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.”
Another great ride to the lake house… pulling the Feather Craft…
I like your refence to Steely Dan ( big fan) ! I live in Hamilton Ontario and often drive by where the plant used to be, now it’s condos.
I have a matchbox version of this car, came w/ 2 dogs LOL.
Great looking wagon GLTS.
I like this wagon, though no photo of the way back area or the rust. Only thing at my age is the manual transmission, even with overdrive, good for the country roads but not great in city stop and go. Close enough to drive home in about 5 hours maybe. I will keep my F-100 for now with the AOD trans, limited legroom the only minus.
In a perfect world I would find a 63 with the older style front sheetmetal and the new style dash. I have always thought it would make a great fishing car. Not sure I am in love with the exterior color, seems darker than most I have seen.
The idea of a sliding roof would never fly today. Too many “safety” concerns. Besides with the roof open and the rear window down, you could lose a couple of kids and the family dog on the freeway as you’re tooling down the road in say, your Toyota Sequoia,
If I had this wagon I’d locate one of those early ’60s bouncy baby seats that just hung over the back of the bench seat between the parents, and had the toy steering wheel… Would complete the picture while freaking out the modern day parents…
And chain smoke
Lucky Strikes
Love the ’64 Stude styling and this color, Jet Green, is the best of the Stude colors that year IMHO. Looks like very presentable original upholstery.
Second one on here in a month. First one was blue and a lot nicer with air. GMC Envoy XUV kind of revived the idea for one year.
These wagons were the only vehicle available out side a pickup that could carry an upright double bass.
I was always curious as to why Studebaker forgot to design for taillights, so they just stuck them on.
I recently read that Brooks Stevens put them there to visually lighten the rear end. I kind of like them there.
You won’t find a ’64 Studebaker with a Chevy engine, regardless of whether it was built in South Bend or Hamilton. There were enough Studebaker engines in inventory to get through the 1964 model year. The McKinnon/Chevrolet engines appeared in 1965-66 models.
I miss Studebaker.