A Sliding Top: 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire

The Wagonaire was a unique (and strange) offering from the legendary (and failing at the time) Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. Launched in 1963, the wagon was equipped with a sliding rear roof section, a design feature that was so futuristic that it wasn’t used again until 2004 in the GMC Envoy. Of course, the original Wagonaire sliding roofs were leakier than a paper umbrella during monsoon season, but that wouldn’t stop us from wanting one in our garage today. Find this 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire offered for $13,000 in Oklahoma City, OK via brownwagon marketplace.

From the seller:

1963 Studebaker wagonaire
$13,000
Listed 4 weeks ago in Oklahoma City, OK
About This Vehicle
Driven 15,270 miles
Manual transmission
Exterior color: Pink · Interior color: Brown
Fuel type: Gasoline
Good condition
Clean title
This vehicle has no significant damage or problems.

Seller’s Description
This rose gold 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire is powered by a rebuilt 289ci V8 paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

Equipment includes a modified removable rear roof section, a roof rack, a power-operated tailgate window, chrome bumpers and trim, Studebaker wheel covers, air conditioning, and a pop-up vanity mirror in the glovebox. It does not have power steering or brakes and the tape deck is not connected.

The Wagonaire was based on the standard Lark-type station wagon, and this fixed-roof example features a rear roof section that has been cut and modified so that it can be removed or manually bolted back into place. The headliner is missing. Headliner rails and a sample piece of the removed headliner will accompany the vehicle.

The car has been fitted with an electric fuel pump and a battery-terminal disconnect knob. The engine internals were inspected in July 2021, at which time the fuel-pump mounting gasket was replaced, the rear differential was serviced, and the rear pinion seal and differential yoke were replaced. The windshield-wiper fuse was replaced in June 2022 and the battery in March 2023. It makes an intermittent clanging noise occasionally when driving. My dad thinks it could be a U-joint. I have taken it to two different mechanics and neither have been able to replicate the noise or saw anything wrong that could be causing it.

The car runs and drives well, and was just driven to Oklahoma City from Enid, OK (approximately 80 miles) with no problems.

The five-digit odometer shows 15k miles. True mileage is unknown.

Spare and removed parts that will accompany the vehicle include a set of bumper guards, a Studebaker radio, an extra rear bench seat, headliner rails, and more

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