112 hp, 169.6 cu. in. OHV inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed column-mounted manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 113 in.

• Amazing, all-original time capsule; only 318 miles from new

• Original Bill of Sale and window sticker

• One-family ownership since delivery on July 22, 1969

The final day of Studebaker’s manufacture was December 20, making for a short 1964 model year. The last car off the line had a simple wish for all employees: “Merry Christmas” was scrawled on the windshield; 108 cars were built that day before Studebaker production ceased in the United States, while production continued in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Mechanically, the cars were identical to the 1963 models and spanned an array of 23 models for 1964, amazing despite the firm’s desperate financial condition.

Studebaker promoted the 1964 models as “common-sense cars” and emphasized that they planned to discontinue annual model changes. When Ford Motor Company sent out a sales letter and brochure to thousands of Studebaker owners, Studebaker’s Automotive President Gordon Grundy counterattacked on April 30, 1964 with a letter of his own. “An important message to Studebaker owners . . . from Studebaker,” which emphasized that Studebaker was in the business to produce cars and it was going to stay that way.

This remarkable time capsule Studebaker was purchased new by the current family on July 22, 1969. It was displayed in the showroom of Mathis Motors in Atlantic City, New Jersey, following the demise of Studebaker. Mathis was a Studebaker dealer that later switched to Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The Strato Blue sedan with matching blue vinyl interior has just 318 miles from new and is exactly as it was delivered from the Studebaker factory. It is equipped with the standard 112 horsepower, 169.6-cubic inch six-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission, along with dual headlights, a Climatizer heater/defroster, and undercoating. The original Bill of Sale is available, as well as the original factory window sticker, which remains in place. It is one of 7,102 Commander six-cylinder sedans built for the 1964 model year and is likely the lowest mileage 1964 Studebaker in existence.