West Coast Classics are proud to present this rare 1964 Studebaker Cruiser which was the top-of-the-line four-door luxury sedan for Studebaker and produced during a historic and eventually tragic turning point for the Studebaker Corporation.
This particular example was one of the very last Canadian cars built in August of 1964 with Studebaker engines and with this having the optional 280/210HP V8 engine.
Studebaker was the exclusive, authorized U.S. importer and distributor for Mercedes-Benz and this particular example was reportedly sold new to a Mercedes-Benz executive who ordered the car fully loaded in 1964. In 1957, Daimler-Benz (Mercedes-Benz) lacked a strong, nationwide dealer network in the United States and struck a deal with Studebaker-Packard which granted the American automaker the exclusive rights to import, distribute, and sell Mercedes-Benz automobiles in the U.S. The partnership successfully grew Mercedes-Benz's struggling U.S. presence into a robust brand and many Studebaker-Packard dealerships across the country added Mercedes-Benz vehicles to their showrooms prior to Mercedes buying themselves out of their Studebaker contract prior to Studebaker ceasing all automobile manufacturing in March 1966.
The car is virtually all original with one repaint and with its original heat seam seats interior, which refers to a factory manufacturing process where vinyl upholstery layers were fused together using high-frequency radio waves. Instead of traditional thread stitching, this heat-sealing method created the classic pleated, ribbed, or textured patterns on the center inserts of the car's seats and door panels and which featured a fold-down center armrest in the rear seat, which could be optioned with a pull-out vanity mirror and tissue dispense, its original radio and clock, all still working!
The car has a new fan clutch for advanced engine cooling, but otherwise is mostly all original under the hood except for an Edelbrock air filter.
The 1964 Studebaker Cruiser utilized a Dana 44 rear axle, and Studebakers official marketing term for a limited-slip or positraction differential was Twin Traction. This system used a limited-slip differential to distribute torque to both rear wheels, preventing one wheel from spinning freely in slippery conditions.
It has rare original Studebaker fog lights, its Borg Warner 3 Speed Automatic transmission, new tires, the Bendix front disc brakes have been upgraded to Turner front disc brakes and new rear drum brakes.
Marketed as "America's First and Only Limousette", it was designed by legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens to offer premium, European-style luxury in a compact package
The 1964 model year is highly significant to collectors because it marked the absolute final year of Studebaker's production within the United States.
On December 9, 1963, the company abruptly closed its historic South Bend, Indiana assembly plant, moving remaining operations to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada where this particular example was built.
Body Style:
4-door sedan only
Standard Engine:
259 cubic-inch V8 (Optional 289 V8 as per this particular example)
Transmission:
3-speed manual, overdrive, or Flight-O-Matic automatic
Wheelbase:
113 inches (longer than the standard 109-inch Lark chassis)
Exterior Design:
Brooks Stevens completely updated the car with a modern, squared-off silhouette, a wide aluminum grille, massive chrome bumpers, and full-length body trim lines.
The "Limousette" Treatment:
To match its premium marketing, the interior came standard with heavily cushioned, reclining cloth-and-vinyl seats, rich carpeting, rear-seat fold-down armrests, and extra rear legroom due to the extended wheelbase.
Collector Value and Market Status:
The 1964 Cruiser is considered a rare, entry-level collectible. While it lacks the mainstream popularity of muscle cars from that year, it has a dedicated following due to its high build quality and historical rarity.
