Despite its financial woes after the Packard merger went bust in the 1950s, Studebaker continued to try to be innovative when and where it could. One example is the Wagonaire station wagon, based on the Lark/Daytona. Its claim to fame was a sliding roof panel, which made hauling things like upright refrigerators a breeze. Sales were soft, yet the Wagonaire was one of the few models to stick it out until Studebaker folded their tent in 1966. This 1964 edition looks nice enough, though the seller acknowledges some issues. Located in Walkersville, Maryland, this orphan is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,500 OBO.
No other station wagon was like the Wagonaire, before and after. The retractable roof was a cool idea, especially for tailgating, but they were known to have drainage problems and leaks. So, a fixed roof version was added to the mix, which negated the concept but had few takers. When Studebaker stopped building cars in South Bend, Indiana, around Christmas in 1963, the Wagonaire was invited to join the assembly line in Hamilton, Ontario. Yet the Avanti and Gran Turismo weren’t extended that offer, so perhaps the Wagonaire was more profitable (or lost less money).
Production numbers reached almost 20,000 units over the entire run, with more than half being built in the first year. The seller’s wagon is one of 5,164 Wagonaires from 1964, and given that it doesn’t have a Chevrolet engine, we assume this is one of the last ones to roll down the line in South Bend. It has a 259 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed manual transmission using overdrive. We’re told it runs and drives.
Though the older dark green paint looks nice, we’re told there is some corrosion in the inner portions of the rear quarter panels. And the interior is shy of its carpeting and some trim pieces. So, this wagon is a project that may not take a lot to turn into a regular participant in your local Cars & Coffees gatherings. Thanks for the tip, Barn Finder “Bob.”
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