Easy to see why R-Series trucks were so popular

[BobPalma]

Here's as nice and interesting one of these as you could want:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/diamond_t/201/1592771.html?refer=news

But, boy, "in the day," look how obsolete it appears (and is!) when compared to a new, 1949 Studebaker R-Series! BP

[warrlaw1]

REO > Random E. Olds. Nice looking truck and close to me. But for $35,000 one could have one helluva R-series truck.

[52-fan]

REO > Random E. Olds. Nice looking truck and close to me. But for $35,000 one could have one helluva R-series truck.

I believe his name was Ransom Eli Olds, but I agree with the comment. The REO looks like a 38 or so vehicle compared to the modern R series Studebaker.

[PackardV8]

Yes, they're beautiful old trucks. Between Studebakers, my dad owned a Diamond T. Not only did it look "classic", but drove like a '30s truck. Compared to a Stude, it was heavier, slower, thirstier, noisier and much rougher riding. It's been sixty years, but IIRC, the Diamond-T still used wood-frame construction on the cab and doors.

jack vines

[Deaf Mute]

...still like the looks of that big old beast & wish I had one...... I wish for a lot of things though. Come on LOTTERY!!!!!

['66Commander]

Wow. It is beautiful!

[Chris Pile]

One of the local Packard club members who works on many of our chapter's Studebakers drives a truck just like that as his daily driver.
Of course, that's on days when he's not out embarrassing kids in Mustangs and Corvettes with his supercharged Lark.

[Commander Eddie]

There was a silver Diamond-T at a local show in Forest Grove in June. Seeing one up close is really interesting. The shear mass of the thing can be intimidating.

[studegary]

Just think if Bob Bourke could have gotten his R series built and not the 2R series.

[StudeRich]

I think a Diamond T is a bad example to compare to a Stude. Pickup of 1949, because it was So very rare, different and obsolete.

I like much better to pick on those sorry looking GMC, Chev. Ford, Dodge and International Pickups with their terrible Wood floored, single walled cheap Boxes with the ugly Stake Pockets running down the complete outside of the Bed in THREE places on 8 footers, talk about a good Stude. comparison!

And the hands down Style leader is.... wait for it... Studebaker!

[BobPalma]

I think a Diamond T is a bad example to compare to a Stude. Pickup of 1949, because it was So very rare, different and obsolete.

I like much better to pick on those sorry looking GMC, Chev. Ford, Dodge and International Pickups with their terrible Wood floored, single walled cheap Boxes with the ugly Stake Pockets running down the complete outside of the Bed in THREE places on 8 footers, talk about a good Stude. comparison!

And the hands down Style leader is.... wait for it... Studebaker!

Good points, Rich; agreed.

A couple weeks ago, I posted a picture of Phil Brandt and his 1956 Golden Hawk, having won a couple trophies at a small local show.

As I left that show in my own '64 Daytona convertible, I followed a beautifully-restored, bone stock 1952 Dodge pickup out the gate and down the road a couple miles.

Your points are well taken; as pretty as was that Dodge, I couldn't help but think how high, downright boxy, and obsolete it would look if a bone-stock little 1952 R-series Studebaker pickup had been parked right next to it. BP

[2R5]

I agree Bob !

[t walgamuth]

Its hard to find any pickups as pretty as the Studebakers.

[Corley]

REO > Random E. Olds. Nice looking truck and close to me. But for $35,000 one could have one helluva R-series truck.

I'm trying to figure out this post. Reo (or REO) and Diamond T had nothing to do with each other when this truck was built, two different companies. Later, under White, they merged, but what's the connection here? What am I missing?

PS I rode to grade and middle school in a Reo bus, driven by the first lady bus driver in our area. Did the job for many years, and I don't remember any breakdowns... After the Lady driver got a new Crown bus and a new longer route, we got an old man driver who recently had cataract surgery, which back then meant 1/4" thick glasses. He ran the Reo into the ditch twice that I can recall, but it lived on... I'm pretty sure I was gassed by the exhaust fumes standing in the back of that bus everyday. Times are different...

[BobPalma]

I agree Bob !

Of course, Bob, the 1952 Studebaker pickup line would be better represented by a 2R6 with Commander engine and overdrive, right? BP