1964 Studebaker Commander R4

1964 Studebaker Commander Description

Get ready to bid on a very special rare vehicle. This is my 1964 Studebaker Commander R4 re-creation built correctly as possible as though Studebaker actually built it. As many Stude people know, only one Lark bodied R4 was built. I set out to change that and managed to successfully complete the project. I just completed it in September. It is powered by an all Studebaker nearly 300 cubic inches and 315 horsepower with factory dual 4 barrel intake and a pair of Carter AFB four barrel carbs mated to a Chrysler A-833 4 speed tranny hooked to a Dana 44 Twin-Traction rear with 3.73 gears. It drives amazing and is incredibly fast now too nice to drive. Someone else needs to add it to their collection. It is priced accordingly and to be perfectly honest, it will not be acquired by anyone as cheaply as some Studebaker's can be bought. Sorry, no bids accepted outside of continental USA or Canada. Good luck bidding and please contact me if you want to discuss anything about the car details.

1964 Studebaker Super Lark(Commander R4)

(Studebaker never built one, but certainly should have)

During the 1964 model year, total combined production of Commander V-8 two door sedans at both Studebaker assembly plants was only 1,553 units (873 in South Bend, Indiana and 680 in Hamilton, Ontario). The factory production data listed them as F-bodied cars (F-2 Challenger, F-3 Heavy Duty Sedan and F-4 Commander). The letter “F” in the serial number was the factory designation for a two door post sedan. If the following letter was a “V” which this car is, designated a V-8 engine. They were rare even back then. Very few remain today.

Body Style (F4V)Two door post sedan V-8 – Built at the Hamilton, Ontario plant

Exterior/InteriorBordeaux Red/red vinyl split bench (believed to be Daytona Special)

Transmission4 speed floor shift (originally automatic)

“R” engines installed in Lark-bodied cars33 R1’s – 26 R2’s – 1 R3 (Feature cover car in Dec 63 Motor Trend Magazine) 1 R4 (installed by factory in a 64 Daytona hardtop)

1964 Studebaker R4 Engine Build Specs

Block1963 full flow “V” code 259 cu in V-8

DisplacementBored .060 to appx 275 cu.in. honed & decked (313 hp at flywheel)

CamshaftReground stock R1/R2

Cam timing gearR1/R2 Aluminum

PistonsTRW Half-dish hypereutectic .060 oversize

Valves & seatsR3 Avanti stainless intake & exhaust grinded multi-angle

Valve springsR3 Avanti heavy duty

Valve pocketsEnlarged to accommodate R3 valves

Rocker assemblyStock reconditioned & resurfaced rocker arm shafts

Main bearingsStandard

Rod bearingsStandard

Vibration damperR3 Avanti reproduction

Crankshaft289 cu in stock micro polished

Connecting rods289 cu in stock reconditioned & shot peened

Cylinder heads289 cu in stock, cleaned, shot peened, magnafluxed & resurfaced

Intake manifoldR-4 Aluminum dual four barrel

CarburetionCarter (2) AFB four barrels

Exhaust manifoldsR-3 factory headers

DistributorUnilite 47 SP8 electronic

Fuel pumpR4 high-volume

FanR-1 clutch fan with heavy duty 6 blade fan

Water pumpR-1 heavy duty V-8

Spark plugsChampion J12YC

FlywheelStock resurfaced

Bell housingCustom-built & modified to accept Mopar transmission - Dial indicated

TransmissionMopar A-833 4 speed OD with Studebaker shift handle mated to Hurst shifter base

Clutch10-1/2" HD clutch & pressure plate assembly, grade-8 clutch bolt set