Vehicle Description
1965 Studebaker Daytona Hardtop
"The minute you glance at this Daytona's striking two tone exterior
with its decorator matched full vinyl roof, complemented by its
deluxe chrome trim, instantly you sense that this is a car beyond
the ordinary. Slide behind the wheel of the all new Studebaker
Daytona Sports Sedan and you enter a breathtaking world of driving
excitement. Here's a true sports sedan whose instant response
answers your every command and whose positive control gives you a
feeling of being a part of the car yourself." From the 1965
Studebaker sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1965 Studebaker Daytona hardtop with a title
verified 31,696 actual miles and wearing the exact exterior spec of
the photo used in the brochure. Here's an American car you don't
see every day or at every car show so if you're looking for
something original and unique, read on!
Exterior
The somewhat boxy body wears Sienna Red on its base which is
adorned with a black vinyl top that extends over the C-pillar and
has a base of grooved trim and a V8 emblem complete with checkered
flags. Studebaker was proud of the Thunderbolt V8 under the hood
and wanted to show it. Inset headlight bezels have angular sides
that dictate the unusual shape of the grille and will likely not be
mistaken for another brand due to the V-shaped edges. In back, tail
lights cap the protruding decklid while the latch panel is tucked
under it and retains a prominent metal trim piece. And speaking of
trim, the side wears a black spear, pointed at both ends and
bordered by metal trim. More black is brought in with the 15-inch
Jegs Sport Thrust wheels wearing beefier tires than would have come
originally on the car. The vinyl top is in great shape and all
metal work is in place and could use polishing or recoating. Paint
is missing under the gas cap and that's really the only glaring
flaw in the paintwork.
Interior
Up until the mid-80's, it was common for interiors to be optioned
in the color of the exterior and as we swing open the doors, we're
greeted with red vinyl door cards with simple embossed designs and
the Studebaker logo. Two shades of red vinyl cover the bucket seats
and center console, showing a touch of patina but not overly worn
or ripped. Same with the back bench that has a hideaway arm rest
and button backed vinyl upholstery in good condition. The red
plastic steering wheel has ridged hand grips built in and at least
one crack that splits the rim at the top while a robust, stirrup
shaped horn ring rides the wheel. Beyond the slim shifter on the
column is an instrument panel that puts round gauges in square
boxes of trim with white plastic toggle switches below. Quite a bit
of patina here but we love the original presentation while an
AM/FM/8-track radio is in the center. Plush red carpet is newer,
per our consignor, and extends to the backseat where it looks
nearly pristine. The perforated headliner is presentable but not
award winning and the windlace could use a refresh. Meanwhile, the
truck is barren and red and contains a spare. Weatherstripping has
been replaced per our consignor.
Drivetrain
A driver quality engine reveals itself when we open the hood, where
the 283ci V8 is topped with a 2-barrel carburetor and is rated at
195 horsepower. A Borg Warner Flight-O-Matic 3-speed automatic
transmission is in place and sends power to the Dana 44 in back
with 3.07 gears and Twin Grip. Front power disc brakes have been
converted to GM style, says our consignor, and power drums are in
the back. There's a new aluminum radiator ahead of the engine.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with plenty of well established
surface rust throughout. We've got some transmission fluid present
on the pan but the rest looks dry. A single exhaust pipe encounters
a stock style muffler before exiting out the back. For suspension,
we have coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Tall windows afford great visibility, and the bucket seats are soft
and comfortable as we crank the 283 to life and set this Daytona
out on the test loop. The fat tires provide surefootedness with
good tracking and decent turn-ins. The brochure states the engine
is "alive with power, alert to your slightest whim.", and it does
have adequate power as this is a relatively small car with a V8.
All functions including lights, turn signals, and gauges work as
they should. We did not have an 8-track to test the unit. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
We couldn't find exact production numbers for the Daytona, but
here's the firing order of the cylinders in the '65 283: 18436572.
According toautoevolution.com, "the Daytona was based on the Lark,
a compact that Studebaker debuted in 1959, when the segment was
still in its infancy. Needing a more diverse lineup to compete with
Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac, Studebaker launched the Daytona as a
range topping version of the Lark in 1962". It's clear that these
are uncommon, and this is a solid, mostly original car that's
somewhat unique in the world of classic cars from the 60's.
C520060
C-Canadian Built Car
5-1965
20060-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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