1963 Studebaker

289 V8

Automatic

63V13299

1963 Studebaker Cruiser Survivor The Cruiser was Studebaker’s top of the line sedan offering for 1963.  Studebaker touted it as a roomy and comfortable, sensible sized luxury car...“Americas First and Only Limousette”.  It was built on a relatively long 113” wheelbase for plenty of room for all passengers and a smooth ride.  It came standard with Studebaker’s largest displacement motor...a 289 cubic inch V8.  The interiors were luxurious with pleated storage pockets in the rear seat backs, a fold down armrest for rear seat passengers, a vanity mirror and make up tray built into the glove box, and full instrumentation (no idiot lights). This one is a survivor.  Original paint, interior, engine, etc.   It has only 83,500 documented miles on it. The original owners were Gladys and Stephen Perry of Newark, CA.  The car was bought by them on January 5, 1963 from Pierotti Motors which was the Studebaker dealer in Fremont, CA.  It was manufactured with the 289 cubic inch V8 engine with 2 barrel carburetor and single exhaust.  Optional equipment included, power steering, reclining split front seats with passenger side head rest, push button radio with rear speaker, full 15" wheel covers, padded sun visors, under coating, white side wall tires, Climatizer (Studebaker’s term for the fresh air heater and defroster), and Flight O Matic automatic transmission.  It was painted Rose Mist with a matching interior. Mr. Perry passed away in 1989.  At that point, the car had approximately 83,000 miles on it.  Mr Perry always garaged the car and it stayed in that garage until 1995 when his son in law put the car in his name and moved it to his house in San Jose (where it was also always garaged).  Since 1989, the car has been started and driven occasionally, but only approximately 400 miles have been put on the car since then.  It now reads  under 83,500 miles. I’m a Studebaker collector and know Studebakers well.  I have owned dozens.  I did a full tune up, oil and filter change, lube, changed the tires and generally cleaned the car up and fixed any problems I could find with it (there weren’t many).  The only remaining issue I know of is that the temp gauge pegs out when car is running for some time but car does not over heat.  Either the sending unit or the gauge is faulty.  The AM radio plays quite nicely and the rear speaker works well also.  The car runs and drives great.  No squeaks or rattles.  The suspension and steering are tight.  The transmission shifts fine.  The rear end is the stock Dana 44 with 3.31 gears, no Twin Traction.  Brakes are 11" finned drums in the front and 10" finned drums rear with the factory dual circuit master cylinder.  They stop the car as they should.  The engine has plenty of power and doesn’t smoke, but it does "spot" the driveway as most Studebakers do. This car has no rust or hint of rust anywhere.  The fact that it was always babied by Mr. Perry, always garaged, has relatively low mileage, and has always been a California car has worked in its favor.  The interior is original right down to the carpet.  The dash is not cracked which is rare for the big padded dash on this model.  The rear has a few splits in the top of the backrest and a small hole on the left side cushion.   Chrome and stainless are quite nice but not perfect.   The correct right tail light will be provided with the sale. The paint is presentable, but thin and polished through in a few spots and with one scratch on the driver’s door.  There is a dime sized ding on the top of the right front fender.  Although the new owner is welcome to use this special car as the basis for an easy, full cosmetic restoration, I would hope that the originality in its current state be carefully considered.  It is an attractive car right now in every way and goes down the road like it is the mid 1960‘s again.  All original cars in this exceptional condition with limited and known ownership history since new and lots of documentation are very tough to find.  If you are interested in bidding on the car, click here to view 85 more pictures of the car from every angle including the undercarriage. The car is located in Hayward, CA.  It has a current, clear title and registration in my name. You may pick up the car in person, or I will help load the car on the carrier of your choice.  A $500 deposit is due 48 hours after auction close.  Payment must be made in full within 7 working days following auction close.  Vehicle must be removed within 4 weeks of auction close.      As with any vintage car, no warranty is expressed or implied.