A 1960 Studebaker brochure touts the four-door wagon as having “Fashion with function.” I’ve never had either of those qualities, but this ’60 four-door wagon seems to fit the bill. The seller has this “original” but completely restored (I’m sure they mean original spec) 1960 Studebaker Lark VI Wagon posted here on craigslist in Elmhurst, Illinois, and they’re asking $8,400. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Zappenduster for the tip!
I’ve always wondered what a two-door Studebaker Lark wagon would look like… Just kidding, they actually made one, so there’s no wondering. This 1960 Studebaker Lark brochure shows the whole lineup for that model year. The seller refers to this car as original, but then says it was totally restored by a previous owner in the 1990s, and has had a mechanical refurbishment in 2024. I have to believe they mean original spec, I do the same thing.
I deeply respect the owner/seller and the previous five owners for keeping this car so close to bone-stock original spec condition, all while fixing things as they needed fixing and whatever the “restoration” in the 1990s included. Studebaker made the Lark from 1959 through the very end in 1966, and this is a first-generation car. They were made for 1959, 1960, and 1961. I’m not quite sure why the white wall tires were turned around, I think they’re needed on a car like this, but that’s just me.
Bahama Blue is a great color for this fun little wagon. The seats appear to have been reupholstered with a non-factory material, and I’m assuming that if it had cloth, it would have looked like this SMS sample. SMS doesn’t show any vinyl samples for this car, but I’m sure Studebaker offered vinyl seats in the Lark in 1960. It looks great inside, as expected in a restored car. The back seat looks perfect, and here’s the rear cargo area. They have done a great job with photos, including several underside shots. Here’s another one.
As a Lark VI (Roman numeral for the number six), this car has a six-cylinder engine. The VIII had a V8. This should be Studebaker’s 170-cu.in. L-head inline-six with 90 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by a three-speed manual with column-shifter sending power to the rear wheels, the seller says there’s a new “gas tank, sending unit, filler neck, lines, fuel pump and carb, rebuilt 12-volt generator, new voltage regulator, points, condenser, cap, rotor. Battery, wires and plugs 2025.” Any thoughts on this nice little Studebaker wagon?
She’s a beaut! Wilburrrrrrrrr
Wow. Someone took the time and dollars to keep this humble grocery-getter in top form. Needs nothing but a new owner. Lots of smiles and miles left in this one. I’d be proud to row its gears . . .