1964 Studebaker Daytona Hardtop

Studebaker was actually ahead of the curve when it came to high horsepower engines in smaller, lighter bodies. And they are also among the first to offer a supercharger as a factory option.

This example is one of the most recognized Studebaker muscle cars ever built. Although subtle in appearance, don't let that fool you. This is the very first R3 supercharged Studebaker released to the public.

In the summer of 1963, Hot Rod magazine learned of the upcoming release of an ultra-high performance R3 supercharged engine option for the compact model Lark. They knew they had to get their hands on one for testing, but the folks at Studebaker weren't quite ready. Knowing that the publicity generated by a road test would bring in some much-needed attention, they went to work to make it happen.

This car was born from a 289-horsepower R2 model. It was sent to Paxton Products, manufacturers of the supercharger, to have the necessary modifications made under the direct supervision of Andy, Joe and Vince Granatelli. The end result would be a full test in the January 1964 issue of Hot Rod magazine, about a month after Studebaker closed its doors in South Bend, Indiana.

Ironically, Studebaker-Packard's former engineer John DeLorean would then go on to introduce the GTO, a car utilizing the big engine/small car concept.