140 hp, 230 cu. in. Chevrolet six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 109 in.

• Final year of Studebaker production

• One of just 620 Daytona sport sedans produced for the model year

• Great club support and reliable Chevrolet power

Details of Studebaker’s 1966 models were released in May 1965, rather early but likely done to assure the public that Studebaker intended to remain in business. Since the styling department had been phased out after the South Bend, Indiana facility closed, Studebaker President Gordon Grundy hired outside designers to give the cars a facelift. He chose the independent design firm of Marcks, Hazelquist, and Powers, of Dearborn, Michigan, to work with an extremely limited budget. Bob Marcks was an ex-Loewy designer who was able to give the cars a simple but new look.

In addition to subtle styling changes, louvers were included above the tail lamp housings as part of the new “Refreshaire” ventilation system, by which outside air was introduced through cowl vents and expelled through the rear vents. Marcks also wanted to upgrade the car’s image, so he chose rich fabrics with colors typically found in luxury marques. Wood grain was added to the dash, as were padded sun visors and no-glare windshield wipers for added safety. As with 1965, power was provided by a choice of Canadian-built Chevrolet six-cylinder or V-8 engines.

The new cars were launched in September 1965 for the 1966 model year. Despite the new styling and standard features, sales continued at a snail’s pace, and on March 4, the corporation announced that production was ending the following day. Only 2,045 cars had been produced during the 1966 calendar year, with model year sales of 8,947 vehicles, including this Algonquin Green Metallic example with a black vinyl roof. It is one of just 620 Daytona sport sedans built for 1966, making it a rare and unusual vehicle. Daytonas included front disc brakes and transistorized ignition as standard, quite novel features for 1966. It was purchased by the current owner’s family several years ago and has remained in careful storage since.