Studebaker doesn’t get a lot credit score for being intelligent, however cleverness helped it survive by 1966 when, by all rights, it may have thrown in the towel. Through a streak of dangerous and good luck, Studebaker weathered the ups and downs whereas largely sustaining its integrity. A superb instance of Studebaker’s final stand is our Pick of the Day, a 1964 Studebaker Daytona two-door hardtop. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Click the link to view the listing)
The postwar years had been most variety and unkind to Studebaker. On one hand, Studebaker was “first by far with a postwar car,” with aircraft-inspired styling and a selection of six or eight (to change into a V8 in 1951). Then there was the “Loewy Coupe” of 1953, drawing oohs and aah round the world. But for all the glory, the sedans and wagons ended up trying fairly stubby, plus high quality points cropped up. Labor prices have been greater than its rivals, too. Studebaker’s liquidity was poor, which was significantly exacerbated by a merger with Packard. Aside of the Hawk collection (which have been closely facelifted Loewy Coupes), Studebaker’s sedans didn’t sustain in model in a decade of model.
In a chance that was serendipitous, Studebaker trimmed the sedan’s wheelbase forward of the firewall, leading to a sensible automotive that might nonetheless carry six in consolation. Introduced at the nightfall of the 1958 recession, the new Lark (obtainable with a six or V8) joined Rambler in providing smart transportation in an period the place the norm was something however.
Starting in 1962, the Studebaker Lark and Hawk (now recognized at the Gran Turismo Hawk) featured a up to date restyle from Brooks Stevens. The monetary funding was outweighed by the styling itself, a drastic enchancment each inside and outside. Of particular be aware was Studebaker’s embrace of the sporty traits of the time, particularly with bucket seats and heart console — the new mannequin was referred to as Lark Daytona. For 1963, Studebaker added supercharging, with these Jet-Thrust V8s (together with the all-new Avanti) setting many pace data at Bonneville. It could possibly be stated little Studebaker was a efficiency model on par with any of the Big Three.
Come 1964, an much more profound restyle arrived, with the Mercedes-esque grille being changed by a full-width grille with inset headlights, squared-off sides, hood and trunklid, and roofline, and new taillights. Studebaker additionally made an effort to part out the Lark title, as a substitute organizing a hierarchy that included Challenger, Commander, luxurious Cruiser, and sporty Daytona fashions, plus the GT Hawk and Avanti. And, then, in December 1963, Studebaker may not proceed as deliberate. South Bend manufacturing was moved to Hamilton, Ontario, Jet-Thrust engines have been discontinued and, in the subsequent two mannequin years, Studebakers have been powered by a Chevrolet small-block V8.
This 1964 Studebaker Daytona two-door hardtop options all its documentation, which might make sense contemplating it has solely 9,796 miles on the odometer and has been in the fingers of its first proprietor since new. “The 59-year-old black paint has been well maintained and as expected there are a few minor blemishes but still the finish shines with a deep luster,” says the vendor. “Likewise, the bumper chrome is well preserved with only some light patina and such is the case of the related stainless and body trim which all glimmers brightly.” Inside, the crimson upholstery nonetheless gleams in richness with little to no put on. Like all Studebakers of the period, full instrumentation was normal. Power comes from the normal V8, a 259 two-barrel backed by a three-speed handbook on the column. For 1964, the Daytona’s normal buckets and console was downgraded so this explicit car includes a cut up bench. “The suspension is solid and tight as expected from such a low-mileage car,” provides the vendor.
Low-mileage automobiles need to have their mileage conservatively maintained, so this Studebaker is in seek for a selected collector that values originality over all the pieces else. With up to date model cleverness that survival demanded, this 1964 Studebaker Daytona two-door hardtop represents Studebaker’s tenacity in good kind.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
