The 1939StudebakerL5 Coupe - Express was automatically more innovative than other motortruck of the stop . It was well - perform than the groundbreaking 1937 Studebaker Coupe - Express , and best looking than the awkwardly restyled 1938 Coupe - Express . What the 1939 Studebaker L5 Coupe - Express did partake in with the earlier Coupe - Express versions was disappointing sales .
Classic Truck Image Gallery
The 1939 Studebaker L5 Coupe - Express retain the introductory 1938 Coupe - Express design , include cab and dashboard . In fact , it was a leftover , though the new , low Ford - like grille and front - oddment sheetmetal from the 1939 Commander rider car were ingraft on .
With headlamps built into the cowcatcher , the fresh sheetmetal hold the 1939 Studebaker L5 Coupe - Express an all - new face , and desex what made the 1938 example so disliked . In fact , styling is likely what makes the 1939 Studebaker L5 Coupe - Express is the most attempt - after of the three Coupe - Express manikin years .
Despite improved looks and decent performance , the Coupe - Express did n’t betray , partially because price still ran high-pitched than that of " real " pickup trucks , and there just was n’t much demand in a strained economy for a luxury easy - responsibility hauler .
After the dismal 1,000 units of 1938 , product rose to just 1,200 for 1939 . The written material was on the wall , and Studebaker had already made the decision to drop the gondola - pickup arm hybrid even with the 1939 models still in showrooms .
Besides , in 1939 Studebaker launched the Champion wrinkle of automobiles , a roaring success that shortly occupy most of the South Bend company ’s attending . Finally , the Coupe - Express endure from a malady that would eventually doom the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino : hand truck people did n’t consider it was rugged enough , while railcar folks tended to choose a conventional auto .
