There seem to be numerous automakers who had success stories followed by a downfall, but probably not too many with roots dating all the way back to the mid-nineteenth century, as that’s when Studebaker was founded primarily to build coaches back in 1852. It wasn’t until 50 years later that the company entered the car manufacturing business, with decades of success ahead of them in this market, but financial problems eventually developed which led to a merger with Packard in the mid-fifties which didn’t go very well either, and by the time this 1964 Studebaker Daytona here on Facebook Marketplace rolled off the assembly line the writing was already on the wall. The good news is this one’s a beauty and seems reasonably priced at $8,750, so head on over to Dunlap, Tennessee with a sackful of hundreds and perhaps you and the seller can strike up a deal.
I’d like to thank my good friend Rob Baker for spotting this one and bringing it to our attention! Studebaker-Packard introduced the compact Lark on which the Daytona was based in 1959, but the car we’re seeing here really was nearing the tail end of Studebaker production, as the company ceased manufacturing automobiles just a couple of years later in ’66. By the time 1964 rolled around, the company had already dropped Packard from its name and went back to being just plain Studebaker.
It wasn’t until 1962 that the Daytona variant of the Lark came around as a high-trim level offering that also included front buckets, then in 1964 a 4-door model joined the lineup, making the sedan version sort of a sporty choice if you needed the additional doors. The seller describes the interior here as fresh and in better than original condition, and while that’s a pretty bold statement I’d have to agree it does appear nice in there with the exception of the driver’s side door panel and some steering wheel wear.
Things on the outside are looking quite spiffy as well, which makes me curious as to why the seller doesn’t go into any details about the exterior. But judging from the photos, the body seems straight with good panel gaps and fit, we just aren’t told whether or not it’s always been this way or if there’s been work done to get the car presenting as well as it does now. The paint appears to be OK too, and even the trim still looks decent, although there is a small dent on the piece below the trunk lid between the “S” and “T”.
Under the hood is a 289 V8 which the seller claims runs great, and while I’m no Studebaker expert I think this is the 210 HP Thunderbolt since it’s got the small carb, so help me out here readers if this isn’t correct. There’s no word on what kind of recent maintenance the engine may have received or if it ever had a rebuild, but if the 83k miles listed and showing on the odometer is accurate maybe the motor hasn’t needed to be dug into yet if it’s been well-maintained. And one final heads-up, the car has been on the market for 6 weeks with no takers yet, so maybe the seller is ready to negotiate should you find this one interesting. What are your thoughts on this 1964 Studebaker Daytona?
Looks like a nice car. Lack of interest likely due to it being a 4 door. Daytona 4 door was a one year only model. Has the 289, along with power brakes, doesn’t mention power steering and I can’t see a pump in the engine bay shot to tell otherwise. Convertible and 2 door hardtops are considerably more valuable but essentially the same running gear so it would be a cheap entry into a Studebaker collectible.
It looks like the PS reservoir cover is visible below the upper radiator hose.
Good catch. My iPhone isn’t the best for zooming in.
There’s a lot of Studebaker collectors out there, I would guess when they catch wind of this one, it’ll be gone, regardless of how many doors. This is a nice one
Nice car. The lack of bidding may be due to the fact that most Studabaker collectors, at least the ones I know, already have more cars than they know what to do with. When you’re collecting a relatively inexpensive manufacturer it’s easy to fill up a barn or garage.
Couldn’t agree more. I was at a car show last year with several fellow Studebaker drivers and at 64, I was the youngest Studebaker driver of the 5 entrants. Some of these cars will be passed down but sadly, interest in Studebaker may have peaked. However, Avanti and GT Hawk prices seem to be reaching record highs.
I love this car. If I wasn’t working on my 64 dodge custom 880 I’d be really interested. It’s a shame Studebaker died a slow death
Love it.
Judging from the steering wheel, this is a South Bend produced car, as opposed to a Canadian-built one from later in the model year.
If the underside looks as good as the rest of it, it’s reasonably priced.
Up to the demise of Studebaker, their cars used some tooling (and the chassis) dating to their last major re-design in the 1953 model year.
If it was a Canadian car wouldn’t it have a Chevy 283?
GM McKinnon engines only used in 65 and 66. South Bend foundry remained open to produce engines to finish out 64 production.
That’s a pretty cool intake for a factory unit.
But anyway, 4 doors or not, I like this car. Affordable family weekend cruiser.
In 64I was 32 and un Nam If I could sell my beautiful 2012 4wd Silverado in time I would love to own this Studebaker
In 1964was 32 and in Nam If I could sell my beautiful 2012 4wd Silverado in time I would love to own this Studebaker
Is the price quote still goo, ,If so I’m haeding to the bank
You’ll have to become a member of this site to bid on any car.
My first car was a black two door1962 Lark Daytona, automatic with a Waybasco sliding roof.
My brother bought it for me in 1972 for $35.00. I had to add a quart of oil about every 50 miles! No mosquitoes, I watched it pass 200.000 miles.
Too bad you didn’t hang onto it the sliding roof Daytona models are among the rarest and most desirable Larks.
HOW do I bid $10k on this one?
UDT: You would click the Facebook link in the write-up above and contact the seller listed in the Facebook ad. It is not an auction, btw. Good luck.
i dont think ive ever seen one of these in a 4 door? they were mostly 2 door correct me if im wrong here?