Studebaker was striving to survive in the 1960s, teetering despite the Lark’s success just a few years before. To juice sales, it introduced the “Daytona” variant of the Lark, with bucket seats, a console, and special trim. But the company’s financial slide had gained unfortunate momentum: it closed its South Bend plant late in 1963, about the time this Lark Daytona convertible, advertised here on craigslist, was produced. The seller is asking $11,000 for his car, and it’s located in Anacortes, Washington. Curvette sent the tip over – thanks!
Appending “Daytona” to the Lark nameplate synched up with the popularity of racing, and in fact a guy named Harold Smith started a Lark at the back of the pack in the 1959 Daytona 500, managing to finish 31st. Street cars were equipped with either an inline six-cylinder, or one of Studebaker’s V8s. Later cars could be had with a supercharger, turning these lambs into wolves. This car has a 259 cu. in. V8 coupled with an automatic transmission. Output can range up to nearly 200 hp, depending on carburation. The seller notes that a Turner disc conversion kit has been installed; Turner has a great reputation. Overall, the underhood appearance here is quite tidy.
Despite its economy underpinnings, the Lark’s interior was on the swanky side – particularly in Daytona trim – and this owner has kept up its appearances. The aftermarket velour upholstery is in good condition – we can overlook the slight color mismatch to the original vinyl – and the trim is present. Even the windshield frame where the convertible top settles is bright. The only nit to pick is a stain on the passenger’s side of the dash. By 1963, the instruments and their presentation had been upgraded to the multiple aircraft-inspired gauges you see here, surrounded by vinyl-clad padding.
A word to the wise: see those triangular back-up lenses beneath the tail lamps? Uh huh, those are one-year-only items, and the left-hand driver’s side lens is just about impossible to find. Right-hand lenses, no problem, they make ’em all day long. I tried resin-casting a left lens out of desperation – it wasn’t a great solution, but it had to do until someone posted a used lens on eBay one day. It wasn’t great either, but any port in a storm. Back to the car at hand – it’s a lovely example, and if you have even an inkling toward owning a Studebaker, this one looks like a good prospect.
This is a very nice studebaker. I just picked up a 1964 Lark cruiser today 6/16/2026. It’s a four door with 31.000 miles on it. It has the V8 with power steering, power brakes and factory A/C. They have over a hundred cars left to sell. there are studebakers, willys, Kaisers, Frazers, Packers, and more. There are 22 at Lee auction service in Menomonie WI. that sell on 8/19/2026. There are phone numbers on there to call for more info.
Wow, thanks for the tip! I sent the Lee auction site to the local Rambler car club, we have Studebaker owners too.
“Wiiiiilllllbbbeeeerrrrrrrr!”