Retractable Project: 1965 Studebaker Wagonaire

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.