I've not been tempted to buy another car for some time - currently trying to finish off existing projects, but this one is testing my patience. The Daytona hardtop is at the top of my list of early US muscle cars, and this one claims to have been in storage since 1973 - and most importantly has very limited rust. The sills, doors and firewall all look very solid for a 64.. The seller also noted at the time that the engine turns by hand (i.e. is not ceased), so potentially it wouldn't be the most expensive project to get on the road - but still you'd be putting around $5,000 into it for roadworthy I think. It's fitted with the larger capacity 289 Studebaker made V8 engine, and Dana 44 rear end (the heavy duty drive train factory option!).
At the time this was advertised, the car was asking $9,000 USD. To be honest, for the condition of the car I think it's a bit steep, but not entirely unreasonable. The issue is that there's a very limited market for these cars - not many people that are like me out there I guess - or those that are have too many projects already.
If It was me, I'd focus on getting it running/driving, and doing a cheap patina clear coat over the faded burgundy, and get it out there - the rest can be done on the run.
Great opportunity for someone to step into a very rare Studebaker. This is one of 1,757 hardtops that came out of the South Bend factory in Indiana - before production went to Canada. In total, there were just 2,414 Daytona hardtops built for the 64 model year.. Despite the body style continuing until 1966, the hardtop body was never again produced.. Instead, later Daytona 2-door vehicles used the Commander 2-door body (with B-pillar). In my view, this makes the hardtop design all that more desirable.
So good to get another Daytona hardtop on the register. See the original listing here on Ebay USA.
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