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 . . .
I like it. I think Scotty is right, this is a great color for this wagon. Even though the interior isn’t original its very nice, maybe it was less money than sourcing the correct original fabric. It looks comfortable. The old Flathead 6 and a 3 speed on the column would be fun to drive too.
You know darn well what I’m about to say, needs an automatic, the only reason it’s not sold. Add this wonderful car to the long list of cars that will have no appeal in the future. It’s a shame too, what a neat car this is. Doesn’t have O/D, refreshing the seller notes that, the red T handle is the hood release, and not sure an O/D would work well here. The V8 was a better choice. This motor doesn’t have enough power to hold a steady speed whilst in O/D.( ask me how I know that) Besides, where you going in this anyway, it’s a local use car. Heck, I’d at least put the shift on the floor, but the column shift is just not something many can operate. Imagine, if you will, someone can guide a computer missile around the world and get within 10 feet of the target,,,but can’t shift a column shift car. That’s crazy, but here we are. Nice find if any “shifty” characters left.
It’s “SOLD”, not! That’s what the license plate reads. This must be the flat 6 used for the Champion model for many years. The only problem with the automatic is that it would be even more sluggish, I think.
I only attempted to drive a stick shift on a column once. It was a 1960 Chevy Biscayne sedan. Never again! I guess being that it was after dark in a cemetery didn’t help the situation either. Kids do the craziest things!
I prefer column shift on these cars without much engine to them. For one thing they probably came with a 4.27:1 or 4.55:1 rear end with the 6-cyl and manual transmission. Shifting is just more fun in an old car. I enjoy demonstrating the OD and hill-holder in my ’54 Commander to the younger generation.
What’s so problematic about a “three-on-the-tree”? Easy to learn and to operate, and as natural as breathing after a couple of hours of driving it. MY problem, here, would be the six cylinders and no overdrive: If I can’t take a car 700 miles straight on Interstate driving, then there’s no point. But this one ticks all boxes on condition and practicality, except for being under-powered for a long trip at expressway speeds. I would own it in a heartbeat, if it were a V-8 with overdrive.
I had a 1962 Lark with a six and a straight three speed. Swapped in a three over and that let the car cruise at sixty-five all day long at twenty-eight miles to the gallon.
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved 1959-61 Studebaker Lark. I used to know someone who owned a 1959 Studebaker Lark. I remember his car having a V8 engine and automatic gearbox. I hope whoever buys this car enjoys it and takes care of it.
Great looking car! I’m at an age where more power, an 259 or 289 with an automatic along with ac would be preferred. It’s all original, it’d be a sin to tear it up and add all that stuff.
C’mon you guys, you’re intimidated by a three on the tree? I’ve had two European cars with a FOUR speed column shift. Finding reverse was the biggest challenge…
Was this a partial or full repaint? Overspray on gas tank and wiper motor frame base.
Is it rust on wheel wells in view of back with tail gate open.
Not trying to nitpick, but it’s what I see.
Still a nice looking wagon. Wish it were closer.
My gosh I grew up with 3 on the tree, 54 Chevy.66 Fairlane amongst others and my gosh I never ever been across somebody to do about the 4 speed on the column and I was a little kid my aunt’s cousin had one in Colorado he was an import fella you could understand his language not sure that van came from Europe some kind of a Ford van I remember seeing the paddle on the shifter with the pattern of the four speeds that’s the trip love this stuff
What’s so problematic about a “three-on-the-tree”? Easy to learn and to operate, and as natural as breathing after a couple of hours of driving it. MY problem, here, would be the six cylinders and no overdrive: If I can’t take a car 700 miles straight on Interstate driving, then there’s no point. But this one ticks all boxes on condition and practicality, except for being under-powered for a long trip at expressway speeds. I would own it in a heartbeat, if it were a V-8 with overdrive.
I love this little wagon. As far as three on the tree, my first car on the road was a 64 Plymouth wagon with that and a slant 6. That didn’t burn up the roads either. lol
I didn’t know cars could even have AT till I came to America. I thought for a while they all had push buttons like grandpa’s Fury.
Oh oh, this ad has been removed by the seller. Did one of you grab this fun little Studebaker wagon?