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Studebaker Heavy Duty Truck - Wishful Thinking
Orphan Eight-Lugs That Never Were
From the December, 2010 issue of 8-Lug
Author: Ted Alexander
Illustrator: Ted Alexander
Studebaker's demise wasn't just about cars, though most people may remember them more. A range of Studebaker trucks from Zip Vans to Champ pickups and heavy duty diesel models, which were built up to the early '60s, disappeared, too. That truck lineup differentiated Studebaker from American Motors, which would cease production as an American independent several years later.
This custom Studebaker heavy duty truck design was inspired by the last production Champs from 1963. The front-end design features a similar grille shape flanked by round headlight clusters nestled in small grilles. The sculptured eyebrow design above them is derived from the original Champ and continues along the front fenders. The raised hood provides a muscular, in-your-face look and it's easy to imagine a turbocharged V-8 beneath to match its looks. The two-tone side treatment is another link to the past and is inspired by the '56 Transtar pickup models. The design is a suggestion of a retro-styled Studebaker HD truck for today that captures the distinctive look of a Studebaker and perhaps fuels the imagination of what might have been from a company that continuously strived to achieve advanced design and engineering in its products despite many financial challenges.
Ted Alexander was one of those kids who always drew cars. Today, as a freelance designer/illustrator, his car, truck, and bus illustrations and designs are created for companies, magazines, and racing events. Automotive work is shared with a successful advertising career that includes designing brochures and logos and illustrating products for Chicago-area companies. His brochures have won national design awards, and his logo designs have been featured in American and international design annuals.
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