Brent’s connection to this truck runs deep. His father began collecting parts for it when Brent was just 16. The original cab was unsalvageable, but fortune struck when a friend offered a spare cab that had been repurposed as a chicken coop. Over the years, more parts came together—including a piece of plywood for a bed and a cab salvaged from a field, where it was being used as a horse feeder.

A Rare Sight with Serious Style

The setup rolls on Detroit Steel Co's Artillery wheels, 20x8 in the front and 20x11 at the rear, wrapped in whitewall Nitto 555 G2 tyres for just the right blend of retro and aggression. The combination of stance and rolling stock gives the Studebaker a muscular profile that commands attention wherever it rolls.

The full build was entrusted to Andy’s Hot Rods and Restoration, but Brent took personal charge of the paintwork with help from friends Tony Aebi, Rowdy Weaver, and Jeremy Kirk. As the strategic account manager at Transtar Autobody Technologies, Brent wanted the truck to serve as a rolling showcase of their product range. And as a skilled painter himself, he brought that vision to life.

A Stance to Match the Style

We love classic trucks at SuperFly Autos, and few things get us more excited than finding a build that not only looks incredible but also stands out from the crowd. While Fords and Chevys dominate the scene, spotting a 1957 Studebaker—especially one as unique as this—is a rare treat. Owned by Brent Maxwell, this beauty is no ordinary pickup; it’s a Transtar, a name used for Studebaker trucks built from 1956 to 1958, making it even more special.

Built with Passion, Painted with Purpose

To complement the flawless finish, an Accuair air suspension kit with Endo CVT compressor and E-Level system was installed. Up front, TCI’s Mustang II suspension uses double convoluted bags and external shocks, while the rear features a RideTech Four-Link with Shockwave shocks. Andy Allen built the custom frame, finished in Prismatic Powder’s "Rusty Ronnie Wrinkle."

This build became a family affair, with Brent, his children, and relatives all pitching in to tear down and transform the truck.

A Cockpit that Captures Attention

Inside, a Grant steering wheel, Ididit column, and Hurst shifter set the tone. Unisteer electric power steering ensures effortless manoeuvring, while a diamond-stitched custom leather interior wraps the seat and door cards in upscale comfort. Diamondback Classics whitewalls, a Lokar Midnight Series pedal kit, and EStopp electric e-brake round out the details.

The truck’s powerhouse roots go back to a friend’s Super Lark that had met its end in the oil fields of New Mexico. From it came the Paxton R2 supercharger, water pump, and T-10 transmission—all rescued and preserved by Brent’s father since the late '60s.

Under the hood lives a Studebaker 289 V8 bored .80 over, pushing 301 bhp thanks to an Isky Racing cam and Paxton R2 Supercharger. Fuel delivery is managed by a Holley Sniper EFI, with supporting systems like MSD ignition, a Champion radiator, Billet Specialties overflow tank, and Magnaflow exhaust. Power is put to the pavement via a T-10 4-speed and Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

Not Just for Show

Though the build took just over four months, Brent’s demanding travel schedule made the process a real challenge. But the result is more than worth it. With style, heritage, and heart, this 1957 Studebaker isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a family legacy on wheels and proudly running the roads as precisely that.

From Chicken Coop to Custom Canvas

The custom mix began with OR2001 Luxury DTM primer, followed by 6161 Epoxy Primer Black, 6241 Kwik Seal Black, and a HS Base Coat of Midnight Jade Metallic (Nissan code EAN). Everything was topped with Transtar’s 20-0101 Deep Gloss Clear and polished to absolute perfection.

Power, Presence, and Precision

Brent Maxwell's 1957 Studebaker Transtar

• Built by: Andy’s Hot Rods & Restoration

• Painted by: Brent Maxwell / Transtar Autobody Technologies with: OR2001 Luxury DTM Primer, 6161 Epoxy Primer Black, 6241 Kwik Seal Black, HS Basecoat: Midnight Jade Metallic (Nissan Code EAN), 20-0101 Deep Gloss Clear, 6541-G Kwik Fill Polyester

• Engine: 

  Studebaker 289 V8, .80 over (301 bhp), Isky Racing Cam, Paxton R2 Supercharger, Holley Sniper EFI, Holley EFI Gauges, MSD Ignition, T-10 4-speed, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Vintage Air, Magnaflow Exhaust, Champion Radiator, Billet Specialties Overflow Tank

• Interior:

  Grant Steering Wheel, Ididit Steering Column, Unisteer Electric Power Steering, Hurst Shifter, Custom Diamond-Stitched Leather Seats and Door Cards

Hand-Me-Down Horsepower

It's a perfect fusion of vintage flavour and modern execution.

Photography by Garrett Reed and Emma Sauve

• Wheels & Details:

  Detroit Steel Co. Artillery Wheels: 20x8 (Front), 20x11 (Rear), Diamondback Classics Whitewalls, Nitto 555 G2 Tyres: 245 (Front), 315 (Rear)

• Chassis:

  Moser Axles, Ford 9-inch with Nickels Performance “Engine Works” 9in Kit, Posi Trac, Wilwood Brakes, Wilwood True-bar Pedal Assembly, TCI Mustang II Front Suspension with Air Bags, RideTech Four-Link Rear with Shockwave Shocks, Accuair Endo CVT with E-Level System, EStopp Electric E-Brake, Lokar Midnight Series: Gas Pedal / Throttle Cable / Bracket

• Exterior Finish:

  Frame, bumpers, wheels, visors, hinges coated in Prismatic Powder “Rusty Ronnie Wrinkle”, Ron Francis Ignition & Headlight Switches, Auto Impressions Window Tint

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