1963 Studebaker Wagonaire, the wagon with the sliding steel roof 

[@ahoorakia]

stoked by Beach Boys

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah buddy congratulations you got it, =)

[@lylestrickland-di8ls]

@@What.its.like.

[@BillofRights1951]

I grew up with neighbors who had a fully loaded seafoam green wagonaire, including factory air (which was a hang on unit as a factory option and stone cold). It had the 3-speed stick with the V-8 which was very peppy...the mom in that family was an aggressive driver...I also remember that engine being very smooth. We loved to slide open the roof and all sit on the flat floor with the back seat folded down....the wind whipping and all of us laughing as we slid around on the slick surface and the mom's driving treating us to lots of G-forces. Was it safe? NO. But no one cared....such breezy, happy days back then. I miss that time.

[@What.its.like.]

Great story thank you so much for sharing that awesome memory there’s way too much regulation now, And honestly in my opinion it’s really put a damper on fun/ idk I was born way too late

[@bruce8429]

Lots more people and kids died back then but most of the ones not in accidents lived. Too many people who want to return to it must hate others and their kids.

[@Ourlittleredfarmhouse]

⁠@@bruce8429I grew up in a time where there were no seatbelts, no car seats, no regulations. We piled into the back of the pickup truck with the dog and headed to the lake for the day, we had so much fun and no one died. We all learned to drive a truck in the hayfield before the age of 10, we took turns driving and throwing bales onto the truck and trailer, no one died. We also learned to drive farm tractors before the age of 10, no one died. As kids we also learned to drive a motor boat, no one died. As kids we were also taught to safely handle firearms and we chomped at the bit to go shooting for a few hours, no one died. We also learned to drive mini-bikes and motorcycles before we were teenagers, no one died. My mother rode horses while pregnant with me; then after I was born she swaddled me, strapped me to her chest and saddled up, no one died. My point is that nothing in this life is guaranteed. Our time here is fleeting, stop being afraid of dying and start living, enjoy it, time is short. And folks who want to return to a simpler and more peaceful time do not hate kids, we love kids, we want them to grow up like we did, free, without a care in the world, no fear. So please stop regulating everything, you’ll never make everything safe…someone long ago once said those who give up freedom for safety will lose both their freedom and their safety…I’m paraphrasing but you get my drift.😉

[@1955canuck]

@@Ourlittleredfarmhouse "...no one died." YOU didn't, but plenty weren't so lucky. Rules and regulations have often unfortunately, been written in blood.

[@bruce8429]

@@Ourlittleredfarmhouse I lived then too! Too many kids are glorifying the past. We had loads and loads of bad things too. Kids thus not enjoyings today. It wasn't a time of "booming greatness" in the past. Enjoy today while you have it. Carpe Diem. Barbra Streisand ....memories light the

[@henrytowne7463]

My mother had the v8 63 Wagonaire. We used it for annual spring-break trips for western ny to/from fl keys, snowmobile hauling, go-kart hauling, and ski jaunts et al. It was a great workhorse.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that great memory

[@andrewnelson3751]

Brook Steven's designed the Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounge Car, an instant classic!

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha yes it was =)

[@andy41417]

Mirror looks like clip on aftermarket. Chrome gas cap would be nice. Overdrive would up MPG. Independents sourced maintenance parts from the big 3. Delco, Motorcraft/Autolite and Chrysler/Mopar. Matchbox made a model of wagon.

[@1936Studebaker]

In Australia the police used the 63- 64 V8 Larks as pursuit cars. Ford or Holden didn't start putting V8 in their home grown models until the 1967 XR Ford Falcon that came with a 289 and the 1968 Holden HK Kingswood with a 307 Chev.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information =)

[@mikevale3620]

Chrysler in Australia was first with the 273 V8 Valiant in 1965.

[@ronkemperful]

Our neighbor had a faded green-metallic Lark. A school teacher, he would hop in that car daily to drive to his high school job for many years in the 1970s and 80s. One day a stray cat was sleeping under the hood of his Lark and when he started, he was startled by a loud MEOW from the engine compartment. The cat scurried out, partially mangled by the mechanicals.

[@What.its.like.]

Wow dad would tell stories like that cats and rabbits mice would sleep in felt shroud.

[@NickTwisp80]

My teenage embarrassment circa 1968----getting a ride to high school with my best friend who was allowed to drive the family Studebaker similar to this. We parked down the street from the school to avoid being seen in it.

[@zelphx]

I would be soooooo PROUD to have one (my g'pa was a 'Stude dealer in the '50s/early '60s).

[@What.its.like.]

I would have embraced it =) studebaker made some cool cars

[@uptoolate2793]

​@@zelphx you serious? I've got a 63 Daytona wagonaire v8 automatic sitting in the carport. The body and frame have never seen salted roads or snow. But the car needs everything else. Make me an offer.

[@slicksnewonenow]

@@uptoolate2793 howzabout $27.50? CASH ON THE BARREL HEAD!😁

[@classic287]

Homliest car ever built

[@davevan8864]

I grew up in a 63 Lark Wagon. Dad bought it from Andy Granatelli of STP. Andy owned a lot of Studebaker stock and they sent him cars in place of dividends. We were allowed to STAND UP in the rear of the wagon while we drove around So Cal!!!! When Dad traded it in 1969 (after 3 cross country trips) he said it was parts fear that made him trade it in. A GREAT car with tons of memories in it. thx

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much for sharing some of those memories with us =)

[@agostinodibella9939]

I remember the 2004-5 GMC Envoy XUV that used this idea for the roof. A cool idea that didn’t last very long.

[@danr1920]

Back when cars came in colors. Lots of colors.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah I miss that I remember in the 90s going to big lots for floor mats and they sold all different colors maroon blue green cream black white Now tan black or gray

[@davidmccaffery7977]

Way ahead of the times... their lineup had it all covered... excellent videos! Great ownership history 👌. The sliding roof is brilliant, could be made water tight..all the wagon choices are winners, I'd prefer the Baker.

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this video =) Sliding roof was definitely different

[@Hjerte_Verke]

That's a useful feature I'd love to see in the modern age (sliding roof), as a full size station wagon is a great hauler and practical in every way. I used to think station wagons were totally uncool, not anymore however.

[@tigre7739]

I think it has a simplistic utilitarian design, which I can appreciate. I think the Ambassador has a nice look to it, that would be my pick. I imagine all the buildings there hold equally beautiful auto treasures, so any would be great!

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices yeah there isn’t a bad building up there just summer better than others they have a pedal car collection but I didn’t get to go in that building either I just ran out of time

[@johnnyhawk329]

My older brother had one of these back in the late 60s. I remember helping him haul a refrigerator in it. What a cool car.

[@What.its.like.]

Great story awesome memory =) I saw the ads with a refrigerator in the rear I would be afraid that it would go through the floor floorboards had to of been really solid in that car

[@johnnyhawk329]

@@What.its.like. I remember sitting in the cargo area to help hold the fridge. His wife hit another car in a wreck with the Studebaker. Not with the fridge in the back. Almost destroyed the other car. Not much damage on the Studebaker. That car had some tough metal. My dad had a 1950 Studebaker Lark back in the early 60s. He paid 40 dollars for it and it ran good. I remember the starter button was under the gas pedal. You had to push the gas pedal all the way down to activate the starter. Good memories. Thanks for posting that video. I loved it.

[@What.its.like.]

Good to know the starter was on the gas pedal Buick did something similar in the 50s Glad you dig this video =) Thank you so much for sharing those memories I was reading that back and I thought you got a car accident while you were back in the rear with the refrigerator and I was like all man.. glad you wasn’t

[@Radiowild]

That"s a rare ride. I thought these would be a game changer for the sliding roof (to handle tall loads), but did not catch on. Had a friend that had a 61(?)Daytona rag top. By the end of 64, Studes were pretty much done.

[@What.its.like.]

Crazy thing is if they tried selling something like that now it wouldn’t happen because of regulation but if they did that would be a huge hit I would think This Studebaker wagon was as plain Jane as they came didn’t have a single option

[@seed_drill7135]

@@What.its.like. GMC offered it on the Envoy 20 years ago, but it didn't sell well for them

[@What.its.like.]

Interesting 🤔

[@ajaxa9]

general Motors never learns. It had the exact same leak problem@@seed_drill7135

[@jeanblosberg5218]

​@@What.its.like. p p ppm m

[@hammersandnails1458]

The Ambassador wagon is very nice looking like most Ambassadors, except the '74.

[@classic287]

Ramblers were pulled out of the woodwork with no money...

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

We had a few Studebaker's in the family, My brother had a 1960 lark convertible it was red with a white softop. My sister had a couple of Hawks the best was a Golden Hawk with a factory Packard V8, it was really fast and fun. Now my brother is deceased,and my sister and I are in our 70's. Crazy all these years have gone by, great memories. Thankyou for the video.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing those memories glad you dig this video Studebaker golden hawk is an awesome car 56 was the only year and the only car that studebaker used packard V8

[@uptoolate2793]

Ive got one of these sitting in the carport collecting dust. Anyone want it? Its the Daytona wagonaire V8 automatic. Its never seen snow or road salt but it needs everything else.

[@platinumuschannel]

When I was a kid I spent a lot of time at a babysitter's house for years, even through the summer. Growing up there was an orange wagon with a white top on it that was always sitting in the backyard of their neighbor's house. My dad knew cars from those days at the drop of a hat, and after a few years I asked him what it was. He said it was a Studebaker, and he said it proudly. Now I know it was a Wagonaire.

[@glynluff2595]

Sitting in the U.K. I still want one! Yes I know a hole in a car roof always leaks but I think this is one of life’s desirable vehicles for practicable people.

[@What.its.like.]

Hello from Western Pennsylvania, these were pretty cool =)

[@STEVE33437]

Studebaker tried to imitate the Mercedes look as they sold Mercedes through the Studebaker Packard dealer network.

[@THEScottCampbell]

The '63 resembles the 1960 Valiant, both in the grille and headlight pods.

[@colkelley]

Ours was white, V8, auto with air and power steering. Bought in California and in 1975 my father sold it to a member of a Studebaker club for $500...and it was running, had a perfect interior and I had repainted it.

[@toddp5026]

One of the few station wagons I’ve ever liked. If I were alive in the early 60’s and in the market for an automobile I would buy one!

[@What.its.like.]

These are sweet =)

[@inkey2]

The chevy nova wagons...like the 1965s were very similar

[@tedium37]

I love these, even if they weren't cool or popular. Not a fan of convertibles but a big sliding roof just does it for me. I like these and Bugs with the California top. Targas and T-tops are also pretty sweet.

[@Porsche996driver]

3:13 Looks like a Benz!

[@shoutingatclouds1050]

Probably the coolest car you have reviewed. This wagon looks as fun as my 1988 4Runner with the soft top and the dogs hanging their tongues out the side.

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@arailway8809]

Thanks. I really don't remember this vehicle. The Studebaker dealer had a Hawk on the show room floor and that was about it. I do remember the Avanti, a car of great beauty. We actually had a '63 Chevy Nova station wagon with a V-8.

[@luisvelasco316]

Studebaker. Franklin. As noted below, the GMC Envoy XUV of 2004 and 2005 was an SUV with a power sliding rear roof, a midgate behind the second seat separating the passenger area from the cargo area. The midgate had a power retractable window and would fold flat forward, and a tailgate which had a power window and would open down like a pickup or to the side like a late 60's Ford station wagon. Though they could leak, the cargo area was equipped with drains so it could actually be hosed out. Main problem with these is the multiple electric motors for the windows and the roof panel, which weren't shared with the other Envoys, Trailblazers, or Bravadas.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices thank you so much I didn’t know that car existed. I’m not up on my 2000 era cars the irony is I was in high school then but I didn’t like anything from that time period. Except maybe the Ford GT

[@kennypool]

My neighbor had the 63 Lark with the small engine. I was 6 years old, and I remember Dominic always asking, do you think we're a gonna make it uppa da hill.

[@What.its.like.]

Great memory =) thank you so much for sharing that story the featured car for tomorrow 1989 Land Rover that thing was like driving a tractor the owner even said it’s like a tractor is absolutely incredible with those things are going for beings they only go 50 miles an hour. It was like driving a top-heavy Karman Ghia I guess soon as you got to the hill there was no power. None The owner of this one said it might go 70 but it would not be happy at that speed long-term

[@billolsen4360]

Another car review from you I've been hoping for! 7:25 Studebaker was the US distributor for Mercedes Benz at the time this car was produced. WYR -1- Rambler -2- Expensive building.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices one vote for the expensive building. Glad you dig this episode =) Gilmore has a cruise in every Wednesday night and they get huge crowds. 500-1000 cars I shot a white whale while I was up there even whiter than this. 1972 checker marathon 50th anniversary station wagon The owner said that he only knows of 66 marathon wagons registered and he only knows of one50th anniversary edition which is his.. it was cool that will be next week sometime

[@AMCmachine]

Informative and entertaining video. We have actually have a Lark two-door in my extended family. As a trivia note, I think America's oldest surviving vehicle producer is now Autocar truck company. 🚚🚚🚛🚛 Founded in 1897.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you for sharing that I also forget auto car the mostly do commercial trucks now, glad you dig this video Where are you located 2 door lark wagons are rare

[@AMCmachine]

@@What.its.like. Oh sorry, I was unclear, I meant that someone close to our family has a 2-door coupe. It was a factory straight six but he had a Stude V8 swapped in. Very sweet car!

[@What.its.like.]

If they are up for it I would be up to reviewing that if you’re on the east coast of the United States I’m located in Western Pennsylvania I’ll go to Ohio Michigan New York West Virginia Virginia I’m going to Connecticut sometime this year New Jersey any of those states. Indiana I’ll make a post about it I’m always looking for cars to review

[@char1737]

For 2004 and 2005, GMC offered the five-passenger Envoy XUV retractable-roof vehicle. Similar in concept to the 2001 GMC Terracross (a mid-size SUV concept), the Envoy XUV modernized the retractable roof like 1960s Studebaker Wagonaire.

[@ahoytheremate1954]

that 64 Daytona wagon air in white was exactly the same as mine in right hand drive for Aussie.I drove it to work to my artillery regt and back for 2 years a great car

[@flashesofblack4128]

This offering is really beautiful despite seemingly a bit utilitarian. My dad had an old Bullet nose Studebaker with that wrap around rear window. We had it as a second car. I loved that old thing. It was not very fast but faithful and always ran very well. This was back in the 50's. Its too bad that Studebaker died. I think they just could not complete with the big three. When you mentioned parts availability, years ago I lived in Hawaii. I was a Western Union motorcycle messenger. I rode a Suzuki TS-250 to deliver telegrams on Oahu. I heard that Suzuki was leaving Hawaii. Knowing that I could not get parts much longer for my route bike, I sold that bike as fast as I could. I bought a Honda Super 90 for my messenger work.

[@What.its.like.]

Great story and information how did the Honda run for you give me the nicest people on a Honda =)

[@CB-fn3me]

Boy were they wrong. There are still plenty of NOS Studebaker spare part available. Studebaker is one of the easiest of all classic car brands to find spare parts for.

[@zelphx]

That Wagonaire is gorgeous, though "plain". I just sighed in real life.🤤

[@What.its.like.]

This one was the basement model no options

[@zelphx]

@@What.its.like. My wife said she married the "basement model", and is happy. HOWEVER... I think she could have done MUCH better, maybe a doctor rather than a HS teacher. 😉

[@JamesAllmond]

63 63 Stude Franklin Building! Song, wow, got me, some beach related band from the 60's...

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices one vote for the Franklin building Perhaps 🤔

[@danatmatchvox]

such a brilliant car...i even had it as a matchbox....marvellous!

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =) I want to find a Daytona version

[@goldenboy5500]

My pick would be the Rambler, they were so underrated fabulous trouble free cars my aunt had the classic 770 I went all over the place with her in that car

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree =) drastically underrated AMC in general underrated company

[@lanedexter6303]

Interesting! From a rear quartering angle you do see the similarity to the Wagoneer. This reminds me of the sliding roof GMC Envoy, which also leaked. Studebaker was there first. Another interesting comparison would be a 1974 International Wagonmaster vs Chevy Avalanche. This Stude looks like fun. Takes me back. My grandparents had a Stidebaker. Dad took me camping in his 1950 Plymouth wagon; he made his own “galley” camping box for the car. I miss family station wagons.👍

[@glennso47]

Modern cars with sun roofs also leak when the car ages.

[@glennso47]

If you found a tall item you could “stick it!” 😏

[@JeffDeWitt]

GMC studied the Wagonair, they talked to owners and bought copies of the service manual.

[@lanedexter6303]

@@JeffDeWitt now that is interesting.

[@ernielaw]

No coincidence that the Wagonaire and Wagoneer were introduced the same year, 1963.

[@winstonelston5743]

The last Studebaker built in the Hamilton plant was a green '66 Daytona Wagonaire with the 230 cubic inch McKinnon six and very nicely equipped.

[@TheFirstGhirn]

My 63 lark is patiently waiting for me to get back to it. I bought it in 85 or so and drove it as a daily driver for a couple of years. Solid car, still can get a lot of parts for it, and have all I need to do a restoration. Soon...

[@What.its.like.]

Is your lark a wagon or what body style? What engine do you have in yours =)

[@jaygee4345]

The idea was rehashed on the GMC Envoy XUV in the mid 00's, but it also leaked.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much I’ll have to look that up I didn’t know that they had another go at this concept =) I got the pros and cons of a book but the book was published in 2000..

[@Narrowgaugefilms]

What I love about cars this old is when you hear a door slam or a window being cranked, you can hear how substantially everything was built! Yes, this is a station wagon, and a passenger car, but it definitely has the feeling of really being a light truck and meant to do real work. It's also the simplicity of it that makes it so durable: people 60 years from today that want to restore a 2023 car will have a tough time getting it all to work correctly (-assuming they can even get gas then). I just did an update on a 2017 CR-V's GPS and was told it was the last time an update would be available: in 2077 that display will be blank and dark!

[@What.its.like.]

I totally agree the sad thing is his kids nowadays have no idea what quality feels like.

[@ltwig476]

When they open a car door of an old car in a video like that, I can instantly smell that original interior car smell. Can't really smell it. Rather the mind does some how. So cool. Yeah, I love the simplicity of my 1993 Chevy Cheyenne WT. The crank windows and all. I rebuilt the entire front end for $120 in parts last week. There is nothing that I can't easily replace or repair. Love my 2022 Subie Forester though. Reminds me of those old Wagonairs. Lots of window space to enjoy the country side. Practically drives itself and is extremely safe. But I know I can't keep it for long. Repairs will be insane money for all the tech on these things.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid, very cool!!!! 👍👍

[@mr50sagain55]

Great video!...Studebaker company history…yes!!...1963 lineup…yes!!!...Wagonaire with sliding roof…yes!!!!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you dig this episode =) great choices

[@tristankelsey1746]

I wish they still made station wagons and I really miss the full width one piece bench seats. So much more comfortable and pleasant to sit on than modern rock hard bucket seats with all their stupid bolstering. You gotta love the purity and simplicity of classic cars

[@What.its.like.]

I agree not everything has to have sport seats I mean Honda Odyssey minivan has sport seats it’s a van it’s meant to haul stuff and people not cradle you in there like it’s some sort of super hyper car that you’re gonna go take it to the track and beat everybody with.. They should bring back the bench seat I know why they don’t it’s for safety reasons the sport seats hold you in the seat and they’re safer

[@artfuldoj4005]

That's why I saw quite a few Lark sedans here in Australia when I was a kid - they had an assembly plant here - never new that. I owned a Wagonaire with a transparent blue sliding roof when I was about seven years old - it was about 3 inches long, came in a cardboard box and cost 35 cents (which is incredibly expensive in todays money). Never seen a real one tho (they obviously weren't sold here).

[@jacktegel3953]

My parents owned a 1964 Studebaker Challenger that they bought used, specifically for the purpose of making sure my older sister and I would learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission.

[@What.its.like.]

Great story thank you so much for sharing that awesome memory with us =)

[@glennso47]

Seems to me that in the past there was a brand of cigarettes called “Lark”

[@matchboxcustomsandrestos]

I was born and raised in northern Indiana. LaPorte county mostly. 1 county over from St.Joe county where Studebaker was. I dont know about the rest of the country or world...but, you couldnt throw and rock and not hit a Studebaker sitting somewhere. Even up into the 80s. Parts were everywhere. And the 60s Studebakers....well...if you wanted one...someone somewhere would be glad to give you one.

[@toddbonin6926]

I loved this video. I’ve always wanted to see a Wagonaire in person, but never have. Bad thing about the leaking. Back seat looked very roomy for a smaller car. Scenario 1: The AMC Ambassador Cross Country. Prettiest wagons of the 60s. Scenario 2: Any choice at the museum will thrill me. I would love to visit it someday. Thanks for another great video!!!

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you got something out of this video glad you dig Great choices the pierce arrow won I’m going to post that episode tomorrow I had a lot going on today more more stuff than I thought I would

[@jjtrucker5950]

I had a 1967 Ambassador 990 cross country wagon with the 343 4bbl back in 1980. I still miss it today.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

The Ambassador.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@neildickson5394]

Studebaker Wagonaire and Pierce-Arrow. Two luxury connections here, Mercedes-Benz, Studebaker's sales partner from 1957 to 1964. And, Studebaker owned Pierce-Arrow. This is one of the most significant wagon designs of all time. I've always wanted one. Built from 1963 to 1966, tho the 64 to 66 were not called a Lark. Except the short lived 64 Lark Challenger. All that leaking nonsense started when GM failed to revive the concept with the Envoy. Just don't drive it in the darn rain! Those taillights were way ahead of their time placed high like that. Commonplace today. These cars were popular with film companies who could perch their tall cameras in back and film moving or standing still. A Daytona could be very luxurious, and vaguely European with AC, AM FM, Headrests, split reclining seats, or buckets with floor shift . Studebaker was making around 250 million a year in those days from all their divisions, but refused to save the auto division, so they allowed a slow sad death.

[@What.its.like.]

There was a bunch of tie into this episode like little Easter eggs pierce arrow museum was an Easter egg so was the Mercedes-Benz tired because they did sell Mercedes-Benz. And Brooke Stevens designing both the Wagonaire and the wagoneer later on.. Both rears look very similar

[@michaeldemarco9950]

The greenhouse area looks exactly like my Wagoneer.

[@skvltdmedia]

Just imagine if in 2023 we could possibly get something like this for just 25k......vs all the disposable plastic 4-bangers with sad boost.

[@What.its.like.]

I know right everything is plastic fantasy and costs more then steel..

[@CJColvin]

Had both Studebaker and Packard merged together with Hudson and Nash along with Kaiser and Jeep than not only Studebaker would be doing very but so would other AMC Divisions and Studebaker would've definitely been the performance division for AMC.

[@What.its.like.]

I so wish they would have gone that route or if packard merged with Pierce arrow and peerless then you’d have the three Ps of prestige under one roof

[@LynxStarAuto]

The thing is all throughout automotive history, those mergers rarely ever work. All the independents died off, and the big 3 survived by shrinking their footprint, not adding to it. Today, a similar merger has happened (Stellantis). The jury is still out on its success.

[@CJColvin]

@LynxStarAuto Maybe Ford could've bought both Studebaker and Packard and used em as divisions like Studebaker would be above Ford but below Mercury (to compete with Pontiac) while Packard would be above Mercury but below Lincoln (to compete with Buick) so that Ford can focus on Chevrolet, Mercury can focus on Oldsmobile, and Lincoln can focus on Cadillac.

[@nsidor1234]

Always an innovator, Studebaker was ahead of the big three. Twin Traction rear axle, standard front disc brakes etc... Sabotaged by poor management and too much diversification. They are still known for their bulletproof drivetrains and reliable service. The Wagonaire in particular, was amazingly innovative for its day. GM even copied the design with their XUV Trailblazer. Thanks again for the channel. Your thorough research is greatly appreciated... Also, Studie dealers were the exclusive distributor for Mercedes Benz in North America so the resemblance was no accident.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for digging the channel I really appreciate the positive vibes =) I was just talking to somebody yesterday about that today’s episode is going to be on a 1957 Hudson hornet but not just any Hudson hornet the very last Hudson hornet ever made.. and it’s absolutely incredible all of the work that the independents put in.. like think about it in the early 50s Ford offered one car and they trimmed it out differently in different body styles and what have you Nash offered three or four different cars.. Metropolitan came and 54 and added another Packard had 50 different models at one point across four different makes 115c 120 super 8 12. All the innovation that they did like Studebaker was the first to come up with a door master brake cylinder the big three just waited for all of that technology to be produced and then they just came and took it.. it’s really sad there’s only one US auto maker that still independent and that’s Tesla.. all the rest are huge conglomerations

[@nsidor1234]

Alot of Studebaker guys & gals believe management may have purposely sabotaged The automotive division of Studebaker on behalf of the 'Big three'...

[@phantomforester9337]

I prefer the '63's dash. I also would go for the Rambler station wagon--they did them well, plus they occupied a unique social niche--no one wanted to steal them, or vandalize them, or ticket them. That was the car in which to barrel through the night at 80mph. I assume it's too late, but I'd prefer the expensive room.

[@What.its.like.]

Great story thank you so much for sharing that memory

[@CJColvin]

I would also Imagine what would Studebaker and Packard looked like had Ford bought both of em in 1954 instead of creating the Edsel brand and Continental brands in 1958?

[@What.its.like.]

That’s a interesting take

[@CJColvin]

@What it’s like I would imagine Ford using Studebaker as a performance division to take on Pontiac and Ford using Packard to take on Buick so that Ford can take on Chevrolet, Mercury can take on Oldsmobile, and Lincoln can take on Cadillac. Also the dealership names would Studebaker-Ford dealership and Lincoln-Packard-Mercury dealership.

[@hughwalker5628]

The Daytona Wagonaire has been on my 'list of cars I'd love to own' gor decades. Rare as hen's teeth, I guess.

[@What.its.like.]

I honestly have never seen a Daytona version of the wagonaire this is the first steel retractable roof wagon that I’ve ever seen in person..

[@hughwalker5628]

@@What.its.like. The 1964 London Motor Show car was recently sold here in the UK. I'd no idea it was even here. If I had, I'd certainly have been interested. I don't know what it went for.

[@jasonnaimie5465]

This a hard one, given the money i would get the both the Studebaker and the AMC. truly a great video.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices glad you dig this video =)

[@NN-sj9fg]

The purchase of Packard was the nail in the coffin.

[@What.its.like.]

Contrary to popular belief Packard actually took over Studebaker

[@davidpancerev9658]

The "Skybolt" Six allegedly had valve-seat cracking issues.

[@What.its.like.]

Great to know =)

[@michaelabernathy7013]

Skybolt OHV 6 was a conversion from the old Champion side valve (flathead) engine. They had a tendency to blow head gaskets too.

[@winstonelston5743]

Some collectors consider the '62 and '63 to be very similar, but the '62 was a reworking of the '61 models, with a new front and rear clip. Remember, Stevens came on board in January of '61 and they had to have the cars ready for production by August in order to have cars in the showroom by October. Also, remember, Stevens said that the total budget for the '62 and'63 restyles was less than the budget to change the door handles on a Plymouth. The more extensive redesign of the passenger cabin and greenhouse came in for 1963, with slimmer roof pillars, a flatter windshield and rear windows, revision of the year-old front and rear fenders, and the Wagonaire replacing the 1950s gate and transom cargo bay. Then all new exterior panels again for the '64-'65 models, and the Marcks-Hazelquist-Powers modifications to the Stevens design for the final year in 1966. I've said before and I'll say again, Stevens was quite the magician with his designs, pulling very frisky rabbits out of very shabby hats. On the whole and given the choice, I would prefer the '63 model. They still had real character, but the '64-'66 models just look generic to me.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Jay!: I don't know what to say!! I looked at TWO Studebaker station wagons a few years ago in a neighboring city. The first was one of those last few Studes made in the South Bend plant a 1964. It had the non sliding roof and V-8 engine. I nearly bought that one but the car dealer would not let me test drive the thing before I handed him a check for it!! So, I walked away, I wanted that thing bad, too! I believe there was some mechanical issue with it, and it was on that car lot for quite a while. Later on I saw it at a local car show with a hideous teal paint scheme (it was just like the white one in your bottom photo at the beginning) and had decals in the rear windows for an ambulance!! The second one was one of the last Studes made in Canada for 1966. I actually got to drive that one. It had the Chevy six from the factory and was three on the tree. My mother was with me when we set out and the first time I put on the brakes it almost turned into the local drive in movie!! It stopped ok, but it pulled like a son of a gun. SHOULD have bought that one, but passed. It too was white with a fixed roof. WYR#1 is EASY! I STILL would like to have one of the Stude wagons! #2, I don't care! They are ALL COOL!!

[@What.its.like.]

That’s crazy they wouldn’t let test drive the car before purchase that’s a huge red flag 🚩. Great memory thank you so much for sharing that story

[@8176morgan]

I believe that 1963 Lark Wagonaire become the Daytona Wagonaire the following year which had a distinctive new grille that appeared on all the new Daytona models for that year.

[@winstonelston5743]

7:36 Note the joint between the grille shell front panel and the front fenders. That dates back to the '59 Larks. Studebaker designers hit upon that detail as being both attractive and reducing tooling costs by eliminating one of the jigs that would be needed to hold the front fenders in position for assembly.

[@draggonsgate]

1) Studebaker 2) Late to the party, so no vote... What a versatile vehicle! I can so see this being a real good workhorse for someone, but also can be used to haul the family around. It is kinda fugly, but in an adorable way, reminds me of a early generation Aztek with fugly looks and versatility.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s definitely acquired taste but I think it looks better than the Pontiac Aztec that was an ugly vehicle ugly vehicle says conception I remember I was in high school when that car came out and people were just like oh that’s so cool and I was like are we looking at the same thing... so much plastic

[@draggonsgate]

@@What.its.like. LOL... I know! But... I had an AWD model, and lemme tell ya... would go thru anything, flip up the hatch, down the tailgate and pull the rear seats out, I could put my Honda Shadow in it... great for camping too... sadly, car mechanically was a rolling piece of poo... never ending issues... mostly electronic/computer...

[@larryfeeks6620]

Very cool Wagonaire!

[@middleclassretiree]

I’ll take the ambassador wagon and drive it to the pierce arrow building thank you very much jay

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =) One vote for Pierce arrow

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

This is a really cool car. The vanity station and door cards appear more upmarket than a vinyl floor would warrant, and that sliding roof is unique and, dare I say, over the top! It's a shame they leaked, because like all things Studebaker, it's wonderfully quirky. Is it just me, or would those headlights look right at home on the first generation Corvair? WYR: #1 The Ambassador. Although I like all three, the Rambler is top of the line and bulletproof. #2 The expensive room! Will there be champagne?

[@What.its.like.]

Haha totally agree great choice Pierce arrow Won it’s coming very soon

[@rickloera9468]

Great video. Ypur song to guess should have been December 1963 Oh What a Night by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Only because Studebaker closed the South Bend plant in December 1963.

[@What.its.like.]

Call man what a missed opportunity there will be others studebaker‘s from the year 1963 I needed to make that song harder everybody was getting name that tune so I did a beach boys deep dive, from the surfing USA album

[@Kyohan137]

That is a beautiful machine

[@winstonelston5743]

13:30 Note the master cylinder is a dual circuit type. That was standard on all 'steel-body '63 Studebakers except, ironically, the draconianly decontented "Standard" (think of the '57 Scotsman). Rambler and Cadillac offered dual circuit brakes from model year '62 on, but dual circuit brakes weren't mandatory equipment for all makes until 1967. Studebaker was also the first US manufacturer to offer modern caliper-type power front disc/rear drum brakes as available equipment (standard on the Avanti) on every model (again, except for the Standard).

[@tomfrenza8049]

In 2005, GMC made the Envoy XUV with a power retractable roof similar to the Studebaker. It was an improved design over the Studebaker.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that information I’m not up on the 2000 era cars if I’m completely honest even though that’s when I was in high school those cars never really appealed to me.. that era

[@josephgaviota]

1:00 Studebaker predates Oldsmobile. Interesting! 1852 vs 1901 for the "curved dash" Olds. Even the founding of Oldsmobile in 1897 is still 45 years earlier!

[@Nudnik1]

Looks like Soviet cars . I had a 1955 Studebaker pick up truck . Awesome

[@gmck91204]

The name of the new company formed in 1967 was Studebaker-Worthington, not Studebaker-Wagner. After Studebaker’s merger with Packard in 1954, President Eisenhower had a “tic” of referring to the company as “Packard-Studebaker”.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that correction =)

[@gmck91204]

@@ericruud9328 Exactly. My impression is that Ike was basically just confused and perhaps a bit aphasic - he ended up suffering a stroke in November 1957 - and he was “subconsciously” putting the senior member of the merger, i.e., Packard, in the first position of the combination.

[@gmck91204]

I was around at the time, and Ike was considered “elderly” and a bit of a bumbler, so that explains my interpretation of his mix-up.

[@What.its.like.]

I think Eisenhower liked Packard maybe more than Studebaker maybe he saw it for what it was Packard P comes before S. Technically Packard bought out Studebaker it was the Packard take over the Studebaker Studebaker wasn’t 100% honest with their financial standings in the crooked books. Packard only emerged because they wanted to survive the 50s and the only reason they died in the 50s because they chose the wrong company to merge with. It was like a Sears Kmart merger

[@SpareParts-e1e]

Yep, I would rather the 1963 AMC Ambassador 880. Love wagons, miss my 1985 Pontiac Parisienne wagon.

[@What.its.like.]

Wagons are so much cooler than SUV

[@josephgaviota]

7:31 The headlights remind me of Corvair.

[@retrobilly1719]

64 Dart 1st room Man Jay ,I liked the look of the 64 ,But seeing the actual car,Realize how cool it is.Studebaker had a reputation for being ahead of it’s time ,Shows here,Lots of quality Materials for a base model.Always heard the Big 3 pushed them out of Business,Too bad .Beautiful Cars.Nice to see a Wagon for a change Lots of collectors have Hawks Avanti sedan,Coupes

[@BillofRights1951]

I have a posting in this thread, having grown up with neighbors who had a Wagonaire....as kids we LOVED the sliding roof and riding in it....and plenty of our neighborhood friends' parents had much fancier cars. I was always a car nut and I remember this car being very well made for what it was. The engine and 3-on-the-tree stick shift were very well matched...the V8 had a lot of low end grunt...we lived in an area with steep hills and the car pool mom who drove it never had any problems meshing gears. It was a very innocent and carefree time.

[@wilpotocki2453]

My family had a 1964 Studebaker Cruiser with automatic and air. It was a beautiful dark blue with a light blue interior. It was made better than our 1965 Ford Galaxie (a beautiful car) with thicker metal and very quiet. Preferred to take the Studebaker on long trips. Seats had coil springs which Ford didn't. Road better than Ford too. Also, in winter Studebaker always started. The Ford if it was very cold had to use ether and spray in carburetor to start it. Later in life I owned a 1965 Studebaker Cruiser with air and automatic. Maroon with black interior. Loved both cars

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome both cars sound sweet thank you so much for sharing your cars with us =)

[@FrankHoage]

Beautiful car

[@mightylonesome9426]

I own one of these. It's light blue and says Matchbox on the bottom.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@ernielaw]

I own a Wagonaire too, It is light green and says Husky on the bottom.

[@mightylonesome9426]

@@ernielaw What a "small" world.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

8:34 Unless what we had was a Stude then that type of *manual* window-crank on the rear-door of station wagons was ubiquitous in the 1960s as I well remember doing the cranking! On the 1964-66 Stude's the front grille "surround" was a one piece *aluminum* stamping that went all the way around the headlights. Bean-counters would died on the spot if you made that out of aluminum today!

[@What.its.like.]

It sucks how far the auto industry has fallen as a whole.. like now everything is plastic fantastic.. and they wow you with the electronics new cars are appliances, and what makes them appliances vs machines. The classics to improve horsepower had to swap cam or gears to go faster new cars power increase comes in the form of a chip like an appliance

[@TighelanderII]

I've seen these a few times, and thought it would be useful for a gardener that needed to move a lawn mower.

[@allenwayne2033]

I had a Matchbox toy Wagonaire when I was little but don't recall ever seeing one in person. Wish I still had my Matchbox / Hot Wheels collection but I had a tendency to take them out to the driveway, simulate a crash and then set them on fire with a little gasoline. Pierce Arrow barn please.

[@What.its.like.]

Haha I never lite mine on fire I did crush a few though One vote for pierce arrow

[@pow44pow]

I still have my Stude Wagonaire!

[@ernielaw]

I still have my miniature Wagonaire, but mine is made by Husky.

[@brianbalyeat3577]

What an awesome review Jay!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you dig this episode =)

[@it1988a]

First Packard, Then Studeebaker, then Rambler. Now there is nothing left to choose from.

[@What.its.like.]

I miss all those as well

[@kolsen6330]

Fun fact. There is no seal on the front of the roof track. When its raining, and you stop suddenly, you get a little shower. It doesnt look like this car has it fitted, but there was a retractable radio antenna that was manually retracted or extended by turning a big knob on the left kick panel.

[@Frank-sf1wh]

Good show Jay, I love Studebakers.. actually I like all orphan cars!

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you did this episode your in the right place this is home of the orphan cars

[@alanstrong55]

Hurt to see a good car maker fall over dead way too soon. That looks like a very fine family car.

[@What.its.like.]

Agreed =)

[@winstonelston5743]

6:00,, All Studebakers for 1963 were available with the 289 cubic inch V8. The regular fuel 289 produced 210 horsepower with the two-barrel carb, 225 with the four-barrel and dual exhausts. '63 Avantis used the premium fuel "R" engines (when installed in steel-body cars, the engine code stamped on the block was "JT" for naturally aspirated engines, "JTS" for the supercharged version, though the exterior call-out badges used the "R" code. "R3" and "R4" engines carried a stamping on the block that looks somewhere between an arrowhead and a keystone, thus the factory engines can be distinguished from the many counterfie --- uh --- tribute engines that are out there.

[@ernielaw]

It would be a 2 way tie between the Wagonaire and the Ambassador wagon, but wouldn't want a wagonaire without the sliding roof panel. Even if I was warned about buying from an orphan car company when new, that wouldn't stop me from purchasing it.

[@What.its.like.]

That part made me so mad that the media has that much power to control the publics opinion on a particular subject. It still goes on to this very day it’s even more in your face now than it ever was cause we all have our phones we all have electronics and technology. But yeah I wish studebaker could have made it The sliding metal roof was a interesting idea

[@ernielaw]

@@What.its.like. Good point & something else just crossed my mind. The sliding roof panel would be a great feature for todays SUV. Just have a power controlled glass panel with shield. That way it would also serve as a rear sunroof / moonroof. With that setup a 2 way tailgate would work out well because there would be no place to hinge a liftgate.

[@tsf5-productions]

"...They leaked." I am 72...turning 73 in August, 2023. In adolescence years and teen years, I remember seeing a few of this model. Impressed with the styling and its "slide roof"? ... Now, I wonder... Did Andy Grantelli and his brothers, Joe and Vince, have one? You know, the "boys" bought (?) And brought in their "STP" (Scientific Treated Petroleum) along with trying to save the Studebaker Corporation. Dodge "Dart" stationwagon ...cause, it looked style wise, better. (I think, my 8th grade shop teacher, Mr. Fitzpatrick, had a Dodge "Wagon") As to your "Mystery Tune" - My guess is The Ventures. (Got their Greatest Hits in my LP record collection. As to car museums - What was that? Overland? That would be my pick to tour. Question: Gilmore's ... Is that Jim Gilmore of Michigan who had several broadcasting TV stations in the 60's through, I guess even now-a-days? Gilmore, as you may know, was an Indy Racing Car sponsor for a few notable race drivers: Gordon Johncock of Hastings, Michigan (two time winner of the Indy "500" : 1973 & 1982); Art Pollard (who was killed on the first day of the '73 Indy 500 Time Trials); and, the famous A.J. Foyt, Jr. many years had "Gilmore Broadcasting" sponsorship on his race cars. Foyt won the '77 Indy race...his fourth Indy win. These shows are very informative and done well!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much it took a while to get a format that works =) glad you dig these episodes and get something out of this channel Great Choices, those wagons are so different from one another Name that tune was stoked by the beach boys from 1963 album surfing USA

[@jimmyrogers4820]

Something so practical doesn't last long cause other automobile companies didn't think about it first and so espionage begins to this car manufacturers and they should bring it back

[@michaeldean4704]

While I think the Wagonaire was awesome cool, I'll take the AMC Ambassador. Back in the mid 70's I owned a 1964 Ambassador 990 wagon. (Same color option as the '63 you show.) It was a 9-passenger (rear facing 3rd seat) with the swing-out tailgate. Had a 327ci V8, automatic with full power and air conditioning. Great car. Side note; My uncle Bob owned a '67 Avante. Now THAT was a cool car.

[@What.its.like.]

That AMC wagon sounds like it was pretty cool whatever happened to it where did it rank amongst the cars that you owned would you say that was top 10

[@michaeldean4704]

@@What.its.like. I paid $150 for it when I bought it in 1974. Drove it for a year and a half, then the timing chain went out. Didn't feel like sinking money in a car I only paid $150 for, so I sold it... as is... for $150. Then turned around and bought a 1966 Cadillac for $300. That lasted me about 6 months. Lady who bought my AMC replaced the timing chain... and drove it for another 9 years. (🤦‍♂Stupid, stupid, stupid) As for how I'd rank it? #2. Right behind the Mercury Tracer I bought brand new in 1989. That car was peppy and fun to drive on winding roads.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that you would think the Cadillac would be the better car because it cost more money.. I guess somethings don’t change Toyotas and Hondas run better than everything else made nowadays and yet Mercedes-Benz tried to charge people 100 K for a car. That in a few years isn’t worth a fraction of what they paid for it

[@waddsbadds]

At 4:57 you talk about the '63 vs '64 grill treatment and how the '63 is more protruding. I really like it and prefer it over the '64, it has a classic Mercedes-Benz look to it.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah =)

[@charlielaudico3523]

I had a lark when I was younger ! To bad it was a 4 door , which means you can lam all your friend in the back

[@What.its.like.]

Totally know what you mean I had an 88 Lincoln signature series which was a four-door and all my friends were like well Justin‘s got space let’s ride with him and we were smaller back then so we could fit a lot of people in the car