The L5 Coupe-Express was a light-duty pickup that was introduced for 1937 and utilized the Studebaker Dictator passenger car frame and powertrain. It received annual styling updates until it was discontinued after the 1939 model year. The bodywork on this example was reportedly sandblasted and the fenders were widened by 2″ before it was repainted cream with red pinstriping under the seller’s ownership. Features include modified 1933 Ford chrome bumpers, driving lamps, Ducati-sourced front turn signals, a hood…
The L5 Coupe-Express was a light-duty pickup that was introduced for 1937 and utilized the Studebaker Dictator passenger car frame and powertrain. It received annual styling updates until it was discontinued after the 1939 model year. The bodywork on this example was reportedly sandblasted and the fenders were widened by 2″ before it was repainted cream with red pinstriping under the seller’s ownership. Features include modified 1933 Ford chrome bumpers, driving lamps, Ducati-sourced front turn signals, a hood ornament, a metal windshield visor, dual side-view mirrors, running boards, and taillights sourced from a 1937 Chrysler. Imperfections in the finish can be seen in the gallery.
The 15″ red-painted wheels were reportedly sourced from a Corvette, and they wear chrome trim rings, Studebaker hubcaps, and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. A spare wheel and hubcap are mounted under a body color cover in the right-front fender. The truck features an independent front suspension as well as a four-link rear setup, QA1 coilovers at all four corners, and a Fat Man Fabrications Mustang II-style steering box and stabilizer. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted Wilwood front disc brakes with slotted and cross-drilled rotors as well as rear drums.
The cab features a bench seat trimmed in red leather upholstery along with a matching headliner, door panels, and lower dashboard. Black carpets line the floors, and additional equipment includes power windows, a VintageAir HVAC system, and a Bluetooth stereo paired with Focal audio. The dashboard has a Bobby Allison signature.
The Grant wood-rimmed banjo-style steering wheel features a Studebaker hub button, and it is mounted on a tilt column ahead of a painted steel dash housing an AutoMeter 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The digital odometer shows 53k miles, 15k of which were added under the seller’s ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 5.7-liter LT1 V8 was reportedly sourced from a 1996 Chevrolet and was rebuilt and installed under the seller’s ownership. An alternator is fitted along with a Be Cool aluminum radiator, dual electric fans, a custom airbox, and an Optima Red Top battery.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission and a Chevrolet 12-bolt rear end.