In 1954, the 3R line of pick-ups replaced Studebaker’s 2R series that had been introduced after World War II. The most visible change for 1954 was they now had one-piece curved windshields rather than split panes as before. And the ivory-colored grilles were different. The seller of this ’54 3R bought it with the intention of restoring it or turning it into a rat rod. He took it all apart and then things changed, so the buyer will have to take the truck home in sections. It’s located in Jacksonville, Florida and available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000.
As would happen on other occasions, Studebaker was in trouble by 1953. The 2R series had been around for five years and needed updating for 1954-1955. Sales were lagging and Studebaker’s truck division had become stagnant. The automobile division wasn’t setting the world on fire, either and a merger with Packard was just over the horizon. Divided interests within the company would delay the launch of the ’54 models until early in the calendar year.
The slightly revamped 3R trucks would have two inline six-cylinder engines available to power them, the 169 cubic inch motor from the Champion automobile or the 245 I-6 for the trucks. Because of the shortened production run for 1954, these would become most of the rarest postwar Studebaker trucks at 4,320 units. Imagine the remaining supply today if just 5 or 10 percent have survived.
We’re told the truck was complete when the seller acquired it, but he began to disassemble it, which explains the photos of both a whole truck and body parts. This pickup has some rust and faded paint, but the seller says the holes are not insurmountable. The floorboards have issues in that way, too. The grey on grey truck comes with a 3-speed manual transmission and the reported mileage is in excess of 112,000.
Of the two engines choices available in ’54, we don’t know which one is applicable to this truck. A V8 would become available for the 3R, but not until 1955. Because of the rarity of these trucks today, Hagerty puts a high resale value on them. Fair condition is worth under $9,000 and the best on the planet could top $40,000. So, if this truck is complete and you don’t mind starting mostly from scratch, you’d have a pickup that won’t be seen anywhere except at Studebaker owner rallies.
It could be a unique truck for those of us that appreciate trucks but it’s going to need a lot of money, time, patience, garage space and experience turning wrenches for this one.
To that end, there are a few of us highly qualified for the aspect of time and more than a few of you are adept with the wrenching experiences.
All the marketing aimed at obscuring the extreme need to recondition this vehicle is commendable! The lack of a sales price is worrisome! How much IS this truck’s price!?
It’s already apart, so call it a parts truck. The tailgate alone is worth $300+. And the box is worth a good chunk of change, as is the cab if the insteps are decent. No body wants the sixes, either put a Stude V8 in it, or Chevyize it.
CHEVYIZE it??? NEVER!!!!
Moparize it…😆
I bought a ’57 Transtar Deluxe 10 years ago. Had to start from scratch and repair/replace everything. Parts are out there both new and used and did most of the work myself and I had know idea how. Straight out of the manual. I am not a wrencher and had not tried something like this in 40 years. It came out great and I love the truck which is still going strong. It will be going to my grandson soon! I have the 289 V8 with plenty of power and speed to drive any road. I would do it all again.
I still have the one I drove to Boca High school. It was different from everyone else . 472 caddy , turbo 400 switch pitch converter and a 9” rear .
Time to resurrect that one .
This would be interesting as a completely Studebaker truck, meaning updating to the V8. But then I would have to deviate somewhat from its ” as delivered ” condition. Exterior would be black or dark charcoal while that ivory grille would be painted a light, metallic grey. Wheels? Bigger than stock, but not so big that you risk bending them on potholes, and chrome.
I had a coworker that score one of these. (Not sure of the year, same body style) I came with no engine and he had a mid ’70s Impala that donated it’s drive train. He also score a fairly new set of wide whitewall radial tires. He wanted some chrome reverse wheels that were not overly wide but brought the wheels out closer to the fender lips. So I spent an hour or so measuring and making notes. I called up Stockton wheel, knowing that they could build any size and offset that I wanted. So I gave them the specs, wheel bolt circle, width, offset, etc. And the first thing they said was, “so you want the traditional Studebaker wheels!” I just felt that my time was a complete waste! (but, it was also comforting that I had all the measurements correct) The truck looked very nice.
And Stockton Wheel is still going strong.
Thanks, Wayne.
Mine was a 1959 V8 but can’t remember it’s designated name, only that it was no longer called a Transtar. It had been a plumbers truck for over 40 years and the odo had rolled over several times but still drove well, didn’t smoke, transmission was good. The only time it ever broke down was on the drive home from the seller when the power wire came off the non original fuel pump. I loved it for the couple of years that I owned it before selling it on to an Irish guy who took it back to Ireland and restored it to concours condition.