1963 Studebaker Lark factory R2
This is one little wicked car. I'm sure there have been hundreds of people left sittin in the dust behind one of these babies!
1962 Studebaker Lark V8 (original) - in detail
At the time the Lark was conceived, Studebaker-Packard Corporation was under a management contract with Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Company. Studebaker-Packard had been losing money for years when company president Harold Churchill came up with the idea of abandoning the full-size car market in favor of building a new compact car that he hoped would save the company.
The Lark was ingeniously designed around the core bodyshell of the full-sized 1953-1958 Studebakers. By reducing the front and rear overhangs and shortening the wheelbase, the car could still seat six people comfortably and hold a surprising amount of luggage. It was hoped that the vehicle would save America's oldest vehicle manufacturer when it was launched in the fall of 1958 as a 1959 model, much like the 1939 Studebaker Champion had saved the company in the years prior to World War II. In fact, it was the Champion which Churchill specifically took as his inspiration for the Lark.
With its simple grille, minimal and tasteful use of chrome and clean lines, the Lark "flew" in the face of most of the established "longer, lower and wider" styling norms fostered by Detroit's "Big Three" automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler). Studebaker's 1957-58 Scotsman had proved the existence of a demand for a less-flashy automobile, and while the Lark was not nearly so undecorated as the Scotsman, it was unmistakably purer of line than anything Detroit would offer for 1959.
1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona "289 OHV 4 speed Manual Hardtop"
1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona. Early 60's Hardtop gasser with the original studebaker 289 OHV motor and T10 4 speed manual on the floor. This Stud also features dual 2 chamber flowmasters with Exhaust knockouts located up near the front fenders. This is a VERY rare car, and i've yet to see another one like it.... Enjoy!
Studebaker 61 Lark TV Commercial
Sure, it's beautiful, and it's big new feature is an oval wheel, for greater leg clearance.
If you enjoy it, send a dollar to the Studebaker National Museum, http://www.studebakermuseum... I visited there in July... check out my online story at http://www.weekenddriver.com/ and look for the "Great Car Museum Tour Blog" button.
And if you're touring in Southern California, check out my book and the rest of the web site at http://www.weekenddriver.com.
Studebaker 61 Lark Chassis RWHP Dyno
1961 Studebaker Lark with R-1 Avanti motor and transmissin test. Dish pistons with thick headgaskets. 87 Octane fuel.
1953 Studebaker on the Dyno
1953 Studebaker with a souped up 289 Studebaker V8 bored out to 302ci. This one has a custom intake with side draft Weber carbs. Hear the roar of a true Studebaker V8 through Avanti style glass-pack mufflers.
