After the merger between Studebaker and Packard in the mid-1950s proved to be a dud, the company needed a new product savior. That turned out to be the Lark compact, which generated extra sales going into the 1960s. The seller’s 1961 Lark VI appears to be a solid survivor with a cadre of new parts installed in the past year. Located in Salem, Oregon, this six-cylinder sedan is a tip brought to us by “Curvette” and is available here on craigslist for $9,500.
The Lark debuted in 1959, a year after the Rambler American was introduced. The two cars had a brief head start on the rest of the U.S. auto builders who took the market by storm in the early 1960s. But the car enabled Studebaker to remain relevant for a while longer, eventually throwing in the towel in 1966 after shifting all car production to Canada in 1964. The Lark was a stubby little automobile that was solidly made and provided better fuel economy than U.S. drivers were accustomed to at the time.
Larks came in various trim designations in either VI or VIII series (for six- or eight-cylinder power). 1961 Larks were mostly unchanged except for the 170 cubic-inch I-6, which now employed overhead valves, producing more than 20 extra horsepower without a drop in fuel economy. With loads of new competition, Lark production dipped slightly to 70,500 cars, of which 20,800 were VI series 4-door sedans, including the seller’s nice example.
The seller has invested $2,000 in maintenance and repairs in this ’61 Lark, none of which should detract from it being a survivor at 91,000 miles. That kind of stuff includes the rear differential, bearings and seals, brakes, and fuel pump. The carburetor has been rebuilt, and the fuel tank pulled, cleaned, and reinstalled. The Stude is said to drive well and has a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission with overdrive.
Appearance-wise, we see no rust but a few minor dings in the sheet metal. The dark aqua paint looks good (original?) and the interior is simple but inviting. This Studebaker would otherwise be a keeper, but the seller has too many “adult toys” and something has to go. All-in-all, this Lark is probably one of the nicer ones left.
I really like this Lark. Perfect with the 3 speed stick too. And the color too, it just looks right. And if it has a fewe bumps and dings, no biggie, this is something you can just slide behind the wheel and enjoy and take it wherever you want.
Priced for perfection. With the competition in this class of car (1950’s-1980’s 4 door) it’s hard to see the value at $9,500, unless they can find the person that considers this their dream car.
Steve R
Memories light the Corners of my NIGHTMARES. This is the exact color of my Dad’s 59 Lark two door work car, a stripped POS from the start. The agency couldn’t fix any of many problems, so he drove it to South Bend with still no satisfaction. Worse yet we drove it across country including deserts with no AC or radio. Somehow the Lark an our family survived, while our luxurious DeSoto anguished in the garage. By 61, even Dad had enough and traded that blankety blan, Lark for a Valiant. Thus ended our unfortunate and frustrating experience!
Perfect color for this basic transport machine but a little more than I would give for it.
Nice looking car. I’ve always liked the 1959-61 Studebaker Lark. I used to work with someone who had a 1960 Lark VIII 4 door sedan. If only more pictures of this car were posted.
My sister had one of these — a pink 1959 Lark she bought new in ’59. And she ran it until about 1976, by which time it was quite rusted, as the northeast will do. But it was plain and little, fit into tight spaces — perfect for her, it seems. Not my cup of tea — too cramped, for one — too “basic” for another. A friend had a 1952 Allstate [Henry J. in faint disguise] which he bought from Sears-Roebuck after he sold his 1947 Crosley — same sort of car — screamed “economy”. I like a bit more COMFORT, thank you! (YOU know, FULL size, rear wheel drive, with a V-8 and four doors)
Seems odd that you were cramped in one of these as they were basicly a big car with the front and back chopped off. Inside remained the same.
When you see the styling of the rest of the 1961 American automobiles? Even the Mopars. You understand why Studebaker went out of business.
I like the inline six cyl engine. I also like one with an automatic gearbox.
Not the homeliest car ever but sure looks like someone beat it with a ugly stick. This color make me want to hurl also. Just my humble opinion!