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.
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