Studebaker · 1955–1960
Studebaker E Series Truck
The E series Studebaker trucks are the original 1955 E series Studebaker trucks, sold in half-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-, 1.5-, and 2-ton capacities, and the 1956: 2E series; 1957-58: 3E series; 1959: 4E series; 1960: 5E series; 1961: 6E series; 1962: 7E series; and 1963-64: 8E series. Given these model-year designations, "E series" has come to mean all Studebaker trucks built between 1955 and the end of all vehicle production in the US in December 1963. Within each tonnage rating, these trucks were all fairly similar, since Studebaker was in dire financial straits during this entire period and invested virtually nothing to update its truck division products. For the 1956 and 1957-58 models, all Studebaker trucks were called Transtar.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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History
The most distinctive characteristic of Studebaker E-series trucks is the cab, which remained unchanged through the 1959 models. With only two changes - a one-piece windshield in 1954 (for the preceding 3R series) and a larger rear window in 1955 for the first E series – it was essentially the same cab as was introduced on the 2R series in mid-1948 as a 1949 model. The first E was available with three engines, the Champion 185 cu in (3.0 L) inline-six with 92 hp (69 kW), the Commander 246 cu in (4.0 L) six with 102 hp (76 kW), or the 224 cu in (3.7 L) Commander V8 with 140 hp (100 kW). The heavier 1½ and 2 ton models were available with the bigger 259 cu in (4.2 L) Commander V8, with 156 or 175 hp (116 or 130 kW) respectively. The bigger engines gradually migrated into the lighter offerings over the years, with the six-cylinder models becoming ever less relevant. In 1957 Studebaker's 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 engine found its way into the heavy duty 2-ton 3E40 and was sporadically available, mostly at the top of the weight range. The 1956 2E received a new hood, with the "Studebaker" script now on a secondary chrome grille mounted up high. The front turn signals were also incorporated in the grille, beneath the headlights. 20,218 Studebaker 2E trucks were built in the 1956 model year. A new massive fiberglass grille appeared on the 1957-58 3E models, and was the last significant styling change made to these trucks. For the 1958 and 59 model years, a stripped-down, low-cost Studebaker truck, called the Scotsman, was produced in addition to the Transtars, in 1/2 and 3/4-ton ratings. To save money, it used a modified version of the 1949-53 grille and was spartan in almost every way. For unknown reasons, the Transtar name was dropped from the Studebaker truck line in 1959, thoug
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- Body style
- 2-door pickup
- Layout
- Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
- Manufacturer
- Studebaker
- Production
- 1955–1960
- Engine
- 185 CID Champion L-head I6, 245.6 CID L-head I6, 224 CID OHV V8, 259 CID OHV V8, 289 CID OHV V8, 159 CID Detroit Diesel 3-53 two-stroke diesel I3, 212 CID Detroit Diesel 4-53 two-stroke diesel I4
- Assembly
- Studebaker Automotive Plant, South Bend, Indiana, United States, Studebaker Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- aka
- Studebaker Transtar (1957-1960)
- Successor
- Studebaker Champ
- Predecessor
- Studebaker 2R/3R
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3976252CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studebaker_E-series_truckCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1330334817 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1956_Studebaker_2E_series_Pickup.jpgCC BY 2.0 · Photo: Don O'Brien · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.