Barn Find/Rare 1963 Wagonaire/OHV V8 Runs Smoothly/Chrome Excellent

1963 Studebaker Daytona Station Wagon

Before the crossover, or all activity vehicle, there was the station wagon. A car that you could pile the kids into or utilize the rear of the car for cargo, but with limited height. Unknowingly, Studebaker had set the tone for every tricked-out sunroof, moonroof and multi-panel retractable roof to follow, SUV or not. Its potential uses are myriad. It's really easy to picture a Wagonaire backed up to a stream or boat ramp with some angler standing right up in the back and casting trout flies through the open roof. Or maybe a clutch of kids with Dad under a lean-to stretched from the car to the tree. Or just natural air conditioning.

Not a car one sees every day, or even once in a while, this Studebaker Wagonaire Daytona is a rare find. 1963 was the last ditch effort to save the company with this innovative design, and this is an example of that car. In progress restoration, and only partially, this car is in need of tender loving care, and expertise of a true restorer, and in the end will have something not everyone sees even in a great once in a while.

Exterior
Aqua! Aqua! Aqua! cover the steel panels some have body work and filler performed, but overall looking good. A snazzy trim spear runs the length of this car and ends at the rear in a widened area with a Daytona badge. Up front the grille, headlight bezels and bumpers are looking mirror-like and clean. On the rear, a sliding roof is in working condition, as is tailgate, however slight rust is evident in hinge of tailgate. The roof has the body matching color, with A and B pillars in rust free condition, painted as well. A nicely replaced chromed roof rack is in front of the sliding roof, and the chromed crank on the tailgate raises and lowers the glass effortlessly. “S” badged wheel covers are nicely preserved and are wrapped by 215 /75R15's all around.

Interior
Original and in overall fair condition. Vinyl on doors is two tone green and has some soils and dirt and a few light wrinkles but remains original. Seats are nice green vinyl benches and remain in good condition, except for the driver's side front seat, which has been ripped by the hinge mechanism. Carpet is stained and shows some rotting and discoloration from water damage. All wind laces will need to be replaced as they are unraveling. Original dash, steering wheel, and controls are present, and in fair condition. An AM radio, a vanity pop down glove box lid reveals a hidden mirror, as well as drink holder. An air conditioning unit is present and hanging from the dash in the center. Headliner is soiled and will need work on the slider as well as the passenger area due to some mold forming.

Drivetrain
This 1963 Daytona version of the Wagonaire equipped with a 259.2ci OHV V8, fed by a 2-barrel Stromberg WW6-130 carburetor. A Borg Warner three speed automatic transmission is put into action by a column mounted shifter. Engine shows some corrosion, rust and patina. Air conditioning compressor is there and the unit runs very quietly and smoothly. A 3.21 rear axle finishes off the drivetrain.

Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust underneath, particularly on the rear portion of the undercarriage. Some invasive rust is seen on the rockers, mainly at the rear of the wheel wells upfront. The frame appears to have remained solid; however it has minute cracks starting in various areas and will need attention prior to it becoming a real problem. Body hangers have some additional cracks where they meet the rocker, but again are sound for now. Independent coil spring suspension for the front, leaf springs for the rear, and power drum brakes are noted all around.

Drive-Ability
It starts up, and after a warm up idles smoothly. The transmission shifts smoothly, and it is a nice cruiser. A few complaints from the suspension when going into a curve in the form of creaking. We did not want to spend too much time inside due to the mold on the headliner.

A true “Henstooth” in the rough, this rare version of the 1963 Daytona Wagonaire is in need of the right person to do some work on her, and you will then have a real treasure and piece of automotive history. Looks are deceiving, and the sound of the smooth running engine will prove this statement. Come by Classic Auto Mall, and you may fall in love!

VIN Decode
63V6533
63-1963
V-259ci V8
6533-Sequential Unit Number