Retractable Roof: 1965 Studebaker Wagonaire

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

Despite the company’s limited resources, Studebaker always seemed to find a way to stay creative. A case-in-point is the 1963 Wagonaire, a mid-size station wagon with a sliding roof over the storage compartment. Compared to other wagons of the day, they were great for hauling vertical items like refrigerators. The seller has a nice 1965 edition which was built in Canada after Studebaker discontinued U.S. auto production. It looks to be in really good condition, though no mention is made of its mechanical health. Located in a warehouse in Tallmadge, Ohio, this rare Studebaker is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $19,500. Thanks, Barn Finder “Ted” for this great tip!

From the time it debuted in 1963, the Wagonaire remained a part of the Studebaker line-up until final auto production ended in early 1966 (in Canada). Designer Brooks Stevens is credited with the concept of the Wagonaire, which began with a modified Studebaker Lark. It drew from the existing parts bin whenever possible as the company only had a buck-fifty in its development budget. The skies opened when a passenger would crank on the retractable roof panel over the cargo area. Unfortunately, these things were prone to leak in the first production year, so a no-cost option was developed to use a fixed panel for those wagons so equipped.

Despite that production numbers weren’t huge, Studebaker still decided to shift Wagonaire production to Hamilton, Ontario after December 1963 when they pulled the plug on U.S. assembles. Neither the Avanti nor the GT Hawk were given that opportunity. From that point forward, all Studebakers used GM of Canada Chevrolet engines as the pipeline for Stude power was no more. While overall Wagonaire production was 19,122 units over four years, just 1,824 were built in 1965, including the seller’s wagon.

Limited info is provided by the seller on this airy wagon. It seems to be surrounded by a pool of other Studebakers, so perhaps the seller is a collector. We’re told it’s rust-free and the body, paint, and interior all look good. But if the wagon runs as great as it appears, why not pull it outdoors for some better photos than the ones we see here? It has its original 283 cubic inch V8, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. It’s been in a climate-controlled environment for many years and may only have 65,000 miles. If you like rare and interesting, does this orphan wagon float your boat?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Curt

    Or you can buy a new one for 140K. People are such sheep, being led to the slaughter.

    Like 3
    • JDC

      Where are you buying new Studebaker Wagonaires? The Avanti isn’t even being made anymore.

      Like 8
      • Todd J. Todd J.Member

        Maybe he’s thinking about the GMC Envoy XUV – it had a retractable rear roof section. I think they were only made for one year (2004).

        Like 4
      • Curt

        I mean the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Saw one on a lot for almost 140K. Crazy stupid. Stellantis will wither on the vine and blow away. Might as well, they chewed up and spit out Chrysler a long time ago. What I wouldn’t give for a small cheap, reliable Plymouth these days.

        Like 10
    • John EderMember

      Hey, if you have $140K to spend on a vehicle and want it, what’s the problem? Things are only worth what at least one person is willing to pay for it. A couple paid about 3X what my house in California was worth and they wrote me a thank you letter. Having seen their financials, money was obviously not an issue for them. And let’s not get into the $6M banana duct taped to the wall…

      And, yes, I believe that you are confusing Wagoneers with Wagonaires.

      Like 11
      • Curt

        Confused I might well be, at my age, pretty common. Don’t get old, it sucks.

        Like 5
      • oilngas

        The Banana artist stole the idea from Ellie’s chimp. But the Chimp’s was blue on a yellow background. Looked way better than the over priced copy.

        Like 0
  2. DavidH

    . Is it just my imagination or does the Wagonaire resemble the Wagoneer?

    Like 5
    • Poppy

      Brooks Stevens designed them both, so it’s probably not your imagination.

      Like 4
  3. BarnfindyCollins

    The Wagonaire and the Jeep Wagoneer were designed by the same man – Brooks Stevens so not your imagination regarding the similarity.

    Like 0
  4. Kim iin Lanark

    I thought the same thing when I saw the picture.

    Like 1
  5. Philip DeVos

    The McKinnon industries 283 is Canadian made for the Parisian, ‘Canadian Pontiac’. This engine would be high nickel and not found in any factory Chevy.

    Like 2
    • Bub

      Parisienne, Philip. St Catharines Engine Plant was never McKinnon’s. The foundry was built in ’53, machining and assembly in ’54 for the launch of the Small Block for the ’55 model year.
      GM took over McKinnon’s (Ontario street, “Axle Plant) in 1929.

      Like 1
  6. SamJ

    I lived near the Stude plant in Hamilton, Ontario. There was a view of these around. They’re cute but impractical. You could stand a refrigerator up in the back and bring it home, but how many times do you need that function? Not worth dealing with the annoying leaks and maintenance, IMHO

    Like 1
    • Lance

      Sam, That is exactly what Studebaker had to face with those vehicles. . Rear roof seals were not the greatest and they had leaking problems.

      Like 1
  7. Wagons rule

    As the very lucky owner of a ’65 Commander Wagonaire, I can report (happily) that unlike, say the ’66/’67 Ford Fairlane wagon (which has its gas tank in the way), it is possible to retrofit a priceless rear-facing 3rd-row seat to the Wagonaire’s spare-tire compartment. I managed to find a nice original seat, but constructing one from scratch is feasible. It’s worth the trouble to have what amounts to a rumble seat (when the roof is open) for the kids!

    Like 1
  8. Don Leblanc

    Wow, I live about 5 blocks away from the where the former Studebaker plant was here in Hamilton. I also still have a matchbox version of the wagonaire from my childhood. This is a cool car !

    Like 9
    • geezerglide 85

      Do you still have the hunter and dog to go with that Matchbox? I think that and the row boat on top of the Ford Cortina are the most lost. I had about 100 or so Matchbox cars (before Superfast wheels) and just gave them to my grandson last year.

      Like 4
      • Don Leblanc

        Hi, unfortunately the hunter and dog got lost along the way LOL

        Like 1
  9. Malcolm Boyes

    Who cares about leaks..this is so cool I’d drive it with the roof slid back the whole time…maybe hire a prom Queen to stand there and wave to the crowd!Love it.

    Like 5
    • Curt

      I would hire a prom queen for the back, but standing, she would not!

      Like 5
      • John EderMember

        I presume, being concerned for her safety, you would insure that she was seated and had her seat belt on prior to driving. That is what you were referring to, correct? How conscientious of you.

        Like 0
      • John EderMember

        Also, related to Yoda are you?

        Like 0
      • Curt

        John, you read me like a book.

        Like 1
      • Poncho

        Haha. Nice return.

        Like 0
  10. Vincent H

    Even though production stopped in South Bend in December of 63 all 64 models still used Studebaker engines. The McKinnon engines started with the 65 models.

    Like 0
  11. Jasper

    Cool wagon. Looks like a BMW Glas V8 two cars down from it. Next down from the blue Avanti. Definitely some interesting stuff there.

    Like 1
    • PK1

      Spot on, it is a BMW 3000 V8 or a Glas 2600 V8. Same car but Glas was taken over by BMW in 1967 and big Coupé was continued for a very short period under BMW’s command. Nickname of the car was the “Glaserati” due to its formal resemblance to the style of the contemporary Maserati-models (e.g. the rear of the car is very similar to the rear of a Quattroporte)

      Like 0
  12. Daniel P Bruckbauer

    Finally saw one of these in the flesh this past summer at a car show, but I’ll be danged if I can remember which one, as I go to about a dozen a year. Probably at The Gilmore Car Museum

    Like 0
  13. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember

    I love this. I always wanted a GMC Envoy XUV. I think a sliding roof over the cargo area is a great idea. The Envoy even had a retractable window to separate the passenger compartment from the open air back. And that rear window could be folded down with the rear seat making a huge cargo area. Ok, they leak. They leak because drain holes get plugged. Easy fix, monthly maintenance.
    It’s a shame these didn’t sell well in 1963-65. The XUV didn’t sell well in 2004 either, but I think it’s a good idea. But I’m weird

    Like 2
  14. Don Leblanc

    Imagine if they had come up with a camping accessory like the
    Pontiac Astek had
    where a tent attaches to the back end!

    Like 0
  15. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac Queen DivaMember

    @Don LeBlanc

    Unfortunately that didn’t sell well either.
    File under good ideas that didn’t sell.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds