1957 Studebaker Transtar 1/2 Ton Long Bed

Collectors say "They're only original once. and Dolly Parton says "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap. " Both apply to this amazingly authentic 2-toned 1957 Studebaker Transtar pickup truck:  we've preserved all the history and patina. while sparing no expense replacing worn mechanical parts with NOS parts.   The result is a truck that drives like new. yet is a rolling Time Machine.   Everywhere we go. it's all honks and thumbs up. cameras rolling.

This vehicle spent the first part of its life in Southern California. and the 2nd half in Oregon.   The odometer. which has always worked to our knowledge. says 20. 78 miles.   We can't verify if that's correct (or whether it's really 120. 78 miles!). but this has always been a farm and work truck. so the distances covered may not have been that great. It has the heavy-duty T85C-1A transmission -- a 3-speed with Overdrive. which will cruise along at a maximum safe speed of about 65 mph.   It has the Twin-Traction (positive traction) rear end. the Heavy Duty T85C-1A transmission. and the original Studebaker-built 259 V-8 with Stromberg 2-barrel carburetor.

We purchased this truck in 2008 from a fellow Studebaker club member. who had bought it from the estate of another Studebaker collector.   It was our goal to keep it looking all original.   Thanks to the availability of NOS parts and the shared wisdom of our local Studebaker Drivers Club chapter members. it has been a fun project to make everything old new again.   Here is a rundown of the work that has been done and what is new:

Door and windshield glass. fuel tank liner. radiator re-core. reach and tie rods. ignition switch. seat belts. motor mounts. OD kickdown switch. relay and governor; all 4 wheel cylinders. brake hoses and custom steel tubing. brake master cylinder. front springs. fuel sending unit. seals for windows. vents and doors; door latch rebuilt. steering box. all belts and hoses. left and right manifold. water pump. heat riser. tail pipe and muffler. fuel pump. floor mat and pedal covers. king pins. heater valve. headlight switch. windshield wiper switch. spring shackles. clutch and pressure plate. 5 new old-style nylon tires. NOS stainless steel "lazy S" hubcaps. and many little details.   Basically. everything to make it a safe. dependable daily runner (close to $6000 in parts alone).

This truck will easily run at 60-65 mph and could probably be driven safely to its new home within a few hundred miles.   The HD transmission (with OD and TT) is geared at 4. 27 and is meant more for farm and street use.   It has the patented Studebaker "Climatizer. which heats and dehumidifies the cabin and windshield. it's comfy on the coldest days.   Wing vent windows and ram air vents below keep things cool in the summer.   The seat seems to have been reupholstered in the 1990s. and as the photos show. the fabric on the passenger side is starting to give up.

The bed is in amazing condition. with no big dents or rust-through.   Surface corrosion has been halted with an occasional coat of matte clear coat paint.   We have hauled many loads of bark. firewood. furniture and more. up to about 1000 pounds.   This is a working truck!

While there is surface "patina" throughout the outside and inside of the truck. there is only one small rust hole on the lower cab corner which we have chosen to leave alone (patches are available on-line).   Of special note are the rear fenders: worn and pitted over years of gravel roads. The unique fiberglass front grill is in very good shape. with just a few chuffs and scratches. no cracks.

The original engine starts right up and purrs like a lion. It shifts. stops. starts and steers with confidence. Since we have owned it. the truck has always been garaged or under cover.   In summer months. it's a daily driver.   It has been shown at many Portland and Northwest area Studebaker Club events. and seems to draw a crowd anywhere it goes.   We think the original patina is what truly sets this truck apart.   But. for somebody wanting to make it a show award-winner. a little body work and a paint job would take it to the next level.   We are selling to make room for other toys and projects in retirement.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with specific questions or requests for photos.   It may be view viewed in person in Northeast Portland.   You may also call 503-317-7293.   We are happy to take checks as payment and release the vehicle and title once the check has cleared.   Sorry. but we cannot end the auction early.   Thank you for your interest!   Richard and Bert

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