INFO GUIDE: 1964 Studebaker Daytona

• Daytona body styles included hardtop, convertible, wagon and sedan.
• 1964 cars were not offered with two-tone paint. The convertible cars were available with either black or white canvas tops.
• “Daytona” cursive badges applied on front fenders.
• A Standard “S” hood ornament with “Studebaker” text in the base was fitted (also applied to Challenger, Commander and Cruiser models)
• Sedans, hardtops and convertibles had “STUDEBAKER” lettering across the trunk lid. This was otherwise only applied to the Cruiser model.
• “STUDEBAKER” lettering on the Wagonaire was part of a broad metal moulding strip between the tail lights on the tailgate. Cursive “Wagonaire” script was applied on the rear lower right tailgate panel.
• The Daytona side moulding strip was the same as the Cruiser. However, the colour pattern applied differed. The Daytona had a wide black stripe down the centre of the moulding, whilst the Cruiser had two thin black stripes on the outer edges.
• V8 Daytona models had checkered flag (V8) badges on the C-pillars. We note there are two types of this badge we've sighted: One with the flags on their own (being Canadian built cars), and the other with the "V8" text integrated (being the South Bend USA built cars).
• With the exception of Avanti powered cars, all V8 models had an “8” parallelogram emblem on the front fenders behind the wheel arch.
• “Jet Thrust” Avanti powered cars had an oval emblem in the same position as the parallelogram emblem. These emblems had a small circled “S” badge in the centre, an “R” to the left, and 1, 2, 3 or 4 to the right (depending on the engine option applied). Outside of the circle (but still within the oval badge) the word “Avanti” appears on the left, or “Supercharged” (for R2 and R3 models) or “Powered” (for R1 or R4 models). Models with the complete super performance package also had a round emblem on the front grille. That round emblem was essentially an enlarged version of the side fender emblems.
• The sedan and Wagon shared a wheelbase of 113 inches.
• The hardtop and convertible shared a wheelbase of 109 inches.
• Rear fender stone shields were optional on the Daytona (but not available on Wagonaire).
• Front and rear bumper over-riders were optional.
• Tinted windows were optional. All windows could be tinted, or just the front windscreen.
• A tailgate step was optional on the Wagonaire.
• Twin tail pipes were optional on V8 cars. The original tail pipes on these cars raise up a bit before turning down just short of the rear bumper. Many cars have had aftermarket systems installed.
• Rear view mirrors were optional (depending on state regulation). Many owners fitted aftermarket mirrors, but the factory option fitted was a round Strato-line mirror.
• Optional lockable fuel cap was available.
• All Daytonas were fitted with 15 inch x 4.5 inch wheels painted white. Forum discussion suggests South Bend cars had their wheels painted “Tusk Ivory”, being a beige / off-white colour. This has less yellow than the Irmine White applied to 1963 and earlier vehicles. The Canadian built cars had a brighter white very close to the Ford Wimbledon White (PPG 8378). Discussion among restorers also suggests that Studebaker only painted the face of the rims (the rear / inside was left in grey from the factory).
• Full width stainless steel hubcaps with “S” badge in the centre and black accents were fitted to all Daytonas unless optioned otherwise.
• Most wheels fitted to the 1964 Daytona were Kelsey Hayes, “double hump” wheels – going by that name due to having a second ridge/ring just outside of the hubcap support bumps. These wheels provided additional clearance to allow for the disc brakes (more clearance between the Crossover Brake line and back of the wheel hub). These wheels were fitted to all 1964 Lark type cars whether or not fitted with discs. Part numbers for this wheel are supposedly 1563413 (South Bend and late 1964 Canadian cars) and 1548804 (early 1964 Canadian cars). However, it is suggested that there were a few South Bend cars fitted with Budd disc brake wheels (as fitted to the later 65/66 Daytona vehicles).
• Standard tyres were a black wall 2-ply (with a 4-ply rating). Extra cost Nylon 4-ply tyres were optional. All tyres were tubeless. White walls could be ordered at extra cost. Wagonaires ordered with a third row seat came with no spare and all captive air tyres.
  • Tyres: 6.5” x 15” on Daytona hardtop and sedan. These models could be ordered at extra cost with 2 or 4-ply 6.7 x 15 tyres.
  • Tyres: 6.7” x 15” standard on Daytona convertible and wagonaire.

The Studebaker Daytona range was available in 10 colours from the factory. The paint colour applied to a vehicle was originally noted on a sticker placed on the under-side of the glovebox lid. Most of those original stickers have of course fallen off over time, and the vehicle’s production order may be necessary to confirm the factory paint colour.

Paint colours applied to the 1964 range were known as “Sapphire Luster” exterior finishes. The following colours and codes were available on the Daytona range, with examples of each provided in the gallery:

• Front seat configurations included full bench seat, split bench seat or separate bucket seats.
• Reclining bucket seats were available on all models prior to 1 January 1964, at extra cost.
• Non-reclining bucket seats were available on all models prior to 1 January 1964. Thereafter, they were only available on the hardtop and convertible as an option.
• If bucket seats were optioned, they came with a small centre storage console.
• A bench seat was available on all models up to 1 January 1964. Thereafter, it was only available on the sedan and Wagonaire.
• Split bench seats were available on all 1964 Daytonas, and were fitted as standard to the Daytona hardtop and convertible.
• The 1964 instrument panel was slightly revised from 1963, with the speedometer in the centre, and optional clock on the right. On “R” powered cars, a tachometer replaced the clock.
• A beauty vanity in the glovebox was standard on the Daytona model.
• Daytonas built in South Bend, Indiana were fitted with a two tone steering wheel. The two tone wheel was white with the car’s optioned trim colour applied to the middle section and horizontal spokes. Colours included blue, brown, green, red or black, to match the vehicle’s respective trim. This type of wheel was fitted to the Cruiser and Daytona models as standard, but was optional on the Challenger and Commander models.
• All models built in Canada after 1 January 1964 were fitted with an all-white steering wheel.
• Air-conditioning (an under dash unit) was optional. However, it was not available on R2 and R3 powered cars.

Daytona convertibles and Wagonaires were only available with full vinyl trim, whilst sedans and hardtops came standard with cloth trim (but could be optioned with vinyl).

The below tables contain the trim codes available on the 1964 Daytona. The relevant codes are specified at item 14 on a vehicle's production order. The code shown next to item 14 will be 3-digits, followed by a two or three letter code.

The first three digits of the code confirm the vehicle's model, colour and the body type, as outlined in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1: Model, colour and body type:

Tables 2 and 3 provide the specific trim codes that follow the 3-digit code next to item 14 on the vehicle's production order.

TABLE 2: 1964 Studebaker Daytona cloth trim option codes:

TABLE 3: 1964 Studebaker Datyona vinyl trim option codes:

Please refer to the images for an example of the trim code as it appears on a vehicle's production order,

In this section of the guide we detail the three standard engine options available in the 1964 Daytona range, including specifications and standard finishes / paint colours applied. For clarity, the "R" type enhanced engines, and engine dress-up kits are covered separately in following section of this guide.

1. 170ci straight six

This engine was available on all Canadian built Daytonas, excluding the hardtop. The US therefore only received 6-cylinder Wagonaires, convertibles and Sedans from 1 January 1964, after production had moved to Hamilton, Ontario. All 1964 Daytonas built at South Bend were V8-powered.

2. 259ci V8

This was the base V8 engine package, available accross the Daytona range. The Studebaker 259 engine is identified by an engine number that starts with "V".

3. 289ci V8

This was the optional V8 engine, available accross the Daytona range. The Studebaker 289 engine is identified by an engine number that starts with "P".

Engine and component finishes / colours:

- The engine block, heads, sump pan, air cleaner, pulleys, power brake booster, power steering unit, electrical components (except alternator) were all finished in matte black.

- Valve covers and auto transmission dipstick handles were painted a pale yellow.

- Fan, oil dipstick handle and valve cover breather cap(s) (with STO decals) were painted orange.

- The AC compressor (if optioned) had a standard cast alloy metal finish.

Engine technical specifications:

The Daytona, along with other vehicles in the Lark range, could be ordered with Jet Thrust engines as an option. The engines were also known as Avanti engines, having been fitted to the Avanti model in 1964. The Jet Thrust engines were only available on South Bend built cars, and therefore, no Jet Thrust cars were produced after 1 January 1964.

There were four Jet Thrust engine options:

1. R1 Jet Thrust engine / 289ci / 240hp;
2. R2 Jet Thrust Supercharged engine / 289ci / 289hp;
3. R3 Super Jet Thrust Supercharged engine / 304.5ci / 335hp (400hp with optional dual valve springs and high output supercharger pulley set); and
4. R4 Super Jet Thrust / 304.5ci / 280hp (fitted with 2 4bbl AFB carbs).

Note, no Daytona was ever factory optioned with the R3 engine.

Identifying an original Jet Thrust optioned car:

The only way to confirm a genuine Jet Thrust car through a vehicle's production order from Newman and Altman:

• Cars fitted with the R1 or R2 engines have a “27” or “28” item number listed on the production order.
• Cars fitted with the Super Performance Package have “r36” or “37” (“37A” for the one R3). The production order numbers are unique to the 1964 year.

The R1 and R2 avanti engines could be ordered on their own, or with the "Super Performance package" outlined below. However, even without the Super Performance Package the R1 and R2 Jet Thrust engined vehicles received the following features as standard:  

• 160mph speedometer
• Heavy duty rear axles;
• Finned brake drums;
• Heavy duty radiator;
• Viscous drive fan;
• Duel exhausts;
• Tachometer;
• Chrome engine parts;
• Rear axle radius rods; and
• Rear stabilizer bar

The Super Performance Package:

The Super Performance package was optional on cars fitted with the R1 and R2 engines, but standard on the R3 and R4 cars. The Super Performance Package added the following features on top of those listed above:

• Twin traction limited slip differential;
• Disc brakes;
• Heavy duty springs;
• Heavy duty shock absorbers;
• Bucket seats;
• Front seat belts;
• 4-ply tyres;
• Floor carpeting (if the car was not optioned with carpets).

The following additional features were available with the R3 and R4 Super Performance Package:

• Flanged rear axles;
• Exhaust headers; and
• Transistor ignition system.

Features: Jet Thrust R1 and R2 engines:

• Chrome valve covers and breather caps, oil dipstick handle.
• Bright metal air cleaner canister and R2 air inlet.
• R2 superchargers were normally orange from the factory, and black when rebuilt by Paxtons.
• Cars with the R1 or R2 engines fitted (without the Super Performance Package) only received side fender "R" emblems fitted.
• Cars with the full Super Performance Package had the side fender "R" emblems plus an oval emblem on the front grille.
• Supercharges on lark type R2 engines were mounted on the top, front-centre of the engine. This was different to the Avanti, where it was mounted on the front right side of the engine. Further, Lark type superchargers were driven by one single broad belt, whilst Avantis were driven by two narrow belts.

Features: Jet Thrust R3 and R4 engines:

• Chrome valve covers and breather caps, oil dipstick handle.
• R3 and R4 engines had a red engine block, pans and heads.
• Early R3 engines are thought to have been painted a darker shade of red, and early superchargers fitted to the R3 were red/orange like the R2. Most production R3 engines were painted a bright red, with blank supercharger.
• Lark type vehicles including the Daytona fitted with Jet Thrust engines never came with ignition shielding, nor the ignition wire guide that was used in Avanti vehicles.

Transmissions:

• If an “R” power package car was ordered, only the “power shift” or 4-speed manual gearboxes were available. See details of the “package cars” below.
• Non “R” package Jet Thrust powered cars were fitted with the heavy duty flightomatic, floor shift power shift automatic, or 4-speed floor shift manual.

Three transmission options were available on the 1964 Studebaker Daytona:

3-speed "Flightomatic" and "Heavy Duty Flightomatic":

This is option code 19 "Flight O Matic". This was available on all three engines (6 cylinder, 259 V8 and 289 V8), and was a 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission with column shift selector. The Heavy Duty Flightomatic had additional cooling lines linked to the radiator for better performance.

3-speed "Power Shift" automatic:

This is option code 20 "Automatic floor shift". The "Power Shift" automatic was a floor shift (T-bar) style automatic (as opposed to the Flightomatic column shift), and was a more performance oriented transmission which was only available on V8 vehicles. The power shift was also a 3-speed Borg-Warner unit (the same as the Flightomatic), but the shift quadrant and valve body are different, and reflect the now standard "P R N D 2 1" shift positions. It also has more clutches and a larger heavy duty front drum. The Power Shift can be manually shifted if desired through the gears and also had additional cooling performance, and like the Heavy Duty Flightomatic has cooling lines linked to the car's radiator. Cars ordered with the power shift transmission also had to be optioned with bucket seats (to allow for the shiften position)

4-speed manual:

This is option code 22 "4 speed floor trans". This was a Borg-Warner T-10 Transmission, and like the "Power shift", the manual was only available on V8 models, but is a relatively scarce option on these cars.

The serial number for a 1964 Studebaker Daytona is stamped into a small metal plate riveted to the left side A-pillar (between the front door hinges).

Serial numbers are divided into first and second series cars. First series cars are those built before 2 January 1964, and the second series are those built from 2 January 1964 onward.

The serial number starting points below for series 1 and 2 cars applied to all 1964 Lark types (not just the Daytona). It is necessary to refer to the vehicle’s body tag (explained below) or its original production order to confirm whether a vehicle is a Daytona.

• Series 1 cars

- US built Series 1 V8s Started at VIN: 64V-1001

- Canadian Series 1 V8s started at VIN: 64VC-1001

- Canadian Series 1 6-cylinders: 64SC-1001

• Series 2 cars (From Jan 2, 1964)

- Canadian Series 2 6-cylinders started at C-100001

- Canadian Series 2 V8s started at C-500001

Body number tag (Series 1 cars):

The number “8” in the body tag designates the vehicle as a Daytona model.

- Daytona sedan = body tag 64V-Y8

- Daytona wagon = body tag 64V-P8

- Daytona hardtop = body tag 64V-J8

- Daytona convertible = body tag 64V-L8

Body number tag (Series 2 cars):

The “64” was also dropped from the model / body identification tag after 1 January 1964. Therefore, the following body codes applied:

- Daytona sedan = body tag V-Y8

- Daytona wagon = body tag V-P8

- Daytona hardtop = body tag V-J8

- Daytona convertible = body tag V-L8

Engine number

Studebaker employed a new engine numbering system for the 1964 year whereby any engine type built on the same day had the exact same engine number.

Engine number locations

1964 Studebaker engine numbers were always stamped into the cast iron engine blocks in the following locations:

• 6-cylinder: Stamped at the top left side front corner of the cylinder block.
• V8: Stamped on the top side front end of the cylinder block (in the middle of the block front edge).

The engine number is made up of between 4 and 5 sets of codes. The meaning of each code is summarised below. Note, the fifth code only appeared on engines destined for export.

Engine number example 1: PCD412 = 289ci V8 built on 12 April 1964.

Engine number example 2: VN3228 = 259ci V8 built 22 December 1963, and the 8th export engine built that day.

Attached in the gallery are a images we've found from numerous sources online of original brochures and documentation relating to the Studebaker Daytona. These images are uploaded for infirmational and educational purposes only, and Classic Register Pty Ltd is not the holder of any intellectual property rights.

A vehicle's original options will be noted on its production order next to the relevant code. Below we have summarised the option codes known for the1964 Studebakers. There are several missing: if anyone has further information on these, please send it through to us. 

• Right Hand Control (Code: 11)
• Metric Speedometer (Code: 12)
• Exterior Colour (Code: 13)
• Interior Upholstery (Code: 14)
• Convertible Top Colour (Code: 15)
• Standard Shift (Code: 17)
• Automatic Column Shift 3-speed - (Non-R engines) (Code: 19)
• Automatic Floor Shift 3-speed (Code: 20)
• Heavy Duty Automatic (Code: 21)
• Manual Transmission (4-speed) (Code: 22 / 22A)
• Air Conditioning (AC 3462 and installation kit) (Code: 25)
• 289ci V8 (Code: 26)
• R1 Engine (Code: 27)
• R2 Engine (Code: 28)
• 4-bbl Carburetor (Code: 30)
• Viscious Fan (Code: 31)
• Duel Exhaust (Code: 33)
• R1 Performance Package (Code: 36)
• R2 Performance Package (Code: 37)
• R3 Performance Package (Code: 37A)
• Power Steering (Code: 38)
• Power Brakes (Code: 39)
• Disc brakes (discs front, finned drums rear) (Code: 40)
• Reclining Bucket Seats (Code; 42)
• Non-reclining Bucket Seats (Code: 44)
• Non-reclining Individual Seats (Code: 45)
• Hideaway Third Seat (Wagon) (Code: 46)
• Left Head Rest (not available with bucket seats) (Code: 47)
• Right Head Rest (not available with bucket seats) (Code: 47A)
• Heavy Duty Shocks (Front and Rear) (Code: 48)
• Heavy Duty Springs (Front and Rear) (Code: 49)
• Whitewall Tires (Code: 51)
• Tire Options (Code: 51A: Firestone Tires or Dunlop Tires)
• Tire Options (Code: 51B: 4 WHT Lifeguard Tires H)
• Tire Options (51C: To be confirmed)
• Tire Option (Code 51D: 650 WHT Firestone 500 NY)
• Tire Option (Code 51E: 650 BLK Firestone 500 NY)
• Electric Rear Window (Wagon) (Code: 54)
• Tinted Glass (all windows) (Code: 56)
• Tinted Glass (windshield only) (Code: 57)
• Padded Sun-visors (Code: 59)
• Climatiser Heater / Defroster (AC3461) (Code: 60)
• Electric Clock (Code: AC3472) (Code: 62)
• Electric Windsheld Washer (AC3394) (COde: 63)
• Fixed Roof Wagon (Code: 64)
• Manual Radio and Cowl Antenna (AC3478) (Code: 65)
• Push B utton Radio and Cowl Antenna (AC3480) (Code: 66)
• AM-FM Radio and Cowl Antenna (AC3501 - Non Wagon) (AC3389 - Wagon) (Code: 67)
• Rear Seat SPeaker (Code: 68)
• Front Bumper Guards (AC3516) (Code: 72)
• Hill Holder (all except automatics) (Code: 74)
• Optional Axle Ratios (Code: 75)
• Heavy Duty Rear Axle (Code: 76)
• Twin Traction (Code: 77)
• Wet Air CLeaner (6-cylinder and all 2-bbl carburetor V8s) (Code: 78)
• Wheel Disc (AC3155) (Code: 79)
• Aero-Strut Wheel Covers (AC3280)
• Luggage Carriers (Wagoin) (AC3364) (Code: 80)
• Front Seat Belts (AC part number depends on colour) (Code: 81)
• Rear Seat Belts (AC part number depends on colour) (Code: 82)
• Tailgate Step (Wagons) (AC3247) (Code: 83)
• Strato-Vue Mirror (AC3180) (Code: 87)
• Stratoline Mirror (AC2918)
• Lark Mirror (AC2985)
• Canadian Mirror (AC2579)
• Service for Retail Delivery (Code: 92)
• Special Instructions (Code: 99)
• Gas Tank Drain Plug (for show cars) (Code: 128)
• Transistor Ignition (R1 and R2 engines) (Code: 196)
• Show Car Quality (Code: 413)
• Vinyl Upholstery (Daytona Sedans and Cruisers)
• Cloth Upholstery
• Engine Block Heater
• Rear Fender Stoine Shield (Non-Wagon AC3338)
• Rocker Panel Bright Molding
• Exhaust Headers (R1 & R2)
• Competition Clutch (R1 & R2)
• Front Fender Splash Guards (Black) (AC3137)
• Licence Plate Frame (AC3284)
• Custom Carpet Protectors (front)
• Custom Carpet Protectors (rear)
• Locking Gas Cap (Except Wagons) (AC3195)
• Locking Gas Cap (Wagons) (AC3415)
• Exhaust Deflector (All except Wagon) (AC3245)
• Rear Door Safety Lock (AC3456)
• Tissue Dispenser and Litter Box (AC3154)
• Tissue Dispenser (Under Dash) (AC3055)
• Car-Go-Pak (Without Luggage Rack) (AC3308)
• Car-G0-Pak (With Luggage Rack) (AC3309)
• Station Wagon Cargo Mat (AC2983)
• Station Wagon Rear Deck Cushion (front) (AC3219)
• Station Wagon Rear Deck Cushion (back) (AC3220)
• Cargo Cover (Wagon) (AC3454)
• Sta-Bar Kit (Wagon) (AC3489)
• Glove Box Light (AC3417)
• Underhood Light (AC3392)
• Trunk Light (AC3198)
• Spotlight (Left) (AC3446)
• Spotlight with Mirror (Left) (ACAC3458)
• Engine Dress-up Kit (Non "R" V8s) (AC3421)
• In-line Gasoline Filter Kit (AC2987)
• Accelerator Wear Pad (AC2029)
• Load Absorber Kit (AC3487)
• Flarestat Safety Signal Light Kit  (AC3508)
• Cigarette Lighter (AC3497)
• Seat Spring Kit (Heavy Duty) (AC3238)
• Visor Vanity Mirror (AC3197)
• Ice Scraper & Squeegee (SP50116)
• Cushion toppers (Various available under different AC part numbers)
• Seat Covers (Front) (Various available under different AC part numbers)
• Seat Covers (Rear) (Various available under different AC part numbers)
• Touch Up Paint Applicator (Various available under different AC part numbers)
• Safety Running Light (AC3522)

• Studebaker Daytona badge Avanti R1: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1964_Studebaker_Daytona_R1_Convertible_(27802583750).jpg
• Figures (production numbers) for Avanti powered cars are courtesy of George Krem.
• John Ernst October 1977 Turning Wheels magazine.
• Other production figures are from the Studebaker Automobile Sales Corporation and serial numbers printed by Studebaker itself.
• Production orders held by Newman & Altman
• Studebaker Driver's Club Forum
• Indibvidual Studebaker vehicles added to classicregister.com