1953 Studebaker 2R11‑22 3/4-Ton Pickup

Description

The 1953 Studebaker 2R11‑22 3/4-Ton Pickup represented the final year of the automaker’s second‑generation postwar truck line, produced from 1949-1953. The “22” designation identified a longer wheelbase (122”) and cargo bed (8’), which appealed to tradesmen and rural buyers who needed added hauling capacity.

Studebaker 2R trucks are widely credited with introducing the first double‑wall steel pickup bed in the American truck industry. Instead of exposed bolt‑on running boards (which were still common among Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and International trucks at the time), Studebaker integrated the step into the cab, creating cleaner body sides.

The 2R11‑22 was powered by Studebaker’s 245ci inline-six engine, rated at about 102 horsepower, mated to a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

This 2R11-22 3/4-Ton Pickup has undergone a body-off refurbishment that included sheet metal repair and a repaint of the body panels and bed. The truck is finished in Midnight Blue (49S22) with color-matched and contrasting white grille and bumpers and steel wheels from a 1970s Ford that are compatible with tubeless tires. The interior is painted in blue and gray with blue vinyl and gray-patterned cloth upholstery.

This 1953 Studebaker Pickup is now offered with an owner’s manual, a shop manual, Studebaker Historical Report, restoration photos and documents, and a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Refinished in period-correct Midnight Blue (49S22) paint

• Midnight Blue/white bumpers and grille

• Red-painted steel wheels and Studebaker lettering on tailgate

• Interior refinished in Midnight Blue and gray

• 245ci inline-six engine

• Three-speed, column-mounted manual transmission with optional overdrive

Factory Equipment

• Double‑wall steel pickup bed (8’)

• Step integrated into body design (no external running boards)

• Two-piece flat windshield

• Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels

• Mechanical fuel pump

• Steel dashboard with gauge cluster

• Black steering wheel

Modifications

• 16" 1970s Ford steel wheels powder coated in red

• LED headlights (retained stock 6V electrical system)

Service & Documentation

• Refurbishment work is said to have included:

  • Refinish in Midnight Blue, extending to the interior

  • Bench seat reupholstered in blue vinyl with gray patterned fabric inserts

  • Replacement of taillights and mirrors

  • Replacement of the radiator, water pump, and fuel tank

  • Replacement of the shock absorbers

  • Replacement of the headlight switch and horn button

  • Installation of stained wood bed stakes

  • Installation of Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac LT 215/85R16 tires

• Studebaker Historical Report

• Restoration documents

Known Imperfections

• Fresh exterior paint needs to be buffed

• Steering wheel is cracked

• Driver’s side door well shows rust/flaking

• Paint imperfections in cargo bed

• Studebaker badging and trim have not been reinstalled

Ownership History

The seller of this 1953 Studebaker 2R11-22 3/4-Ton Pickup purchased the truck in March 2020. He believes the mileage is original.

Included Items

• Owner’s manual

• Studebaker 2R Series Shop Manual

• Original badges

• Studebaker Historical Report

• Restoration photos and documents

Additional Information 

The seller explains, “The truck axles are stock, and so are the brakes. The wheels are from a ’70s Ford, and they’re truly an amazing upgrade. The owner of the truck at that time owned a machine shop, and the bolt pattern from the Studebaker wheels were added to the donor wheels. He then had them powder coated in classic red. This is a huge upgrade and eliminates the dangerous ‘widow maker’ hazard that stock wheels from that era possessed. This upgrade also enables current tubeless tire technology with a much better ride.”