Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Sliding Roof + Black Plate: 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire

s1

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Charles H. for this solid find! Located in Temecula, California and listed for sale here on eBay, this 1963 station wagon wouldn’t take too much to put it back on the road. Currently bidding is under $2,000 and there’s no reserve, so it’s going to sell.

collage

Let’s look at the business end of this wagon first. Of course, it has the sliding roof that all of these had, and yes, there’s some rust on the tailgate, but nothing compared to what you’d find from a state that used salt on the roads. I really like this flip-down step for access as well; Studebaker was thinking ahead with that design. You can see from the picture on the right that the wagon was originally a rose color.

s5

The seller tells us that the drains from the sliding roof tended to get clogged in the fenders and led to the rust shown here. While this is nasty-looking, it’s not something that couldn’t be tackled by a home restorer and a MIG welder given enough time and effort.

s3

If this is the original engine, it will either be a 259 or 289 V-8. It looks like the carburetor has received either attention or replacement, and the seller says the car will start right up with a separate tank and fuel pump (as evidenced by the coil of fuel line).

s4

While the interior is complete, it’s also rough. Even the rear seat is trashed. I do think it’s good that someone cared enough to add some gauges under the dash, and it looks like they did a decent job of it. Overall, I think this is a nice entry-level project classic that you could drive while making improvements; a nice way to enter the hobby. And it’s useful to boot!

Comments

  1. Avatar DREW V.

    That would be an Awesome family cruiser or swap meet hauler…

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Charles

    Cool!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar krash

    I have always liked these wagons…love the sliding roof….perfect for taking my pet giraffe for a ride…

    Like 0
  4. Avatar DT

    I dont think they all had sliding roofs

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Mike R

    Friend of mine had one of these Daytona’s with a factory 4 speed…very cool setup.

    Sliding roof is sure unique…

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Ed P

    This car is in good shape for a leaky Wagonaire. I say, this is a cheap car to buy and a not to hard restoration.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Rick moon

    Fixed roof was optional. Sliding roof wagons had an x member in the frame as did lark convertibles and Avantis. Body stiffener.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.