Excellent Paint/Original Interior/Sound 283ci Thunderbolt V8/Rare Example

1965 Studebaker Daytona

For more than 100 years from 1852 to 1966 venerable Studebaker kept Americans on the move with a succession of popular vehicles, from horse-drawn wagons to pioneering electrics to gasoline-powered sedans and sporty cars. Hurt financially by the Great Depression, Studebaker soldiered on with some fine and unusual models, such as the Champion, Starlight, Starliner and Avanti.

Gracing our North consignment corridor is a next to last year of production 1965 Studebaker 2 door Daytona model. This car was bought in 1965 from a dealer in North Carolina by a loving husband, newly retired Air Force mechanic for his wife. She enjoyed the car until her passing in 1979 whereupon her husband took over the care of the car mostly stored in their basement/garage. It was washed and waxed regularly and driven on occasion. Though mileage is not documented, it would stand to reason that the 54K miles would be original. A Thunderbolt engine, and beautiful interior are just a few of the awesome features on this rare low number production car.

Exterior
Looking at the side view it nearly takes on the quality of a double speared arrow with its mid 1960's design and line. Speaking of spears, a large trim spear in aluminum runs the length of this car on the belt line. This adds a wonderful highlight to the Bordeaux red paint which shows in very nice condition. A white vinyl top with another big aluminum trim piece at the bottom of the B pillar is seen. Nice chromed trim surrounds all the glass which is also in clear, clean condition. An all aluminum egg crate style grille and dual headlight bezel creates the front of the car. This is framed on the bottom by a mirror like bumper. A Daytona badge in your grandmother's handwriting is just behind the headlights on the front quarter. On top up front of the hood is a circular ornament with a curvaceous S, which was iconic to the Studebaker line. On all 4 corners are standard 15-inch hubcaps again with the stylized S in the hub.

Interior
Opening the door reveals a clean line and clean design door panel which uses smooth vinyl in red for the sill and has an embossed S badge within. A chrome trim piece runs horizontally then creates a square dip for the door handle. The lower panel utilizes a tasteful vertical stitching in panel, red vinyl. Below is a maroon strip of textured broadcloth as the bottom highlighter. Nicely preserved original red vinyl tuck and roll inserted with buttons, and smooth bolster buckets are up front. These have a surrounding of thick white piping, and a center console with armrest and obligatory ashtray and lighter. A rear bench fashioned like the buckets is in back and offers up room for 3. The original simple design red and black dash houses a trio of large gauges, levers and knobs and is fronted by an original steering wheel. The factory radio is still installed and an under-dash A/C unit can be seen. Wonderful, clean thick red carpet floods all the floors, and a nice tight vinyl headliner is above. Noted is a safety conscious padded dash top.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is the correct Thunderbolt 283ci V8. This is in unrestored condition and remains very clean with yellow badged valve covers and a 2-barrel carburetor atop. A Flight-O-Matic 3-speed transmission is on back, and the rear axle checks in at a 3.07 ratio.

Undercarriage
All rust free, although suspension and frame appear to have been recently painted by a rattle can in black. All structurally sound frame and floorpans, as well as rockers. Independent coil springs are the front suspension, and leaf springs for the rear are seen. Drum brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and drives very nicely on our test track. This car has good acceleration, good cruising power, quick stopping, and decent handling. The interior has all functioning controls even the air conditioning. It was an impressive low mileage performer.

Not too many of these around anymore because not many were built. Studebaker was known for their design and innovations and lasted a long while as a manufacturer. This example was a gift and was appreciated in the time of its possession with the original owners. Well cared for, always garaged, this no rust example is a find for the aficionado do the Studebaker. The Daytona 2 door, all spiffed up and clean, ready to turn the key and turn heads on Main Street.

VIN DECODE
C513587
C-Canadian Built Car
5-1965
13587-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.