1951 Studebaker Model R6 Half Ton Truck Custom

Heavily modified

Specs (Stock)

Cost about $1,400 in 1951 (equal to $17,220 in 2025)

245.6 ci (4.0L) Flathead Inline 6 Cylinder Engine, 7.0-7.5:1 Compression, Carter 1-barrel carburetor

Bore: 3.3125 in (84.14 mm) Stroke: 4.75 in (120.65 mm)

102** hp @3,200 rpm, 205** lb-ft @1,200 rpm, Maximum rpm: About 3,600 rpm

3 speed manual (overdrive optional), 4.09:1 axle ratio (4.82:1 optional, required with overdrive)

3,060 lb (1,388 kg) curb weight

Performance (Stock, estimated***):

0-60 mph: 14.2 seconds (13.9 with 4.82 ratio)

1/4 mile: 19.8 seconds @69 mph (20.3 @60 mph with 4.82 ratio)

Top speed: 70 mph @3,600 rpm (113 kph) (60 mph @3,700 rpm with 4.82 ratio, 84 mph @3,600 rpm with overdrive)

Modifications:

1975-1977 Toyota Pickup (Hilux) chassis, with Toyota 20R 2.2L SOHC 4 Cylinder (produces 97 hp, 119 lb-ft) and a 5-speed manual

Stock Toyota rear axle, with 4.375:1 rear axle ratio

Aftermarket steel wheels, with chrome wheel covers and 5.60-15 bias ply whitewall tires

Rear air shocks for extra clearance when needed (no air bags, stock Toyota suspension)

1950 Buick grille

1955 Cadillac front bumper

Headlights appear to be from a 1961-1962 Chrysler

Modified 1957 Buick rear bumper (center section, not including the taillights)

Taillights were made from a Peterson round taillight and a 1955 Oldsmobile 98 taillight lens

The bed cover was made from a modified 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado hood****

1949 Mercury dash

144 louvers on the hood

Roof was chopped 3 inches*****

Body was channeled 10 inches******

Custom metallic green PPG paint, with at least 10 different colors (changes colors as you walk around it)

Custom leather interior

Custom tilt and telescoping steering column from a 1960s-1970s GM car

Custom Steering wheel (more like a steering yoke than a wheel)

*Half ton refers to the payload capacity (1,000 lbs), not the weight of the truck.

**This is the gross rating, net rating was 92 hp @3,200 rpm, 201 lb-ft @1,200 rpm (gross rating is the engine with no exhaust, air filter, minimal (if any) engine accessories, and optimal ignition timing, net ratings test the engine as it is installed in the vehicle (both measured at the flywheel, not at the wheels))

***Performance was estimated using net engine ratings

***Heavily modified, probably includes some of the front fenders as well.

****3 inches were taken out of the roof, doors, and windows to make it lower.

******The body was cut and modified to sit between the frame rails instead of on top of them, and as a result sits 10 inches lower than it used to.