Struggling Studebaker managed to hang on by introducing a new compact in 1959 called the Lark. Using a modified full-size platform, the little car saved Studebaker’s bacon until the rest of the U.S. car industry got into the compact car game. By 1964, the car had been significantly restyled and was perhaps the best-looking iteration to-date. The seller has a ’64 Daytona 4-door sedan with a V8 engine that came out of an estate. It’s been sitting for years and doesn’t run, but it looks good overall. Located with a reseller in Tampa, Florida, this old Stude is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $1,925 (no reserve).
The Daytona edition of the Lark debuted in 1962 as a sporty version of the little car. By 1964, it was the top-of-the-line model as Studebaker moved away from the Lark nameplate. In an effort to stay afloat, Studebaker ceased U.S. auto production in late 1963, focusing all its work in Hamilton, Ontario. The Avanti and Gran Turismo Hawk were discontinued, but the Lark/Daytona would soldier on into 1966 before the company threw in the towel.
A VIN plate on the seller’s car says it was made in the USA; therefore, it was one of the last 1964 cars to be built in South Bend, Indiana (before December 1963). It has a V8 engine, which could be either a 259 or 289 cubic inch version. Its owner passed away after letting the car sit for a time, and the keys could not be located. We’re told the auto doesn’t run, but is that because of dormancy or something else? One of the photos shows no radiator cap, so it may be bone dry.
While there is crust on the frame, the sheet metal appears rust-free, and the paint shines up well. The car is unrestored, so everything, including the red interior, could be as it was built nearly 63 years ago. It’s a complete roller for the time being, but if you can sort out its possible mechanical woes, this could be a great survivor to have found life once more. And, with no reserve, maybe a bargain has been found.
Here’s a tear jerker for ya’, I’m not sure the site is a good thing or torture, sometimes. This ad embodies everything I vorch about, “owner passed away, no keys( maybe took them with him, nobody gonna drive my car, dagnabit), current owners know nothing”, I can’t express my despair, and IT’S AN AUTOMATIC!!! See, the thing with these, today, it has to 100% ready to go. Too many variables for the common classic car buyer. They have no loyalty to the brand, and will move on to the next car that is ready, doesn’t matter what it is. Now us that know about Studebakers, all 17 of us, would jump on this car in a second, it never would have made it to CL in the 1st place. Not anymore, and that is almost worth crying about,,,
Sad…and it’s happening more every day in all parts of the country…now, let’s see if I can find some room..
OK,call me Columbo but just one last thing, with more than 500 separate listings on Ebay for Studebaker ignition switches,many with keys $22 and up,and these folks have a large shop with classic car experience but no interest in determining whether this car has the potential to start? Got a feeling they know more about the mechanical condition than they’re willing to share.
My money’s on a stuck engine for starters (no pun intended)
You’re quite the scribe, Howard. Very well put. In my prime, I used to look for stellar examples which wouldn’t run.
Once bought a FIAT 600D which had suffered an under-hood fire when the “in” tube pulled out of the Weber carb and it went “Poof.” Scorched the engine lid, some wires and the distributor cap. I drove home and returned with said engine items snatched from another car, gave the junk yard owner the $50 he wanted, swapped in the new(er) parts, and drove it the 70 miles home. New parts, a fresh schpritz of AMC “Mellow Yellow” and my wife had a daily driver for a bucket full of years.
As for the Studie, it’s even got AC! What’s not to like?
This old Studebaker has a lot going for it. I always thought it is a nice design. Body and interior work is awfully expensive, if its mostly mechanical work it needs this can be a great buy for someone. I agree with what Howard said above too. This is a sad story, and one, unfortunately we will probably see more of as time marches on.
This was the last styling iteration for these cars too. If it had been manufactured in Canada it would have had a Chevy drive train installed, which is probably the best way to resurrect this car.
All 64 cars assembled in Hamilton for 1964 had Stude engines. Mckinnon (GM) didn’t start until model year 1965. Also, serial numbers of 64s from Hamilton were 64VC-… or 64SC-… until South Bend closed, All Hamilton cars after the closing of South Bend had serial number C-… And in reference to the engine question, the 259 engine serial began with V, 289 began with P
too many exits
I keep going back to that engine bay, very clean, someone cared about this car at some time. Maybe just fill all fluids, put gas in it, recharge the
battery and Hotwire it?
I’m a MoPar guy, but I do loves me a good Stude! I see an A/C compressor and a unit hanging under the dash, but I don’t know if that is factory or aftermarket. If nothing else, at 2K this would make one hell of a parts car if you’re restoring one like it. The engine can always be rebuilt. The body is pristine and so is the interior, so you would have a treasure trove of parts. I do hope somebody acquires this car and does something with it.
It is a very nice Studebaker. And I agree, this is a very good looking designs. I believe Brooks Stevens was responsible for it. Richard does look to be in good shape, but it does have some flaws that could be corrected. I noticed that the seat upholstery is velour on the bottom. That’s wrong! I’m too old and firms to have such a toy today, but I do like this year of Studebaker.
The Lark Daytona was not the top of the line. The Lark Cruiser was the top of the line–more and fancier trim, nicer upholstery, and I think the wheelbase was a few inches longer, but I could be wrong on that.
My friend recently bought a similar car but with the original Chevy engine and 10,000 ORIGINAL miles. Runs like a top and he drives it often in the summer. He wouldn’t say exactly but I’d guess he paid about $1000.or less for it.
Sold on 6/19/2026 for a high bid of $5,405. There were 31 bids from 9 bidders.
Steve R