West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptionally straight and rust free and older restored example of this 1947 Studebaker M5 1/2 Ton Pick Up Truck with it's rebuilt 169 c.i. straight 6 cylinder engine, which is quite powerful for this truck, and its original 3 on the tree manual column shift transmission with overdrive. The truck is an extraordinary and beautiful example of a very rare truck in completely rust free and quite exceptional condition and which is the recipient of a beautiful older restoration which has held up very well!
Studebaker was in the vehicle business long before anyone else, after having set up a blacksmith's shop in South Bend, IN in 1852, building two farm wagons that year. The business thrived and by 1876 they were the largest producer of horse drawn vehicles in the world! Studebaker was also a pioneer of the motor car producing both electric and gasoline powered cars in the 1900's. It was not until 1911 however that light trucks began to emerge from their South Bend factory with the Flanders 20, originally offered as a panel van and with a L head 4 cylinder engine of 155 c.i. The first pick up on general sale arrived in 1914 as the 3/4 ton Delivery Car with again a L head engine and production continued until only 1917 when it was discontinued due to low sales.
The Coupe Express of 1937 was a totally different beast from the early pick ups converted from the stylish Studebaker Dictator instead of a light truck. The Dictator (an odd name considering the times with the events in Germany, Italy & Spain) was powered by a 6 cylinder engine L head engine with 218 c.i., very powerful for the day! In 1941 the new M series line up of light trucks was born with unique front end styling. Studebaker then concentrated on heavier military trucks for the continuation of the war in Europe with the smaller M5 coming back into production for 1946 with little changes from the 1941 original. Studebaker sold over 14,000 of these popular M5's that year and continued to do so through 1947 & 1948.
This particular truck's 169 c.i. 6 cylinder engine runs strong and sounds absolutely magnificent and the truck drives as good as it looks - must be driven to be fully appreciated - a truly remarkable daily driver!
This is a very rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and beautiful older restoration example of a very desirable and collectible 1947 Studebaker M5 S1/2 Ton Pick Up, way ahead of it's time in '47, and a very now cult classic and rare collectible, ready for any classic American truck, collector or enthusiast to enjoy or collect today!
