Vehicle Description
1964 Studebaker Daytona R2 Convertible Tribute
"Studebaker's spirited fun car. Daytona delivers all the famous
Studebaker extra value features plus a rousing Power Thrust 259 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 tribute
showing 32,477 miles which are not actual. Only 48 actual
Studebaker Daytona's from 1964 were combined the R2 supercharged V8
with a convertible top, so finding one is a proverbial needle in
the haystack. This is a faithful tribute to one rare unicorn.
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 a 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 a coveted Avanti R2
Supercharged oval. Panels are straight, paint is great, and we
could not find any glaring exterior imperfections on this rare
car.
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! Mounted atop the 289ci V8 is a bright orange
Paxton supercharger taking center stage while a 4-barrel carburetor
feeds this representation of an 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
steel 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. The supercharger provides 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.
The build sheet reveals this stunning car was born without the go
fast goodies but has been dressed up to honor one of the cars that
is somewhat legendary in Studebaker circles. You can eat your cake
and have it too with this R2 look alike. It's like buying a ticket
to a tribute band, all the great music without the high price!
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
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