1958 Studebaker Transtar 3E6D 4x4 - Backward Glances - Four Wheeler Network
A few can name some of the better-known Studebaker cars and most will recall that Studebaker built trucks. Studebaker entered the motor vehicle business in 1902, after 50 years building horse-drawn wagons and tack. Horse-drawn equipment would remain the core of the Studebaker Company until after World War I when the motor age became the focus and it became an auto-industry “Big Deal. ” Studebaker built all-wheel-drive military trucks for World War II, along with the legendary M-29C Weasel. By the late ’50s, Studebaker was fading fast but was still marketing a full line of car and truck models. Always looking toward increasing market, Studebaker partnered with NAPCO (Northwestern Auto Parts Company) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to offer four-wheel-drive in its light trucks. As far back as 1951, NAPCO had been offering four-wheel-drive conversion kits for several makes of trucks. By the late 1950s, Chevrolet and GMC were probably its biggest customers but NAPCO was happy to have Studebaker’s business and the 4x4 kits were installed on the assembly line. Dealers could order crated kits to be installed locally at their service department on suitable 4x2 Studebaker trucks. The bed was a little wider than most of the stepside-type beds of the day and Studebaker advertised that as a bonus. Source: www.fourwheeler.com
