This guide has been created for the 1965 Studebaker Daytona Sports Sedan. Follow this link for information on the later 1966 Studebaker Sports Sedan. The Sports Sedan was Studebaker's only 2-door 'Daytona' model available for the 1965 year, produced alongside the Daytona 4-door sedan and Wagonaire models. The Sports Sedan was produced in relatively low numbers and received a number of unique features compared to other vehicle's in the 1965 range, making it one of the most desirable late model Studebakers.
As the Sports Sedans were introduced after Studebaker's decision to end manufacturing in the US, Sports Sedans were all produced in the Ontario plant in Canada, and made use of a McKinnon 283ci 'Thunderbolt' engine which was built at GM's St Catherines engine plant. Aside from one vehicle, all Sports Sedans for the 1965 year were V8 powered. One car was fitted with Chevrolet's 194ci 6-cylinder motor. This guide outlines a number of features relevant to identifying an authentic vehicle, including exterior, interior and mechanical features, along with details of the relevant engine and body codes.
Number built: 1,627 Daytona Sports Sedans were produced for the 1965 year: (1,626 V8, one 6-cylinder).
Period of Manufacture: September 1964 - June 1965.
It is believed that approximately 12 of the last 1965 Sports Sedans were built as 1965 vehicles, but converted to 1966 models. These vehicles had a new chassis number assigned over the 1965 number on their build sheet, and may have several traces of a 1965 vehicle's specifications. The last 1965 model built is believed to be serial number C-520704, and the owner of this vehicle confirmed that their car was converted to a 1966 model.
If you know of or own a car with a similar serial number close to this, please contact us to confirm the specification of your car. Classic Register also maintains an informal register of Sports Sedans here on the site. If you own a Sports Sedan, please sign-up and add your vehicle to the register.
Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of online sources and enthusiast input. You should not rely on this guide to make any purchasing decision and we make no representation that all information is accurate. You should always seek independent professional advice when looking to purchase a unique car. If you have additional information, photographs or corrections you believe need to be made to this page, please contact us by clicking the button at the top of this page, or comment below. If this guide was useful, please like our Facebook page!