Spotted on a trip to the doctor (stupid sinus infection), this Studebaker Champ pickup stood about against the more typical Bay Area automotive background (see the example to the right). Given that it was mid-day on a Friday, it looks like it’s not just a weekend cruiser, but rather sees regular use. Hit the jump for a few more pics and a second bonus VISIT.
Presumably there’s a repaint in this truck’s history, as the spare was left unmasked when it happened. Seems silly, but a coat of paint might actually keep a tire from getting completely sun-rotted over the years (I completely disclaim that statement from a safety standpoint). Any guesses as to the brand of oil this truck used to shill for?
On my way out of the parking lot I spotted the owner who looked like the perfect guy to own this truck: Probably mid-80s, hiked up pants and a flannel shirt and a flat top that could calibrate a level.
On the other side of both Fremont and the automotive spectrum, a certain mesh grill caught my eye, followed by the ample haunches of this rocket-wagon. My cell phone was helpless to capture the depth of the white-pearl paint. Alas, this wagon was short a third pedal, making it my so close of the week.
TL;DR
Derp.
I think I saw that truck on a flatbed on eastbound 80 near El Cerrito last week.
I love these old Champs…looks like they grabbed a Lark off the assembly line, tore off two doors and found some pickup bed out back for the ass end of it. The bit of the bed just behind each door has to act as a huge sail. Was this the first mid size pickup, long before the S10/Ranger/LUV/Courier?
Also, bonus points for the longroof, regardless of the number of pedals.
Can you imagine any automaker selling a pickup with a mismatched bed like that today? That's a physical manifestation of Studebaker's financial woes of the time.
Stepsides don't really match in my eyes, only the Toyota one seems to try for current models.
Well they did cannibalize a Lark and bought a bed from whomever would sell them one which was Dodge. Here is one that someone did a fair amount of work sectioning the bed so it didn't hang out. http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cohort-sighti… They definitely were narrower than the pickups of the day so I guess you could call them a mid-size.
There's a very similar Studebaker pickup truck (in black) listed for sale on BaT (Bring a Trailer).
"Probably mid-80s, hiked up pants and a flannel shirt and a flat top that could calibrate a level." I can actually see this guy perfectly in my head now – the "calibrate a level" descriptor sold it for me!
Probably a Marine, or a trucker. I wouldn't mess with him.
Flat-top cut, fresh and laser straight? You got it, likely ex-military.