So, is this 1962 Studebaker a bird, or a fun activity? I guess it depends on what definition of “Lark” you employ. It doesn’t seem like either to me, but it is an important model of the venerable Studebaker Automobile Company. Anyway, let’s forget name origins and examine this Lark sedan in detail. The shadows over Studebaker’s auto business were getting long by ’62, and their days as an automobile producer were growing ever shorter. And for that reason alone, we can thank Ted for surfacing this tip, which shows what the boys from South Bend were offering up this late in their automotive survival journey. Toledo, Ohio, is where this very red four-door sedan is domiciled, and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000.
In 1962, Studebaker Larks were available in six different trims: Lark VI in Regal, Daytona, and Custom, and then a repeat with the Lark VIII. Our subject car appears to be a Lark VI Deluxe edition, one of almost 50,000 four-door Lark sedans assembled sixty-three years ago. Deluxe body styles included two and four-door sedans, along with a four-door station wagon. Studebaker produced 81K vehicles in ’62, placing them in twelfth place in the domestic auto production race, besting both Lincoln in thirteenth place and Imperial in fourteenth. The seller tells us, “Excellent start for a complete restoration.” Well, I suppose that’s true, but if you were looking for a Stude that’s old and in the way, this Lark seems pretty fair as it sits. The finish is worn, and both front fenders show signs of rust, but this appears to be a pretty sound example. After all, it is complete, all of the trim is in place, the chrome shines, and the original Studebaker full wheelcovers are still adorning all four corners.
The seller claims that this Lark is “currently drivable” thanks to its 112 gross HP, 170 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine. The list of replacement parts and mechanical repairs is extensive, and you really need to review the listing to get a full accounting. The mileage reading is 92K miles, but there’s no claim to that being a genuine recording. I’ll say one thing, the engine compartment is quite tidy – some of it likely due to all of the replacement parts that have been effected. Not surprising is the presence of a three-speed manual transmission with three-on-the-tree activation.
The interior is in pretty good nick, though I’d appreciate an unvarnished view of the front seat upholstery. The striped seat cushions are cute, but they need to be removed for photographing. The dash is an all-steel, just-the-basics arrangement, and I can appreciate that. The other day, I drove an unnamed 2026 model automobile, and I felt like I was trying to compile a program on its touch screen just to get the blasted thing ready for departure. The seller has made the classic error of leaving the front floor obscured by detritus, so I can say much about its condition, but the close-ups of the door cards are encouraging. My only concern is the backrest of the rear seat, it has an obvious water mark – not sure what that’s all about.
As I frequently say, styling is subjective, and I wouldn’t place this Lark in the pantheon of “lookers,” but it does catch your immediate attention – that’s for certain. I always want to see these remnants of fallen flags saved, and I’d suggest that this is a pretty solid starting point for a Studebaker. The four doors may hold it back a bit, but regardless, this Lark has a unique charm all its own, wouldn’t you agree?
After 17 weeks on the market it’s clear there isn’t interest in it at all $5,000 asking price, that won’t get any better after the expense of a restoration is added in. The pictures don’t look too bad, if it really is drivable and reliable it might be worth making an offer, assuming the pictures give an accurate representation. Drive it, don’t put a lot of money into restoring it. Unfortunately cars like this don’t have much of a following, their prices will collapse well before, probably decades before muscle cars significantly decline.
Cars like this are the affordable entry into the hobby, a way for someone to get their feet wet without spending a fortune.
Steve R
If a good driveable unit it could be rented out for movies and such – my buddy has a binder full of folks he can call for such ads from Department stores. weddings and the movies here in Texas….might earn it’s keep.
I like this one.
My parents bought a used 61 (first year of the OHV 6 cylinder engine). It was baby blue with a 3 speed and for some reason my dad let me put an STP sticker on it, plus two racing stripes (I used red electrical tape). My dad would leave it in the driveway when he got home from work and let this 12 year old drive it up and down the driveway a few times, and when it was dry, circle the house in our big yard, before I put it in the garage. Simple car-kid pleasures led to being a car-guy for life.
Like Steve said not much love for Studies but there are fools for them out there….like someone that would drag an old 4speed Daytona – that was dragged back in the 60’s – out of a field to maybe run or race another day.
Oops….
Does not appear to have overdrive.