1954 Studebaker 3R

11 Pickup truck

6 - Cyl.

Manual

3R11 11391

Gasoline

1954 Studebaker 3/4 ton R11 Long Bed Pickup, 245cu.in. six cylinder, overdrive transmission. Serial Number R11-11391 Be sure and follow the more pictures link at the end of this write up. This truck, part of the Studebaker "C" cab series. is one of the rarest of that line. The C cabs were introduced in 1949 and were virtually unchanged for the 4 year run from 1949-53. The 3R 1954 model was introduced in March 1954, late in the model year and thus had very limited, less than one year production run before the E series was introduced. Just 950 3R 11 3/4 tons were built. New in the 1954 was a one piece windshield, redesigned grill, trim items and instrumentation. As you may know, I find nice Studebakers around the country, fix them up, and find new homes for them on ebay. I found this truck and three other Studebakers in a collectors climate controlled warehouse in Los Angeles, I bought them all and had them trucked to a friends house in Woodland Ca. to prep for ebay. Other that some minor detailing and mechanical work this truck was already a great driver, needing little. This 3R has the highly desirable, 245 cu.in big six option and overdrive transmission that allow for both heavy hauling and travel at modern freeway speeds. The truck has some mild, easily undone custom touches. The most obvious is the chrome plated grill which was just painted from the factory. It has been converted to dual exhausts and more modern two barrel carburetor with a electric fuel pump. I'd call this truck a "10 footer", it looks great from 10 feet, but up close you'll notice it did not get show car paint and body work. It is not a trailer queen you'd be afraid to drive or haul a load with, but it's just a honest, pretty, rust free California example. It won't collect plastic trophies like a $15-20K plus trailer queen, nor is it priced like one. It's just a nice looking, nice driving truck. In fairness for those unfamiliar with old trucks, these trucks don't ride like a modern truck. They are more at home bouncing down a farm road with a load then picking up the kid at soccer practice. Studebaker truck owners like to say you'll feel a bump when driving over the shadow of a light poll. Having said that, it drives and rides pretty much as it did way back in 54, but not as comfortable as a modern truck. The interior needs a readily available floor mat, but little else. The speedometer shows the correct and low 66,000 mile reading as stated on the title. My Studebaker friend's impression of the truck after working on the truck and driving it : "This is a great solid truck. I suppose one could sum it up by remembering the old expression, "it drives like a truck". That explains a lot about this C Cab pickup, the suspension is firm, the steering is direct, and the flavor of the ride is all about a trip back in time. This truck has the 245 cu inch 6 cylinder engine which is a far cry better than the small champion 6. It has good power and torque. There is even a 2 bbl carburetor in place of the 1 bbl so it breathes better. The transmission shifts well and the clutch feels good. The starter is a little lazy in typical 6 volt style but it has an electric fuel pump which gives it fuel to the carb without having to crank it too long. It stops well, the brakes have all been rebuilt and have new brake hoses. I did have to bleed the brakes when I got the truck, so even though they are new, it would be wise to just take a look at everything in the brake system and be sure all is adjusted and bled out properly. There is no rust out on this truck. As you can see in the pictures, the floors are solid and the entire underside of the truck is in fabulous shape. The tires show almost no wear and includes a new spare tire also, but how how long ago they were replaced is unknown. The glass is all nice, though there is one small crack in the driver side wing window, about a $30 piece of flat glass. The body work on this truck is what I would classify as an amateur restoration. It all looks nice, the paint shines, but it's not a 5K paint job. The truck runs well, stops well, gets lots of "thumbs up", and would be a great addition for anyone wanting or needing a truck to complete their lineup of Studebakers. Just know that it was not done to be a show winner or trophy winning entry. This is a beautiful example of a work horse pickup which is ready to give its new owner tons of fun and work and doing so in style." My reserve is well under even the NADA average book of $7550. More pictures NADA Values Other cars I've found homes for Just some examples of my 100% positive feedback on car sales. Good car......as described in ad......'goldenhawk' helpful and easy to work with Nice R2 Hawk! It's great to start with a rust free car! Thank you :) WOW! THIS CAR IS E-V-E-R-Y-T-H--I-N-G to me. STUDEPENDOUS! Thanks!!! honest and responsive, car exactly as described, integrity on ebay, excellent!!! Just like what was listed very pleased great photos easy to deal with. AWESOME car!! Everything he said it was. HONEST car guy AAAAA+++++++ car was described accurately, got money's worth. AAA+++ Perfect transaction -- car exactly as advertised Honest and reliable car was as adv. very helpful in every way. would do business again car is as advertised-Very honest person to deal with-will use again-THANK YOU Car was exactly as described; fully satisfied; A+ Car accurately represented, outstanding service, a credit to the hobby and ebay. Car was as advertised and more. Just what I needed. Great communications. Pleasure to do business with. A beautiful car. Thanks. great to deal with, car was exactly as described in ad. square dealer!! Car as described :) Happy with purchase... recommend Seller !! Great transaction on a great car. A pleasant purchasing experience, A ++ Great Seller. Great little car. Thanks a bunch. A+++++ Great little car, excellent communication, very ethical seller, Thanks John! Perfect transaction -- car exactly as advertised Honest and reliable Nice '63 Avanti - as advertised - smooth transaction - THANKS !! U R a great asset to we ebay car nuts. Thanks John We're thrilled. YUP !!!! Nice car. Well worth the investment. car was as represented . A plus Car exactly as described. Great seller--highly recommended! Very helpful! car was as adv. very helpful in every way. would do business again