1964 Studebakers (with the R2 engine)

Number Produced: 2157 (R2 cars for 1964 MY)

wasn’t just the various divisions of the Big Three that made muscle cars. Studebaker also got into the action. Okay, they were more hairy-chested in performance than looks, but quick they most certainly were. The early model Super Larks were blunt instruments brought to the American public with a number of innovations. In order to capitalise on the high-performance components developed for the futuristic luxury car, the Avanti, under the supervision of legendary speedshop and racing figure Andy Granatelli, Studebaker president Sherwood Egbert decided that some of this equipment should be made available to buyers of the new-look 1964 model range that included the Challenger, Commander, Daytona (pictured as a two-convertible, but also available as a two-door hardtop and a four-door sedan) and Cruiser models. Offered across the range was the R2 performance engine derived from Studebaker’s 289ci V8. The R2 had been designed to blow the competition into the next state. The engine boasted a Paxton centrifugal supercharger supplying almost six pounds of pressure. Horsepower reached the magic one-for-one formula: 289 horsepower from 289 cubic inches. Other options included Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission (or heavy-duty BorgWarner three-speed automatic), heavy-duty suspension, rear stabiliser bar, limited-slip differential, and caliper-type front disc brakes. Among the earlier go-fast Studebakers were the ‘Super Larks’ and although the name had disappeared off the cars by 1964 model year, the public continued to apply it. Although quite attractive, the restyled Studebakers didn’t sell well. In part, no doubt, the problem had to do with the public’s concern about the company’s future. Nobody wanted to be stuck with an orphan. Power Output: 289bhp (215kW) Top Speed: 212km/h

6.7 seconds Quarter Mile: 14.4 seconds Price New: Varied according to model

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