Vehicle Description
1964 Studebaker Daytona
Studebaker billed its 1964 models as "Different by Design." Thanks
to Stevens' genius, they received a disguise clever enough to make
them look brand new. Front fenders, hood, deck lid, and sculptured
roof panel sported new sheet metal, and the result was a handsome,
crisply styled car, bearing little resemblance to the earlier
models. The Lark name did not appear on any of these cars, though
in some of the promotional material the title was used in
connection with the less expensive models. The new look debuted
along with the company's plan to phase out the Lark name entirely.
The lowest-priced models were renamed Challenger (replacing the
1963-1/2 Standard), while the Commander name (which had last made
an appearance in the Studebaker lineup on the last full-size cars
in 1958) replaced the Regal trim level. The Daytona series added a
four-door sedan (replacing the 1963 Custom four-door), and the
Cruiser continued at the top of the line. All models except the
Cruiser offered a Wagonaire.
Restomod...Restored and modified, this jet black 1964 Studebaker
Daytona fits the definition to a tee. Sporting 4-wheel power disc
brakes, rack and pinion steering, a modern fuel injected V8, and a
4- speed automatic transmission you now have the modern part.
Retaining the original Studebaker body and interior we see the
throwback and restored parts. A perfect homologation of old and new
that come together to form a thing of visual beauty all the while
giving some of the creature comforts of a modern day daily driver.
Feast your eyes upon this beauty and enjoy the best of both
worlds.
Exterior
Jet black drapes the body of this snappy restomod and presents very
well. Some minor chipping throughout and rust bubbling is noted at
the bottom of both of the doors. A front bumper delete gives the
car a more modern look and the egg crate shaped chrome grill
assembly. Twin headlights grace the front of both fenders and a
chrome S hood ornament floats above the shiny back hood. Stainless
beltline molding runs down the side of the car and ends just before
the combination taillights reverse lights. These lights flank
individual letters that spell out S T U D E B A K E R. All of this
floats above a black painted rear bumper. A like new black canvas
convertible top gives you the option of topless cruising or
protecting in inclement weather, a clear plastic rear window gives
you a good look at what's behind you. 19" chrome wheels adorn all
four corners and have a center cap with a play on
words....SS-Tud.
Interior
Swing the door and we are stepping back in time with faux stitched
black vinyl in square and tuck and roll pattern, along with some
shiny thin trim to break it all up for your eye. Slipping inside,
we are in near showroom condition heaven, with more black bucket
seats with a consolette. tuck and roll, original dash and more
modern steering wheel (SS-Tud included), all buttoned up and nicely
preserved with all clear plastic on the front trio of circular
gauges in the cluster. The dash is well thought out with all
control's levers, toggles etc., all within reach in a rectangular
design in front of the wheel. The steering wheel presents fronting
this dash in two tone black and white, and a chromed center squared
off horn ring. Black carpet is down below with a modern Lokar
shifter poking out from the center hump. The factory AM radio takes
up residence in the center of the dash while down below is an
aftermarket AM/FM/CD play mounted atop a Pioneer EQ/Amplifier. All
buttoned up and ready for the Power Tour!
Drivetrain
Replacing the venerable 259ci V8 is a modern and much more powerful
350ci LT1 V8 topped with EFI and making a tire turning 275hp.
Attached to the back is a 4l60E 4-speed automatic transmission and
putting the power to the ground is a GM 10 bolt 3.73 conventional
rear axle. We note power steering and power brakes under the hood
along with ribbed aluminum valve covers. Hoses are all supple and
engine bay paint is snazzy. All is lean, mean and ready to
scream!''
Undercarriage
This is where the restomod theme really pops to life. The frame and
floors are all rust free and show in satin black. Headers feed into
dual exhaust with Super Turbo mufflers then exit at turn downs
below the rear bumper. A more modern independent coil spring front
suspension is on front along with tubular control arms. For the
rear we have traditional leaf springs, with the whole system
providing a smooth ride. 4-wheel power disc brakes bring the car to
a whoa without any darting associated with typical drum brakes. All
wrapped up and ready to provide miles of endless comfort.
Drive-Ability
This baby fires right up, idles like a dream, and a pull of the
floor shifter, and we are off like a prom dress. Our test track was
no match for this Daytona which in stock trim lives up to its name
and now with a modern drivetrain just begs to cruise all day long.
Plenty of power, one finger steering and brakes that will stop you
on a dime and give you change....what more can a writer and
automotive lover ask for? All functions were functioning, and
frankly I did not want to put this car down, as playing with it was
really fun!
The 3rd to last year for Studebaker and they sure hit a homerun
with the Daytona, add in a drop top and its pure heaven. A modern
drivetrain and brakes make this classic cruiser a dream to drive.
Throw the top down, crank up the tunes and go on a cross country
trek to see the sights and enjoy time with your best gal. Maybe
even cruise your Daytona to Daytona?
VIN DECODE
64V15297
64-1964
V-259ci V8
15297-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
