While Studebaker finally gave up on building automobiles in 1966, you can’t blame them for trying to be different. They were always coming up with something unusual, like the Wagonaire. It was a Lark-based station wagon with a sliding roof panel, great for hauling odd-shaped items like refrigerators. This example from 1965 looks really good, but has some mechanical issues that the seller’s health prevents him or her from tending to. Located in Tacoma, Washington, this cool Stude is available here on craigslist for $10,000. A nod goes to “Curvette” for this tip.
The Wagonaire arrived in 1963 and was on the Studebaker payroll through 1966, when they stopped making cars. It was never a big seller, which makes its survival past December 1963 unusual. That’s when Studebaker stopped making cars in South Bend, Indiana, and shifted everything to existing facilities in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The low-production Wagonaire made the trip (probably because it was a Lark under the skin), but the cool Avanti and GT Hawk were left behind. Less than 20,000 Wagonaires were built in four years, with no more than 2,000 in 1965 (the year this wagon was assembled).
It’s possible we’ve seen this Wagonaire before here on Barn Finds, but that was 18 months ago. The colors and interior all look the same, and the mileage (65,000) is, too. But it’s in Washington State vs. Ohio in 2024. Perhaps the seller bought it there and had it shipped to him/her out west, but its mechanical health is now an issue. It may have been in 2024, too, but the seller then made no mention of it. And the asking price is half of what it was then if this is the same wagon.
While this Studebaker presents well, it’s a “non-runner.” The engine turns freely, so the Canadian Chevy 283 cubic inch V8 may be okay. We’re told an electrical short may be the problem, and the suspect may be associated with the power tailgate wind, which is stuck in the down position. Also, there are issues with the brakes, so it’s a non-stopper, too. The right rear brake got stuck, so those brake shoes have been removed. If this is the same wagon, I hope it wasn’t this way in Ohio.
No picture of the sliding roof?
If they want $10,000 for this they may want to address some of the repairs.
Horrible selection of photos.
Photos are bad. They don’t even enlarge.
Dave, the photos enlarge on Craigslist. They don’t on Facebook, I think.
I’ve about come to the conclusion that if someone is going to advertise any product it might be worth the money to have someone else do the proofing of the pictures. These just suck
Granted, not enough photos, but at least this car is cleaned out and presentable for what we do see, unlike the Torino.
I’ve about come to the conclusion that if someone is going to advertise any product it might be worth the money to have someone else do the proofing of the pictures. These just suck
When I saw the bit about the sliding rear roof, I immediately thought of the GMC Envoy XUV from 2004-05 with a similar feature. Interesting idea which obviously didn’t sell well as it was only around for a year. Also, in the ballpark are the retractable T-tops of the Toronado XSR.
I kind of like this wagon. Nice upscale looking seats, and clean looking body. But, as usual no underside pics. The a/c unit looks like a dealer add-on, too.
I have a buddy here who could find that short. Maybe $7,500 as is, fix the issues and drive it.
These retractable roofs leaked badly. The dealers answer after failed attempts to reseal them? Dont open them! A neighbor had an earlier version in about 1964. The roof got jammed open and the local dealer couldn’t even fix it! Became a yard dog and was junk less than a year later!
Looks almost in too nice of condition to be a non runner. I hope he’s putting something over that non closing window when it rains. Agree with others about the terrible photos. The sliding roof thing was a rather interesting novelty but I heard they could be troublesome. I still have my little Matchbox version of this. I think it’ll be the closest I’ll ever get to owning one lol.
Got me a ’65 Wagonaire, not as pretty as this one, but still a very presentable survivor. I often see warnings about the leaky sliding roof and laugh. I mean, it’s a super-cool feature, especially paired with the rear-facing 3rd-row seat (when the roof is open it’s the only postwar version of a rumble seat). Garage ’em and drive ’em when it’s not raining and just enjoy the uniqueness. These cars are more fun for the buck than anything else I see around me. Great fun, and legitimately very interesting, no embellishments necessary.