Initially, there were four 2R models, spanning wheelbases from 112 to 195 inches. The 1/2-ton Studebaker 2R5 pickup and the 1-ton 2R15 pickup were powered by the 80-bhp Champion L-head six.
The 11/2-ton 2R16 and the 2-ton 2R17 pickups carried the Commander's 226-cid engine, with 94 horsepower. Standard transmission was a three-speed, with optional overdrive, two-speed rear axle, and "Hill-Holder" clutch.
Styling of Studebaker's pickup went virtually unchanged from 1949 through 1953. The 1951 Studebaker 2R5 pickup is shown here.The chassis, although all new, was conventional. What set the Studebaker 2R pickup apart was its styling, principally the work of Robert Bourke, a member of (and later head of) the Loewy Studios design team then under contract with Studebaker.
Sure, the 2R pickup was far less adventuresome than Loewy's "which way is it going?" 1947 passenger cars. Yet it was distinct from other pickups of the day, with clean lines unsullied by running boards, a relatively low silhouette, and more glass area than most rivals.
The Studebaker 2R5 pickup also boasted a safety feature not seen on Big Three trucks until the 1970s: a gas tank mounted outside the cab. Several other functional advances were important: a double-wall box to protect the outer sheetmetal from unfriendly cargo; variable-ratio steering for easier maneuverability; and gauges mounted directly in the firewall to give what Studebaker called "lift-the-hood accessibility," intended to cut repair costs.
The dash itself was rather plain, but had full engine instrumentation. Other standard features included armrests, pivoting vent windows, door-activated courtesy light, and vinyl bench seat. Metal door panels replaced the M-series' cardboard-lined frames, but a cardboard headliner hung on.
The Studebaker 2R5 pickup continued through 1953 with virtually no change apart from engine boosts (to 85 and 102 bhp) in 1950. Thus, the 1951 Studebaker 2R5 pickup pictured with this article is almost impossible to distinguish from 2R5s from other model years.
Studebaker's first V-8 arrived for the passenger cars in 1951, but wouldn't enter trucks until 1954, in the Studebaker 2R pickup's successor.
Collectible Pluses of the 1951 Studebaker 2R5 Pickup
Stand-apart styling
Functional and solidly built
A legion of fans in the Studebaker Drivers Club
Good supply of both mechanical and body parts
Collectible Minuses of the 1951 Studebaker 2R5 Pickup
Worth much less than comparable Ford/Chevy pickups
Appreciated mainly in marque circles; lacks broad recognition
The 1951 Studebaker 2R5 pickup had a double-walled cargo box years ahead of most competitors.
