This 1960 Studebaker pick-up is a very rare, very cool 4×4 version built for the US Navy. One of approximately 65 made, these NAPCO-converted trucks are now nearly extinct, and this 259ci V8-powered example retains its Navy serial ID plate and is said to have only 28k original miles. Find it here on eBay in Frazier Park, California with reserve not met.

Responding to a request from the US Navy for a V8 1/2 ton truck, Studebaker entered into negotiations to build what you see here–well almost, as they were all originally painted navy gray. Actually all 1959 models, by the time the deal was completed it was 1960, hence all were titled as such. Other than these navy trucks, no other 1/2 ton 4×4’s were built by Studebaker in 1960–only one-tons were available with all wheels driven. Bought from the naval base in Fallon, Nevada, the white nose is fiberglass, as first introduced in 1957. From paint and chrome to period-perfect white steelies with narrow off-road tires, this truck looks great.

The rear looks equally good. Check out the side-mounted spare and the stylized “S” in Studebaker on the tailgate. Though the graceful curves of the the cab roof and fenders stand in stark contrast to the uprightness of the eight foot bed, every inch of this truck looks tough. Not quite original inside, everything nonetheless looks nice–it’d be fun to spend some time here bouncing down dirt roads. Though photos make it hard to tell, the NAPCO instructions for operation of the 4×4 system are still on the dash, and the floor sprouts several driveline control levers.

Underhood is a 259ci V8 making either 159 or 175 HP depending on the carburetor. While it’s hard to tell if this one’s equipped with a two or four-barrel, everything looks quite tidy, though it does appears as a lot of metal has been spray-bombed black. Thenavy tag is located on the firewall, directly behind the passenger side rocker cover. Power is passed to a 4-speed transmission, and then onto a divorced 2-speed transfer case before heading for each axle and their 4.89 gears.

Old American pick-ups don’t come much more special than this rare beast, and though it’s been sitting for some time and may need a bit of work, it’s fair to say it’d be well worth it.