We’ve seen plenty of classic Pickups over the past decade at Barn Finds, but one of the rarest of the breed is the Studebaker Coupe Express. Only ten of these stunning vehicles have graced this site, with our feature truck only the second produced in 1938. It emerged from a private museum a few years ago, and the seller has worked to return this classic to a roadworthy state. They faced significant challenges but have managed to triumph in the face of adversity. The time has come for this Coupe Express to find a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Knoxville, Tennessee. The solitary bid of $35,000 is below the reserve, but plenty of time remains for the situation to change.
Studebaker unveiled its Coupe Express Pickup in 1937, with much of its underpinnings and some panels “borrowed” from the company’s Dictator passenger car model. It underwent a styling upgrade in 1938, with our feature Pickup emerging from the factory that year. It presents strikingly in Fern Green, with the seller stating the paint job pre-dates their ownership. It may have been applied before becoming a museum piece and continues to hold an impressive shine. The seller admits there are minor flaws and defects but believes the presentation would allow it to stand out at a local show or a Cars & Coffee. The bed and inside of the tailgate have been treated with a spray-on bedliner, with the same finish applied to the running boards. The best news is that this beauty is a rust-free classic. That is significant because commercial patch panels are virtually non-existent. That would have meant fabricating appropriate pieces, which is not a factor for the new owner to consider. The chrome and glass are in good order, but the seller admits the wheels and trim rings are not original. They don’t look out of place, providing a classy finishing touch to the exterior.
The 1937 Coupe Express was powered by the company’s 217ci flathead six, but Studebaker upped the ante in 1938 with the 226ci version, producing 90hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, although buyers could also add an overdrive function to improve open-road cruising capabilities. The seller purchased this gem on the understanding that it was essentially roadworthy. However, this didn’t prove the case. The brakes were inoperative, the e-brake was seized, and the electrical system was on the verge of causing a catastrophic fire. They invested considerable time, effort, and money in replacing almost the entire braking system, freeing up seized components, and rewiring everything forward of the firewall. There are a few minor items for the buyer to tackle, including a small radiator leak. The seller has driven the vehicle lightly since its revival but has never run it at highway speeds. A close inspection would be worthwhile, but with that complete and the radiator leak addressed, this Studebaker will be well on its way to returning to active service.
Studebaker aimed for a more upmarket approach with the Coupe Express, meaning the interior is equipped with some comfort and convenience features that found their way into relatively few of their competitor’s models. The center panel in the dash is a spring-loaded door. Opening it reveals an ashtray and lighter while a factory heater with a blower fan hangs below the dash. The interior is a work in progress, and the buyer must decide what path to take. The door trims and dash are original, and while there is no headliner, the bows are intact. The seat sports a later vinyl cover, and there is no mat on the floor. A reputable upholsterer may be able to source appropriate material to retrim the seat and headliner, and a patient online search could uncover a rubber mat. There are a couple of minor functional issues for the buyer to tackle, but addressing these in a home workshop would take more time than money.
Studebaker’s demise means it is impossible to confirm production totals for the 1938 Coupe Express. However, several reputable sources place the figure at around 1,000. A few sites quote a slightly higher number, but there is no doubt that these are rare classics. The seller has received a single bid on this Studebaker, but they have it listed elsewhere for $65,000. It is worth considering that an extremely rough and incomplete project Coupe Express sold in 2021 for $16,250. Therefore, do you think they will achieve their price, or will a new home require patience or compromise on their behalf?
What a great pickup this is! Sure, it needs some more work, but the best part seems to be the rust-free cab and bed. I really like the rarity factor; you’ll probably never see another at your local Cars ‘n Coffee and talk about an attention getter! One drawback is the fact that this pickup isn’t suited for the interstates because of the low top end speed though maybe adding overdrive could be an option. Probably well worth the reserve, you’ll be the only guy in town to have one! GLWTS!
Of all of the rigs like this I’ve seen over the years I think this is the first one I’ve seen with good paint on it. Would think that the mentioned slow speed could be solved by finding rear gears with a different ratio. It’s going to be quite a piece when it’s finished.
This is another classic example of “new” model ideas not always being a new idea, ie, the 1935 Suburban was the 1st SUV. This svelte beauty is a Ute built almost 30 years before the 1st Ranchero or later the El Camino!
Another deserving of refurbishment for the sake of historical preservation especially in light of the numbers produced-1000 models? I bet Bentley makes more Bentayga SUV’s than that.
GLWTA, and if anyone here at BF knows someone that buys and finishes this one please keep us posted.
Talk about style & form follows function this truck looks fast sitting still! They just don’t make them like they used to which is really sad as most of the new vehicles save for retro muscle or 4×4 bronco doesn’t even garner my attention. A EV is the most soulless vehicle ive ever ridden in & makes the Datsun 410 seem like a winner !
My belief is this the seller got snookered by shiny paint when he bought this. I am suspicious of what is underneath the paint. The body panels are rippled. Remeber when this was made they used good thick sheet metal.The engine compartment and floorboards show rust. It’s no big deal to redo the entire brake system and electricals. Should probably have done fuel system back to front as well. I did all that on my International D2 half ton when I bought it. Love these, but I’d be very cautious on this one and do thorough due diligence.
I think the truth is somewhere in between. Probably not a complete rust bucket underneath, but not exactly Pebble Beach level body work either. Just a reasonably talented backyard builder who spent a lot of time fixing her up. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
1) It’s easy to diss another enthusiasts product to include if you are no where near by to see said item….this truck or anything else.
2) The truck is solid sheet metal. Your remark about rust on the floor is worn/discolored paint not rust as in “rust through” Get your facts correct!
3) Not a big deal to do brakes? Obviously you (and others) have not looked to research who/what/where to buy parts from. As stated, from wheel cylinders, master cylinder, E-brakes, brake shoes, brake lines being done, this seller did that when most pay someone else to do it.
4) Rippled paint? It isn’t what I might consider a 10 point job but stands well on its own.
Love it when supposed authority figures sit from a chair to mock another mans treasure!
Let me get this out of the way first: I hate pickup trucks. I resent having to share the road with the 4-door diesel behemoths that take a land grant to park them. I don’t like borrowing my daughter’s Nissan Frontier (though it’s a very well-made vehicle). But should any atheist doubt that there’s a higher power then this divinely inspired conveyance should remove their apprehensions.
Of course one would not flail this thing about recklessly, nor fill it with rip rap or cinder blocks. But a Saturday morning jaunt to the upscale garden center to procure some peat moss or potting soil would be appropriate. A stop off at the wine store to restock your cabernet supply makes sense as well.
A discreetly placed cd player with the sounds of Jimmy Buffett’s “Pencil Thin Mustache” wafting through the noonday sunshine completes the scene.
All I hear is Flatt & Scruggs
I like your taste in music, but cabernet should be left on the shelf and a nice bottle of single malt snatched instead… lol
I LOVE the Coupe Express.always have…..add in Buffets first album and you THE MAN
Per the ID plaque, will this carry a ton?
that’s what it says.
oh lordy, i’m still holding out for a studie champ but if this old girl followed me home i’d keep her fer sure. beautiful
I just wanted to say, a while back one of these came through in poor shape and a mere shred of what these trucks really were. THIS, is what that truck could be, but will never happen, not when in this cost no object society, for some, this is a much easier sell. It represents a time none of us remember. The 30s was a hummin’ time, from grandmas stories, cities were bustling places, deliveries were confined to small city runs. For small, possibly heavy deliveries, these “fancy”( er) HD pickups( DiamondT, Mack, REO,) had a special market. Trucks were evolving quickly, and looming war clouds required something more, and car/pickups fell out of favor. Fast forward to 1957 when Ford tried again with the Ranchero, later GM, but same thing, a market not many wanted. It wasn’t a car, and wasn’t a truck, and that was that.
Again, like all these, travel on modern roads is not advised, but make no mistake, if you showed up at the rail warehouse with a Coupe Express, it got noticed and said you weren’t a common schmoe, now load the truck, consarnit!
In all this about Rancheros and El Caminos, let’s not forget about the 36-37 Terraplane pickups. They are, IMO, even more elegant than the Studebaker.
Yes, the 37 Terraplane truck is probably rarer than this Studebaker and equally, pricey. I’ve only seen one before and it was here on BF this year I believe. But it wasn’t restored to this one’s condition. This Studebaker looks like it could have handled a straight 8 under that hood.
Howard when did the company start stamping the company name on the tailgate? I noticed this trucks tailgate is smooth. Maybe it is a fabricated tailgate?
What a beauty. Would be so cool to find and restore an age appropriate travel trailer (painted to match) to pull behind. Would be really slow though!
The 1937 is even better looking. The most beautiful of the art deco era pickups in my opinion.
Appropriate wheels should not be hard to source.
God, this 1938 Studebaker truck is a thing of most car guys dreams. I haven’t seen many in this condition, ever. I’d be happy just to get a 50s or 60s Studebaker truck, in similar shape. This ones price is certainly out of your average guys, and my reach. But it’s sure nice to see one like this here. Great find.