1951 Studebaker 2R5 Pickup

Description

“A streamlined Studebaker truck has the right design for gas saving.” Introduced as 1949 models in mid-’48, the 2R series Studebaker trucks were the closest thing yet to fully integrated styling on a pickup. Designer Bob Bourke, who worked for the Raymond Loewy and Associates office in South Bend, Indiana, and was also on the design team of the famous 1949 Ford automobiles, gave the new Studenbaker trucks a very modern “streamlined” look, including the industry’s first double wall cargo box and no external running boards. Under the hood was a 170 cubic-inch, 85 horsepower flathead inline-six mated to a three-speed column-shifted Borg Warner manual transmission.

This restored 1951 Studebaker 2R not only has Bob Bourke’s modern streamlined look but a few modern touches as well, including custom power-assisted steering by EPAS Performance and front disc brakes. The correct manual transmission with factory electric Power Assist overdrive has been converted to floor shift, and a four-speaker JVC stereo with remote control supplies the tunes. Finished in Royal Blue metallic basecoat/clearcoat paint, this classic Studebaker still has the right design. 

Highlights 

• Restored all-steel Studebaker 2R with original interior 

• Finished in Royal Blue metallic basecoat/clearcoat paint with silver accents 

• Correct 170 cu-in flathead inline-six rated at 85 horsepower 

• Correct Borg-Warner three-speed manual transmission (floor shift) with Power Assist electric overdrive added in 2023 

• Converted to 12-volt electrics 

• New 225/75-16 BFGoodrich Long Trail tires 

• The model number (2R5-12) decodes as:  

  • 2R5 – 2R series standard cab pickup  

  • 12 – 112 in wheelbase 

Features 

• Restoration and updates include: 

  • Front brakes converted to disc 

  • Rear brakes converted to modem (removable) drums 

  • All new brake lines, hoses, master, and wheel cylinders and proportioning valve 

  • New steel smoothie wheels (painted to match) with baby moons 

  • All new wiring and bulbs/headlights 

  • New four-speaker JVC stereo with remote 

  • New tinted windshield and gaskets 

  • New door glass and weather stripping on both doors 

  • New headlined and carpet 

  • New electric windshield wiper motor 

  • New turn signals 

  • New aluminum Griffin radiator with auxiliary electric pusher fans 

  • Modern underbed spare tire winch 

  • Engine refurbishment includes: 

  • New pistons and rings 

  • New valve guides and valves 

  • All new hoses, gaskets, and seals 

  • New points, plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor 

  • New vacuum advance unit 

  • New cam bearings, crank bearings, and rod bearings 

  • New Weber DGV 2barrel carburetor and air filter 

  • New exhaust 

  • Fully enclosed safety steps  

  • Double-wall box  

  • Frame-mounted fuel tank  

  • Beam axle with semi-elliptical spring front suspension  

  • Live axle with eight-leaf semi-elliptical spring rear suspension 

Known Imperfections 

• Very small paint flecks 

Included 

• Spare tire attached under the bed 

• Repair manual 

• Spare parts from moving starter from floor to the dashboard 

Ownership History 

The consignor reports this 1951 Studebaker 2R5 Pickup has been “always garaged since rebuild in 2015. The majority of this truck is original except for the installation of a custom (EPAS Performance) power assist that allows me to steer with one hand. Everything converted to 12 volts except the fuel gauge and heater fan; they are powered by a 12-to-6 voltage reducer. The truck has been restored with original parts when necessary. I am the second owner as the truck was on a pig farm in Georgia. The first owner willed the truck to his son who was an executive with Michelin. Upon receiving the truck, he brought his team together and asked them to do whatever work the truck needed to bring it back to original.”