South Bend’s Last Stand: 1964 Studebaker Commander

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The handwriting was on the wall for Studebaker in late 1963 when they ceased automobile production in the U.S. (South Bend, Indiana). For the next 2 ½ years, output was focused solely on operations in Hamilton, Ontario until Studebaker finally threw in the towel in 1966. This ’64 Commander looks to be in good shape, though the seller says it needs paint and some minor tinkering. Located in Windsor, California, this automotive rarity is available here on craigslist for a reasonable $3,600. Another winning tip from Barn Finder T.J.!

Studebaker used the Commander nameplate periodically between 1927 and 1966. The last incarnation came in the 1964 to 1966 run when it was the mid-priced model in the Lark family. It was offered as 2 or 4-door sedans and a station wagon. In 1964, just 6,753 4-door sedans like this one were built (we don’t know if this car was a South Bend assembly or one from Canada). The entry-level engine was a 259 cubic inch V8 (289 optional) and that’s the powerplant in the seller’s car.

We don’t know the history of this Studebaker, but it seems to have nicely survived the last six decades. The seller says it runs and stops in good form, thanks in part to new brakes, fuel pump, and battery. The car has 135,000 miles and we don’t know if the internals of the engine or automatic transmission have required or will require attention. The Commander has a 4-barrel carburetor which may have come later in the automobile’s life, as has its dual exhaust.

Though the photos don’t shout it out, the vehicle needs paint as what looks to be white is primer. A blue vinyl top is present, but would that have been an option in 1964? The Stude has air conditioning which could be from the factory, and they may not have used in-dash vents in those days. The car also comes with a full set of aftermarket wheels, so it doesn’t look exactly like a sleeper. If there are no major issues, this sounds like a good buy for a car seldom seen anymore.

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Comments

  1. Bob

    I think if this car was built in Canada it would have a 327? Love Studebaker commanders especially with 4 doors

    Like 4
    • stillrunners stillrunnersMember

      No – the Stude V/8 found it’s way into all 1964’s beside’s where they were built.

      Russ – easy to tell if it was built in Canada – the Vin plate says it and if the gauge where a clock or tach would go doesn’t have one of those two – it would say Studebaker Canada like my little 1964 Daytona with a Studie V/8says/has

      I sure need that dash cover and this one’s soooo cheap – nice car !

      Like 0
  2. ThunderRob

    65′ and the few 66’s used “McKinnon” engines which were Chevy 230ci 6’s and 283 V8’s,so this being a 64′ the Studebaker 289 would be correct.

    Like 3
    • Terrry

      Th CL ad says it has a 259 Stude engine, and it was made in the US as a ’64 model.

      Like 1
  3. RICK W

    Sad end for a ONCE storied Marque, like so many others. In 59, my father bought a new 59 Lark (base) which was a lemon 🍋. The dealer and even the factory could never turn it into a reliable car. Hopefully this COMMANDER will be a Smooth Cruiser 😉 for a new owner. The price is right. On another note, LOL and prayers 🙏 to everyone affected by California fires 🔥 and winter storms.

    Like 3
  4. Car Nut Tacoma

    Beautiful car. If only more pictures were posted. IMHO, the more a person sees of a car, the more they can see what problems the car and is able to decide whether or not to buy the car.

    Like 1
  5. JDC

    This seems like a steal if it’s in the shape it appears. Get rid of those ridiculous wheels though lol!!!

    Like 5
  6. Dave Brown

    I always liked the 1964 Studebakers. They were attractive. I do not like the wheels on this one though. They are just wrong. The last thing that this car was is a dragster. Can you imagine the result of this Stud coming up to a ‘64 Pontiac GTO at a stop light? My money wouldn’t be on the Studebaker. However, when you consider that this ‘64 model is a highly reworked 1953 Studebaker, It’s not bad, but by then, the competition was much better.

    Like 2
    • stillrunners stillrunnersMember

      So you compare a base 259 V/8 with a 389 V/8 ?

      Like 0
  7. scottymac

    Oh, if this were a two door Daytona!

    Like 0
  8. Bob

    Another Craigslist add I think people post adds then go on a mental vacation, I responded to this add as soon as it was posted on barnfinds still haven’t heard from owner/poster

    Like 1
  9. Frank

    Please more information.
    Is it drivable? Undercarriage condition and photos please.

    Like 0
    • Jesse Mortensen Jesse MortensenStaff

      You will need to contact the seller Frank. There’s a link to the craigslist ad right in the first paragraph.

      Like 0
  10. Sherrill BrindelMember

    Canadian models have a vin number starting with a C. The V8 in 64 is a studebaker 259 or 289. The 65 and 66 Canadian studes used gm sourced engines from macinon sp engines.

    Like 0
  11. Butch BrindelMember

    Canadian models have a vin number starting with a C. The V8 in 64 is a studebaker 259 or 289. The 65 and 66 Canadian studes used gm sourced engines from macinon sp engines.

    Like 0

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