Vehicle Description
1964 Studebaker Daytona R2 Convertible
"Studebaker's spirited fun car. Daytona delivers all the famous
Studebaker extra value features plus a rousing Power Thrust 259ci
V8! Interiors are luxurious tasteful nylons or colorful, glove soft
vinyl and deep pile carpets. Choose from the 4 door sedan,
convertible, hardtop, or wagonaire." The '64 Studebaker
brochure.
For consignment, a 1964 Studebaker Daytona R2 convertible showing
32,477 miles which are not actual. Only 48 Studebaker Daytonas were
built in 1964 combining the R2 supercharged V8 with a convertible
top and of them, only 34 had the Super Performance Package that
included, among other things, bucket seats, front seat belts and
floor carpeting on top of the standard R2 features such as a
tachometer, a 160mph speedometer, and dual exhaust. And this, dear
friends, is one of the 34.
Exterior
The somewhat boxy body wears white on its base which is adorned
with a black canvas convertible top accentuated by the black spear
just below the shoulder line, pointed at both ends and bordered by
metal trim. 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, and it wears the telltale
Studebaker R2 badge. In back, tail lights cap the protruding
decklid while the latch panel is tucked under it and retains a
prominent body fold that is a continuation of a rear fender accent
which has a mirror line on the front fender, more visually muted on
white paint. Some contrast is brought in with the 15-inch argent
gray American Racing Torque Thrust wheels, with polished rims and
215/75R15's at each corner. The canvas top is in great shape and so
is the metal work and emblems that include Daytona in script and
the coveted Avanti R2 Supercharged oval. Panels are straight, paint
is great, and we could not find any glaring exterior imperfections
on this rare car save for some paint chipping and evidence of prior
body work on the rockers.
Interior
Contrasting with the white exterior, we're greeted with red vinyl
door cards with simple embossed designs and a Studebaker dress
plate. Red vinyl covers the bucket seats and center console,
presenting in excellent condition. 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 with a white upper and lower rim, while a robust, stirrup
shaped horn ring rides the wheel. Beyond the tachometer mounted on
the column is an instrument panel that puts round gauges in square
boxes of trim with white plastic toggle switches below in a
woodgrain panel. A bit of patina here but we love the original
presentation along with the ivory knobbed AM/FM radio in the center
where we also find an added boost gauge mounted below. A stout
metal shifter rides the hump in a polished base, all surrounded by
plush red carpet that shows some fading on the upper surfaces, as
is common in convertibles while foot wells retain sharp color. The
trunk is clean and covered with a loose fitting plaid mat which
also encases the spare.
Drivetrain
Here's the money shot! A bright orange Paxton supercharger takes
center stage on this 289ci V8 putting out one horsepower for every
cubic inch! A 4-barrel carburetor feeds this engineering showpiece
which is backed by a Borg Warner 3-speed automatic transmission
sending power to the rear axle and 3.54 gears. Chrome valve covers
and polished airbox further dress this engine which is clean and
show worthy. New brake pads have been added to the power disc
brakes in front, while power drums are reserved for the back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with typical use patina, some surface
rust, and some drops on the transmission pan with residual fluid on
the rear differential. Dual exhaust runs from the engine to a pair
of FlowMaster mufflers, into a stainless connector, then out to the
tailpipes that exit via polished tips just beyond the rear bumper.
Coil springs are found up front for suspension while leaf springs
are out back.
Drive-Ability
They say there's "no replacement for displacement" but that's not
always the case and in 1964, forced induction was still a bit
exotic. Leave it to Avanti to provide extra juice here and we take
our place in the driver's seat and crank up the 289. Even with the
soft top up, visibility is quite good and the large, clear rear
window helps. The car tracks straight with good acceleration as
boost increases and its square stance and high walled tires
provides smooth handling as well and the Daytona hints at some of
its racing pedigree. Meanwhile, all functional items check the
boxes on this well sorted Studebaker. 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.
Studebakers enjoy one of the most enthusiastic followings of any
orphan brand and are some of the best documented cars for the era.
Here's one that you'll rarely find for sale and represents the
Daytona's mid level performance in a commuter like package. In that
sense, it's quite the sleeper, but don't be lulled into a sleep on
this one as Daytona's are among the most desirable in the
Studebaker line. Race on over to Classic Auto Mall or give us a
call!
64V9157
64-1964
V-V8
2609-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
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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