‘Studebaker’s top-of-the-line pickup was the Transtar, whose main feature was its industry-leading cargo space,” the seller of the Pick of the Day, this 1958 Studebaker Transtar, notes in the truck’s advertisement on ClassicCars.com.
“The Transtar’s 51.5-inch wide pickup bed was available in both 6-1/2 foot and 8-foot lengths, giving it more cargo room than any other 1958 pickup. This truck has the 8-foot box.”
The seller points out that only 976 of this 3E7 version were produced for 1958 with both a V8 engine and 2 1/2-ton capacity.
“This is a rare truck,” the ad emphasizes.
According to the website of the Studebaker Drivers Club, it wasn’t until after Packard absorbed Studebaker in 1954 that Studebaker’s pickups became available with V8 engines, initially a 140-horsepower 224 cid, with a 156-hp 259 cid unit for trucks with larger weight-carrying capacity.
The V8 in this ’58 Transtar is a 259 cid powerplant with a two-barrel carb. It produces 170 horsepower and is linked to a four-speed manual with floor-mounted shifter.
According to the seller, the truck still wears its original two-tone paint — a Parchment White top over an Apache Red body. The truck has chromed bumpers, vent windows and new tubeless tires.
The interior features a black-upholstered bench seat.
“The rear end is twin traction, it has the ’T’ on the center housing,” the ad notes, adding “This indicates 30-degree bevel angle.”
The ad points out that the truck is an Arizona survivor that “runs and drives just as it did in 1958.”
“It does have a couple of minor rust issues, bottom front of both doors (see pictures) and a small spot at the driver’s side front fender edge near the door. This truck is solid otherwise. We have had the truck for about four years, in that time it has been garage kept and pampered.”
A shop manual and 35-page model report from Studebaker International are included with the truck, which is located near Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The asking price is $17,000 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
