Psychedelic Grateful Dead Equipment Truck Once Owned By Owsley Up For Auction

A 1949 Studebaker M5 pickup the Grateful Dead used to haul the crew’s equipment during the band’s early days is up for sale. The truck nicknamed “The Dred” and formerly owned by sound engineer and LSD pioneer Owsley “Bear” Stanley is one of 400 vehicles that will be sold through Worldwide Auctioneers’ upcoming Auburn Auction.

“The Dred” was painted in a psychedelic fashion befitting of the band’s music. Purportedly the Grateful Dead’s first equipment truck, the vehicle is in rough shape 75 years after it came off the line. The truck “was often seen parked outside the Dead’s studio in Novato, California or the party house at Olympia,” according to Worldwide Auctioneers.

A true piece of rock and roll history, the slow gas guzzler hauled the band’s equipment to Los Angeles when they recorded their self-titled debut studio album. The Grateful Dead replaced “The Dred” with larger, more modern vehicles as time rolled on and they needed to move the Wall of Sound across the country.

Read a description of the vehicle from Worldwide Auctioneers:

Today, ‘The Dred’ is presented in its original psychedelic livery. Though this truck has seen better days, the patina is truly a part of its character and help tell the long and historic story that this truck has to offer. On the rear of the truck are various California registrations from the ’80s documenting where ‘The Dred’ most likely spent most of its time after retiring from being the band’s equipment hauler. The bench seat has been well-kept thanks to a clear cover. Under the hood is a straight six-cylinder motor that is paired with a manual transmission.

The Auburn Auction kicks off on Thursday, August 29 in Auburn, Indiana. Over 400 cars are part of the three-day sale with “The Dred” going up for auction on Saturday evening, August 31. Head to Worldwide Auctioneers to register.