So much so that a couple of years back those involved in bringing these monoliths back to life attempted to get as many together as possible on Queensland's Gold Coast to create a world record.  They succeeded with 17 entries with the six wheel drives casting long, bulky shadows over the curvaceous diminutive classics also from the Studebaker production line: Avanti, Hawk, Commander and Larks. Unlike the US6, there's no need for scaffolding to polish the roof on Studebaker cars ... or a bucket of polish to complete the job. You can just imagine the conversations in homes that lay claim to owning the Studebaker US 6. “It's Sunday darl, let's take the Studey for a cruise.”

Hmmm.

They were produced between 1941-1945 in the US and USSR starting in 1942. More than 200,000 US6s, as they became known, were manufactured in four wheel and six wheel drive configurations. Grunt was supplied by a straight-six Hercules 5.2-litre petrol engine through a five speed gearbox, with a dual range transmission for the tough stuff.

 

 

With a return of around 38 litres/100 kms they will chew through 10 times as much juice every kilometre as a modern hybrid such as Toyota Prius. Thirsty comes no where near close to describing economy. I recall as an cadet in the 1960's riding in these trojans at Puckapunyal in Victoria and various camps around that state.

I next came across them on a visit to Fraser Island in the early 1970s, where they were used as tourist buses for day trippers, before the 4WD boom opened up the island to all travelers.

We sailed via ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island just south of the present eco resort of Kingfisher Bay and were met by the US6 buses which drove us across the sand tracks to Central Station and Lake McKenzie. The trucks had a canvas canopy over the tray and rolled up canvas sides to give passengers a view of the scenery and double as a `Queensland air conditioner.' From memory these were six wheel drive variants of the US6. They had a top speed in low range of 30 kmh, and a top speed on tar of around 60 kmh. No chance of a speeding ticket there.

The US6 was not only used as a transporter, but was also configured in 13 formats for various military use. The USSR used them as platforms for Katyusha rocket launchers, but were more commonly used for hauling large artillery pieces. They not only looked rugged, they were. No doubt, in a twist of irony, they were also used against the west during the Cold War.

Studebaker's war involvement did not end there. The company also manufactured the amphibious `Weasel' used by the US in WW2. In addition Studebaker also produced B-17 Flying Fortress engines. There's a saying in the car restoration circles that goes something like `the the bigger the car, the harder and more expensive the restoration.' On that note it's appropriate to salute those who restore the magnificent US6 truck for all to appreciate.