While perusing (or, probably, lusting over) the list of vehicles coming up for auction at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale extravaganza in January I came upon this fabulous 1947 Studebaker pickup truck. The auctioneers justifiably refer to it as "among the finest Studebakers on the planet," a claim that may be beyond dispute. As one who prefers his classic trucks unmodified and since I have a soft spot for the marque this is a vehicle I'd be bidding on... were I a person of means. It was a frame-off restoration by the son of the gentlemen who owned it for almost 30 years; indeed, it's been in the same family for 50 years. What's especially interesting is that during this restoration almost every available option and accessory was added (48 in total) including overdrive, chrome grille, wood bed-slats, fog lamps, dual spot lights, windshield visor, clock, leather seat trim, quad duty heater, cigarette lighter, windshield washer, traffic light finder, Studebaker compass, Skyway 8-tube radio, chrome tail gate chains, and hill holder. Hmmm... did I say "unmodified?" Perhaps the truck isn't quite as delivered back in '47 but the 6-cylinder 80 hp engine, 3-speed transmission, suspension,steering, brakes and wheels are original so I'll give the guy some slack on this one. It's green with a tan interior and is being offered at no reserve on Thursday, Jan 18. A magnificent start for the world's first pickup museum, wouldn't you say?