I was looking at the spec.'s for the 1939 Coupe Express in May's Turning Wheels and was surprised to see that they were rated at 22 mpg with o.d. That strikes me as being pretty amazing considering the listed weight and this was in 1939. My 5.2 liter, 01 Ram is heavier but it still doesn't come close to this.
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I have never checked the mileage on my Studebakers but my 390 hp 2009 Ram 5.7 Hemi quad cab got 21.1 coming back from South Bend last weekend with a load at 70mph. Nevertheless it is still impressive that the mileage was that good in 1939.Frank van Doorn
Omaha, Ne.
1962 GT Hawk 289 4 speed
1941 Champion streetrod, R-2 Powered, GM 200-4R trans.
1952 V-8 232 Commander State "Starliner" hardtop OD -
Note the specs do not mention at what MPH the 22 MPG was achieved. Back in 1939, 45 was a fast cruising speed for a light truck and 55 was really getting on down the road.
Your '01 Ram doesn't have a slow-to-go flathead 6-cyl with a 1-bbl carb, or top out at 82 MPH either. It will probably average 22 MPG if you set the cruise at 45 MPH.My 5.2 liter, 01 Ram is heavier but it still doesn't come close to this.
jack vinesPackardV8Comment
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