We’ve seen how popular old station wagons have become. Some of that may be because we have fond memories as kids banging around in the suburbs while sliding around in the rear-facing third seat and gazing at the passing world through the open rear window. Even today, it’s hard to beat their functionality. Since they were basically passenger cars, many came with the same outsized powerplants as their sedan and hardtop siblings and could make for some rather spirited moves. The thing is, most of the wagons that surface today are the usual suspects, those produced in huge volumes such as Ford’s Country Squire, Chevrolet’s Impala (and of course, the Nomad), and an occasional Chrysler T&C or Plymouth Fury, etc. Well, hold onto your hats because today, T.J. has found one of the coolest suburbanites to grace middle America in the post-war period, a 1961 Studebaker Lark. This baby is stylishly hangin’ out in Earlysville, Virginia, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,750
In ’61, Studebaker Larks came in “VI” and “VIII” model designations spread over two trim levels, DeLuxe and Regal. Our subject is definitely a model VI, but I cannot determine much else beyond that. Studebaker assembled 7,800 station wagons 62 years ago, and this Model VI four-door is one of 2,900 – the most common variation. As I often say, styling is subjective and while some may consider the lines of this Lark to be quirky, I think it’s fabulous! The jade green is a perfect early ’60s complement, and the addition of the American Racing wheels, attached to what looks like a slightly lowered suspension, just finishes this wagon off in a subtle but authoritative way. Speaking of subtle, the listing has little to say, relying on “Lots of upgrades done over the past two years” as a catch-all.
Behind that distinctive Lark grille (it kinda reminds me of what fronts yesterday’s Camaro RS) is a 112 gross HP, 169 CI, in-line, six-cylinder engine that channels forward momentum via a three-speed manual gearbox (three-on-the-tree). The motor is super clean and appears to be very original. There’s no word on how this claimed 71 K-mile Studie runs and drives, but there’s no reason to suspect an issue. Of note is the master cylinder, which has been upgraded to a dual-circuit unit – always a smart move!
The interior is all-so early sixties in its all-business and simplistic layout. It’s bright, cheery, and functional. Points should be given for cleanliness and originality, though it appears an aftermarket tachometer has been inserted into the center instrument panel opening. One other maybe non-original item is the seat belts, though they do appear to be period-correct. As was often the case in this era, there’s no radio installed – the original owner probably didn’t want to spring for the added expense.
So, what’s not to like here? Nuffin’ that I can discern. One could argue that the driving experience would be more pleasant with the optional 259 CI V8 engine, but that’s a fairly minor item in the scheme of things. I dig this Studebaker Lark station wagon, and the price doesn’t surprise me. How about you?
Yeah, the wagons are a bit funky, not necessarily in a bad way either. The exterior shade, slight lowering and Torq Thrusts finish off the sixties vibe well. Pretty cool Studey.
A beauty, love the Torq-Thrust wheels. Now calling all pro’s here. 5 lug wheels ??? I would have thought 4. Love the engine bay. The dual circuit master is a worthwhile mod for safety and love the cleanliness of the wiring. A better rad is a bonus. What is that canister with a hose on the drivers side inner fender ??? At 15 big ones if you’re a fan.it could be worth it
Studebaker always had 15 inch wheels, 5 lug.
I think Champions up through ’50 were 4 lug
Boothguy,
All Studies I had back to the late 40’s vintage were all 5 stud wheels.
Never seen one with 4 studs.
Nice wagon.
I think that canister is the windshield washer reservoir.
Wasn’t there a wagonaire with a sliding roof at the back? At least there was a matchbox one.
The Wagonaire debuted for 1963. There were a lot of problems with the sliding roof panel leaking, especially early on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFl23P30bNA
The Wagonaire came later in ’63? maybe. I know it was the newer body style. I had the Matchbox too, with the hunter.
I could never get used to the way Studebaker decided to place the chrome trim on the Larks , they really made the car look odd.
I love the way the chrome trim was placed on this car. Everyone has their own opinion of course.
Cool Lark these remind me more of the original Variants then a Camaro RS- just my opinion
This is my Lark wagon. I wanted to let any interested buyers know that the list of upgrades is extensive, too extensive to post on Facebook marketplace, so I included all the details in the listing on Ebay. Also, while others may love the torque flite wheels as I do, a complete set of stock wheels and hubcaps come with the car.
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the 1959-61 Studebaker Lark. Given its original survivor condition and its rarity, I’d be willing to pay close to $10k for the car.
Ahh, Torque Thrusts, the cure all for many ills. The best looking wheel ever made. Capable of dramatically changing the look of many a homely ride.
Nice car. Worth the 15.
Beautiful car. Ridiculous wheels.
I could not help but notice those tail lights look very close to those on my ’50 Packard 23rd series sedan. Could stude have gone back into the packard parts trove since the merged in 1954? They look almost identical?
Plus overdrive!
I don’t think it has overdrive. The black handle under the dash on the right of the steering column is the parking brake handle. The red handle way over on the left side is the hood release. Maybe I missed it but I don’t see another OD handle.
Would be nice if it did have OD. I have a 58 Ranchero with it. Fun to drive.
Wiiillburr!
I think you have to be collecting social security to get that reference.
SSI. That probably includes everyone of us on this site.
Dennis Bailey, I thought that was an Overdrive handle! Thanks for verifying. I like this car a lot. Too far away and not enough play money in the coffer. (that happens when you are building your own house!)
Good luck to the seller!
I thank the seller for supplying the original wheels and hub-caps, because I utterly HATE aftermarket “sport” wheels, lowering, fuzzy-dice — the whole bit. I like an old car to be ALL ORIGINAL, just as it would have been when new — no added gauges or aftermarket stereo, either! But “hidden” mechanical upgrades are okay with me, generally.
My 1st car was a 1960 Lark VI 4 dr. Had an automatic and 4/60 air conditioning! My Dad rebuilt the engine/trans; was my daily driver to college and just ‘screwing around’ with buddies. Gas was $ .24 9 @ gallon, so everyone kicked in a quarter and we drove around all day. Drove the heck out of it for 4 years until I traded it for a Plymouth Valiant w/ 273 cu & 4 spd that I got into a lot of trouble with! That Stude’ still ran like a clock when I traded it. Love this wagon!
The “odd” chrome placement is the result of fitting bolt-ons to the original ’53 Bourke-designed body shell. The sheet metal on the lower doors are the giveaway.
I was privileged to have known Bob in his retirement when he lived in SW CT. He was driving one of the original Ford Fiestas but still had a ’53 white/black coupe stashed in his garage. Brilliant guy, good friend.
No overdrive. If it had it, the handle would be located on the left side under the dash between the red hood release and the vent controls. The handle under the dash on the right is the emergency/parking brake.
I miss Studebaker…and station wagons.