hahahha I can now. hahahah
Hi John B
Ever consider selling on Ebay easier for bidders and instant payment thru Pay Pay with fair fees,
Im old school and have found that even selling cars overseas is much better for both seller and Buyer,
So I guess there is no contact number provided?
I didnt realize there was a reserve there was no mention of it when the bids started.
Thanks Chuck
I sign up for E-BAY —-ONCE AND NEVER BOUGHT ANYTHING. The reason was I got a message from the CHARGING ME A BIG BILL. I had NEVER BOUGHT ANYTHING and THAT TAUGHT ME—besides I have seen some really suspicious high bidding and think sometimes the saler(s) might have people to bid to raise the price. Besides I have heard some real fraud sales –and stay away from E-BAY
OK sorry you had a bad experience, It has been excellent for me I have sold about 8 cars and a ton of parts last 10 years.
I must say there is a bidder who raised his bid several times with no higher bid than his? You can see that on the list of bidders? Strange to me???
So can it be paid with pay pal?
I suppose the title is clear and current right?
Asking Price is 5k open to a fair offer less than 4k or is that a solid bid.
Im in central Calif
Thank You
4K was a solid bid as it was my bid. Thanks…
If you’ve ever bid on some of these sites then you know everytime you bid the site comes back saying you’ve been out bid even if you haven’t. It’s crooked and should not be allowed but nonetheless I’ve had it happen to me. So this person probably was taken in by this system, out bidding himself believing he’s bidding against someone else.
eBay allows “auto bidding”. This allows you to bid the maximum you are willing to spend and the system will register the lowest amount, if you are first. The price will increase to your maximum as others bid. If someone bids more than your max, they win. That is what happened to your bids.
Well I already know the drill.
Cant imagine what the seller thought it was worth,
Its no C10
$4300 is fair.
Regards
He thought he could get $8,000, I had to talk him down to the $5,000 reserve.
I remeber going to a auto auction in Harrisonburg,Va. The auctioner had this rubber hose and it seemed like no matter what I did. He would point it at me and rap the table real hard–as if I had bid. Finally I told my friend lets leave before I buy a car that I never seen or anything about. . I have been to auction and they,d give you a plate or something to hold up–if you bid-or some places held up your arm. I never did bid on anything on e-bay and know how the system works. I never paid their bill either–I didn,t make it.
Seller sold after auction ended for $4,300 to a personal friend, he thought it would go for much more. I’m just glad someone is doing something with it after 20 years, it’s no longer decaying in his driveway!
Is this truck still for sale?