Oil filter to have or not to have that is my question...

[Bowtie Bubba]

I currently purchased a 1960 SWB Step side. I get it to the house after digging it out and run to the parts store to get a few things to get it going. I get the normal oil and filter - plugs and wires etc. and when I get home I get ready to change the oil and WOW no oil filter. Well I have always been a V-8 Chevy guy this is my first 6 shooter and all the info I have found on the internet says it was a option that one could take or leave. I looked around and found the canister on EBAY AC SC 660 and it is $680 to my door . So I guess my question is who is not running a oil filter or is it something that was taken off my truck that I need to replace. Thanks for your help.