1941 Studebaker M5 Pickup
Provided by Hemmings

The 1941 Studebaker M5 pickup truck was the first “true” pickup-style vehicle designed and marketed by Studebaker. More properly called the Coupe Express, a name derived from earlier Studebaker models based on passenger-car styling, this pickup was meant as a real workhorse.

The engine came from the economical Champion series of passenger cars while a solid front axle was substituted for the passenger car’s “Planar” independent front suspension. Another indication of its no-nonsense approach was the Spartan interior, which offered only one sun visor while, outside, a single windshield wiper was standard equipment in place of the expected dual wiper equipment. For an extra $24.47, however, the Studebaker customer could order a dress-up kit that added a stainless steel grille bar, hood ornament, bright side moldings and monotone paint instead of the standard black fender color.

Production of the M5 Coupe Express continued with no changes through January 1942, at which time the line came to a halt for the demands of World War II material instead of civilian trucks.

These trucks are relatively easy to restore, thanks to a robust gauge of sheet metal to resist rust-through and rot and the availability of Champion mechanical parts from Studebaker specialists. Their very plainness is a plus in keeping restoration costs within reason, and the fact that they were continued virtually unchanged for several years past World War II is a big help if you’re in need of a donor vehicle for body parts or other bits and pieces.

Mechanically, they are simplicity itself and a good way to learn the basics of engine work and maintenance—or to introduce your kids to the intricacies of restoration.

Besides being welcome at all the major vintage car and truck club events, there are two active Studebaker clubs that provide camaraderie, excellent marque information through their magazines and a full slate of activities for Studebaker car and truck owners coast to coast. Not only that, if you have a business, it would make a nifty mobile advertising/publicity vehicle for you.

1941 Studebaker M5 pickup
Base price: $ 685
Base weight: 2,635 lbs.
Body: All-steel three-passenger cab, steel pickup box with wooden floor
Frame: Ladder type
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Suspension: I-beam with semi-elliptic springs
Suspension (rear): semi-elliptic springs
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drum, internal expanding
Engine: Inline L-head six-cylinder; 3” X 4” bore and stroke; 169.6 cid; 80 bhp @ 4,000 rpm; 6.5:1 compression ratio
Transmission: Three-speed manual