Vehicle manufacturers during the 1960s and 1970s made some genuine attempts to attract potential buyers to their station wagon offerings. Nowhere is this more graphically demonstrated than with wagons like this 1964 Studebaker Daytona Wagonaire. It not only features a V8 under the hood, but the sliding roof was designed to offer a level of versatility not found in offerings from their opposition. This Wagonaire is a clean and tidy survivor with only some very minor rust issues to address. It is ready for a new owner to drive and enjoy immediately. The Studebaker is located in North Washington, Pennsylvania, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding on this classic has been quite healthy and has pushed along to $9,764. However, the reserve hasn’t been met.
Unfortunately, this is as close as we get to a clear picture of the Wagonaire’s most distinctive and defining feature. The sliding rear roof brought additional versatility to the vehicle, as it allowed owners to carry taller loads than would fit in most average wagons. It was sort of like having the versatility of a small pickup in concert with a family wagon. The sliding roof was prone to a few issues. Early examples did leak, but Studebaker did their best to address this problem. Rust could also develop if the drainage tubes were not kept clean. This Wagonaire has suffered none of these issues, and the few minor rust spots that it does have aren’t associated with the sliding roof. There are some spots in the bottom of the tailgate. There is also some on the bottom of the driver’s door and lower front fender on the same side. All of these look like they could be addressed with simple patches, and I don’t think that there will be any significant metalwork required. The owner states that the frame is solid, and there is no other visible rust. The Ermine White paint has a healthy shine to it, while the same is true of the chrome and trim. The Studebaker features a chrome roof rack, and this also appears to be in good condition. There are no signs of any problems with the glass, with the tailgate glass being power operated.
Powering the Wagonaire is a 289ci V8, producing a healthy 225hp. This V8 is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, while the vehicle also comes equipped with power steering and power brakes. Studebaker did offer some performance upgrades for the Wagonaire, but these didn’t sell in huge numbers. For those in search of some serious performance, a supercharged “R2” version of the 289 was available, pumping out 300hp. However, across the entire Daytona range in 1964, only 48 people decided that they required that sort of performance. Unfortunately, the owner doesn’t provide us with any insight into how well the Wagonaire runs and drives. I guess that if we take appearance as some form of indication, then the news should potentially be quite promising.
The Studebaker’s interior generally presents very nicely, with no signs of any upholstery problems. The seats are free from rips or stretching, while the door trims look close to perfect. There are no apparent issues with the dash, with the owner only noting some fading with the carpet. It isn’t clear how bad this fading is, so it could potentially be addressed with dye. If it is beyond that, then the next owner might need to hand over the $245 required for a new carpet set. The two-tone wheel is another matter altogether. It has deteriorated quite noticeably and will require restoration or replacement if it is not to detract from the rest of the interior’s presentation. I would probably make inquiries about restoration first because replacement wheels sell for around $650. Ouch! As well as a rear power window and the sliding roof, this Studebaker brings added versatility to the table in the form of 3rd-row seating. The upholstery on that seat is just as nice as the rest, and the tailgate-mounted step will help make access that bit easier.
In 1964, Studebaker produced approximately 1,543 examples of the Daytona Wagonaire equipped with the 289ci V8 engine. These sold for around $2,835, depending on what boxes a buyer ticked on the options list. That made these a rare wagon when they were new, and natural attrition and rust has claimed a large number in the intervening years. This appears to be an extremely nice example, and it doesn’t look like it will require a lot of work to make it shine like a new penny. I would expect the reserve to be set at around the $15,000 mark, although it could potentially be even higher. If it turns out to be below that level, then it could represent an interesting classic for someone to park in their driveway.
What was the operating mechanism for the sliding roof? Was it just a manual sliding roof, and did it somehow lock down when closed? Cool wagon.
I read, it was a manual sliding roof. You’d unlock it and shove it into the front part of the roof. It was a poor design and many bound up and leaked like a sieve. And while Mr. Stevens gave us a lot, don’t be too quick to praise him, he’s considered the “father” of planned obsolescence.
Mr Stevens told the story that engineering was asked if they could build it that it would not leak. The answer was we can build it that it won’t leak too bad.
I really like the Studebaker Daytona models and the Wagoneer is the coolest of the bunch. I would buy this and find ways to show off the sliding roof. Like go to Home Depot buy a tree and then show up at cars and coffee or cruise nights only to return the tree the following day.
This wagon exudes coolness like no modern SUV. I would fix the rust, get some different wheels and tires, maybe tweak that 289 for a bit more HP and go drive it. I’ve always been partial to Studebakers and this one would top the desirability chart. Would love to have a supercharged, but is there even one left? Even if this goes to $20K I think it’s worth it…
The beautiful work of Brooks Stevens. Squint your eyes while looking at the Wagonaire, and you can see his jeep Wagoneer.
In a nutshell, Paul. I think Studebaker finally hit their stride with this look. Too bad it was short lived.
I agree , the earlier Larks had that odd dip in the beltline that made the car look bent in the middle , but with this design the body lines flow.
I believe you are right. makes me wonder how they would have turned out had they been able to hang on. But the bloated 70’s weren’t far away, and we all know how that turned out.
Yes, these are great-looking cars. Amazing that it’s still the 1953 chassis underneath.
There actually were plans for Studebaker to continue building cars through around 1970 with some low-cost changes but the board pulled the rug out from those plans when they decided to exit the automobile business. (Hemmings Classic Car magazine had an article about this a while back.)
https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2069431933_456db35036_b.jpg
Here’s another one of Brooks Stevens’ designs! To Brooks!
Tailgate is a little scary, someone should have got ito that a little sooner than next owner. These a tough cars, had a 64 Challenger when I was 16. That’s a longtime ago, most of these rusted away as Studebaker didn’t use fender wells so dirt and salt would collect. Buddy back in the day had a 63 wagon with that roof, leaked.
I read once that the Chevy Nomad was originally designed with a telescoping roof. The bean counters shot it down. And the Nomad was left with the roof grooves.
What a nice wagon. The supercharger option. That’s a box I would have loved the opportunity to check.
I know these vehicles very well because my neighbours had two of them and one still looks as it did in the 60,s . I saw one of them with a new owner recently and I told how much the first owner’s loved it and used it . Studebaker had plants here in Canada so a few of them are still cruising around today . When I saw my Neighbours old ride it had a crowd of people around it and they all wondered what it was and they acted like it was a alien. This one for sale looks very original and complete and the asking price is very reasonable. They were built extremely well and no plastic to break so if your considering this you better make the move because I doubt you will ever see another in this condition at this price. Nice to see for sure !!!
My 1964 Daytona was built in Canada and sold new in Illinois.
I’ve had both a ’63 and a ’64 Sliding roof Studebaker wagon. The key to keeping the drain tubes clear is . . .
1. Don’t park under trees when ever possible.
2. NEVER park under a pine tree [the needles quickly clog the drains].
3. Park so that the back of the car is downhill just slightly.
And finally;
4. keep it in a garage or carport.
Notorious roof leaker
A year or so ago I heard of a person who has 500 Studebakers and parts. At that time there was some health problems and was thinking of doing a sale. At this time there has been no sale, and if or when there is a sale, I will let all of you know what I know about what’s going on.
Was Studebaker making their own engines? Or is this a 289 ford engine?
Studebaker brought the 289 out in 1956. It is their own engine.
wonder if any of the Daytonas hada regular roof. Its a great option but I’d B a lill wary of leaks.
No it wuz nota Ford motor…
I can’t remember when the last time I saw one of these was!! Cool as cool gets and having a three speed manual transmission just makes it that much better to me!! A car like this needs to be driven!! Buy it, drive it, and be a proud owner of a rare classic wagon!!!