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Supercharged 1964 Studebaker Daytona R2

This is a car that we don’t see too often, especially in this condition. It’s a supercharged 1964 Studebaker Daytona R2 and it has been restored to what the seller says is like new or better than new condition and the current bid price reflects that condition. It’s listed here on eBay with a current bid price of, gulp… $27,400 and the reserve isn’t met yet! It’s located in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

The short, somewhat stubby design is unusual and distinctive all at once. It’s sort of the Mickey Rooney of cars, it’s short in stature but it’s as good at what it does as any car (or actor) ever made. There were just over 2,400 two-door hardtop Daytonas made in 1964 and it’s one of the best designs ever, and certainly for Studebaker. At least in my opinion. Studebaker nailed it, just as they were getting ready to close up shop. Why is that always the way it happens with car companies?

This car has been restored over several years, according to the seller who apparently isn’t the owner. You can see the incredible condition in the photos, it has to be one of the nicest two-door hardtop Daytonas available for sale. There were only around 700 of the convertibles made in 1964 so that would be even rarer, not that there’s anything wrong with a two-door hardtop.

The interior has also been restored and some of you will know by looking at the details if it’s Pebble Beach ready or not. I’m not sure exactly what would have received paint and what would have been bare metal, as far as door strikes and things like that go, but it sure looks great now.

This engine is Studebaker’s 289 cubic-inch V8 which by itself sounds like just about the perfect engine for this size of a car, but a Paxton SN-60 supercharger bumped up the horsepower to 289 hp for the R2 from a very respectable 240 hp in the R1 non-supercharged engine  The supercharged R3 had 335 hp and the non-supercharged but dual-four-barrel-carburetor-equipped R4 had 280 hp. The R2 would have been around a $680 option in 1964, $5,600 in 2019 money – not an insignificant number. What is this car going to sell for, or is it even going to meet the seller’s reserve?

Comments

  1. Avatar 68custom

    One of my dream cars. But its missing the obligatory four speed too bad! Still a really neat ride, Ihis and a S/C 360 are on my most wanted list!

    Like 11
  2. Avatar Bob S

    That is a very pretty and unusual car. I’ll bet it hauls really well with the extra boost provided by the blower.
    A friend of mine bought one with the big engine and the 4 speed. It was a pretty little car and went like a bat outa hell. I was amazed that they weren’t more popular at the time, but by then Studebaker was on life support, and the dealership folded not to many years later.

    Bob

    Like 8
  3. Avatar TimM

    How cool is this???? Totally rare and importantly historical American car!! Not going to see to many of these around!!!

    Like 9
    • Avatar Stillrunners

      Yep the 63/64 Bonnieville records held for decades. Have one with 4sp and R1 and pretty sure convertible were around 400 built total

      Like 4
  4. Avatar That AMC Guy

    Amazing what Studebaker was able to do on top of their 1953 frame, the last one they designed. (Note no “step-down” floor inside and the height of the rear seat cushion.) These are great-looking cars, though a bit fussy and odd-looking from the rear. A proposed design change for 1967 would have improved the look by raising the rear bumper, but of course Studebaker left the car business before this was done.

    http://www.deansgarage.com/wp-content/gallery/marcks/MarcksStude1.jpg

    Like 3
  5. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    This could have been Wilbur Post’s new car had the show, Mr. Ed, made it to the ’64 season. Probably the only sales Studebaker had was because of that show, seriously, it was an incredibly popular show. Being a fan of the “lessor” makes, like the author, I like this car too. Could do without the stupercharger, seems like every Studebaker that comes down the pike today, has to have a supercharger, when in fact, it was a very rare item, and I heard many removed the belt, or it broke, and ran it regular. The rest of the car is amazing, like the author states, Studebaker had it all together, options many others didn’t offer. Too bad it was too late, we lost a huge chunk of automotive history when Studebaker went under.

    Like 9
  6. Avatar sir mike

    One of these is raced in Europe.Ran at Goodwood last year or so.Did rather well.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar paul a oberman

    that’s bad to the bone

    Like 2
  8. Avatar ken tilly Member

    It looks as though it could have done with another 8″ or so in length.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Barry Traylor

    What an attractive car this is

    Like 8
  10. Avatar Bob C.

    True, the Studebakers did look rather dated and stubby compared to their rivals, but in a Mercedes sort of way.

    Like 4
  11. Avatar bigdoc

    Cool looking car bet it would be fun to own.

    Like 4
  12. Avatar Marko

    Delightfully quirky.

    I can only imagine the crowds gathering around this terrific Studie at a car show. It is the only one of this model I have ever come across.

    Like 4
  13. Avatar gary mills

    Does anyone know where I can find a Daytona 1963 or 1964 S/C convertible or two door HT?
    Would love to have a 4speed transmission but, not a deal killer if one comes available with a Automatic. Thanks Gary Asheville NC

    Like 3
  14. Avatar Jeff Hayes Member

    Studebaker celebrated its100th anniversary in 1952!!!! It was the only wagon maker (the Conestoga) to successfully transition from wagons to motor vehicles, although it started with electric vehicles. During WWI, WWII, and Korea, Studebaker built most of the military’s trucks. Mismanagement led to its demise. The designs it had at the time of its demise were gorgeous and would have saved it. Consider the Avanti.
    I grew up in Studebakers and wish I could afford to have one of the ones still around.

    Like 5
  15. Avatar John Manders

    This is one of the last REAL Sturdybakers……..

    Like 3
  16. Avatar Gary Brucculeri

    I’m curious if it is a Hamilton Ontario built Stude! This would make it even Rarer!

    Like 0
  17. Avatar TJohnson

    Way cool!!! Glad to see this Stude bringing a respectful price. I hope it doubles!!

    Like 0
  18. Avatar Del

    Very rare and pretty

    Like 1
  19. Avatar Steven Goodstein

    The updated 1966 model, in my opinion, looked even better. Although by then Studebaker was using Chevrolet engines. Not a bad thing but not as “pure.” Still, it would make for a practical daily driver even today.

    Like 1
  20. Avatar ROBERT STARINSKY

    This is an extremely rare Studebaker. Not only is it Avanti powered, but it features a floor shift automatic – an extremely rare option. Had the interior been done in blue instead of tan, it would have had more eye appeal. There was green on green 64 with Avanti engine and floor shift automatic that was absolutely stunning at the 2019 Studebaker meet in Mansfield.

    Yes, I agree the 1966 styling updates helped modernize this car, but the 1964 pillar-less hardtop is tough to bet esp. w/ a floor shift automatic. Like others, I feel the Avanti power plant isn’t really that necessary given the added maintenance issues associated with that power plant.

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Terry scott

    I read somewhere that they only made 27 of the r2 Daytona’s

    Like 0

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