December 20, 1963, was a dark day in South Bend, Indiana. That’s when Studebaker shuttered automobile production in the U.S. (assemblies would continue through March 1966 in Canada). The seller has a beautiful 1964 Daytona for sale (the evolution of the Lark compact), but we don’t know which side of the border it originated from. It’s been painstakingly restored and built as a tribute to the super rare performance model, the Super Lark. Hailing from Peoria, Arizona, this beauty is available here on craigslist for $27,500 and is another great tip brought our way by T.J.
When the seller’s car left the factory, it may have been 1 of only 2,414 Daytona 2-door hardtops to leave the building. After 60 years, it was treated to a frame-on restoration that included some serious upgrades. At the center of these improvements is a Paxton supercharger, part of the rare Super Lark high-performance package. Other features in that group were/are power front disc brakes, posi-traction, beefier suspension, H/D cooling, and a speedometer that’s 40 mph more aggressive.
The rework of this now-muscle car was done just 2,000 miles ago, so everything appears to be fresh. Some rust eradication had to be done before the new white paint was applied, and the bucket seat interior appears hardly used. The status of the title is “rebuilt,” so would-be buyers need to get clarification as to why.
We understand that just 325 Super Larks were built, and we surmise they were 1963 models. But perhaps some of them could have landed in the ‘64s before Studebaker fled to Canada to make cars for another 2.25 years. When South Bend closed, the Gran Turismo and Avanti both died, and we suspect only economy-minded Studes were on the menu going forward.
“Customizing” a Studebaker Lark. Now I’ve seen everything.
Given how fast that little Stude moves, I’ll bet you wouldn’t likely see it for long!
Customizing this car in this manner is the only thing that will keep it relevant. There isn’t a strong following for this era, or most eras, of Studebaker and interest is waning. The only thing keeping it from competing on price with all the other makes and models without a strong following are well thought out modifications like those seen on this car.
Steve R
Why are folks saying customised – heck it’s a tribute built to the record setting Bonnieville Daytona’s that ran in 1964 and held records into the 1990’s !!!! Owning one like I do – a rare 4 speed – is fun !
There’s some amazing footage of Andrew Jordan putting one of these through it’s paces at Goodwood a few years back.
https://www.goodwood.com/grr/event-coverage/goodwood-speedweek/this-studebaker-lark-daytona-is-as-fast-as-it-is-unusual/
Talk about your ultimate sleeper. I like it. Too bad it doesn’t have a four speed but you can’t have everything. Oh you could have AC. Being an AZ and CA car I’m surprised it doesn’t.
I see an AC compressor at the front of the motor.
I see ( maybe aftermarket) AC just inside the steering wheel rim lower right corner.
As I recall, the original Studes couldn’t be had with both supercharger and A/C because the supercharger mounted where the compressor should go. This one looks “after market”, and very slick!
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/south-bend-stealth-1964-studebaker-super-lark-r3/
I grew up with an R3. Hard to forget the sounds of this motor rumbling in the driveway and being pinned to the seat by incredible acceleration through the gears.
I enjoyed the article you linked to. Studebaker built a car that could hang with modern muscle 60 years ago. Impressive. It’s a shame that car didn’t save the company. The list of famous muscle cars would be a bit different if it had.
The Studebaker Daytona’s that ran the Bonnieville Salt Flats in 1964 set records that would not be beaten until the 1990’s……
This would be toward the end of Studebaker-engined Larks/Daytonas too, as most Canadian built units had Chevy engines.
Hamilton built ’64s still had Studebaker engines. The 1965-66 Canadian Studebakers had McKinnon/Chevrolet engines.
I’m in the next town over,I should go look at it.
This is a well done tribute!
The Super Lark used the Studebaker built V8 289 engine. From the photos, this vehicle looks to have all of the appointments that a true, original Super Lark had. It also has power steering and air conditioning. Power brakes came with the Super Lark package.
This model was not available after 1964 when Studebaker used GM McKinnon engines for 65 and 66 and discontinued the hardtop body style. If I did not already have a 1964 Studebaker Daytona convertible, I would be a buyer!
R. Starinsky McKinnons was the lifeblood of my hometown for 100 years. Started life as a saddle and wagon shop. In the aftermath of each subsequent World War it expanded big time. By the time I caught on it had been a General Motors plant for 60 years. Used to get a kick when my uncles and great uncles asked “how they treating you at McKinnon’s?”
Brooks, Stevens design this car. Considering the origins of the car, it’s brilliant. It’s a fitting tribute to the end of Studebaker’s example is beautiful.
this is not customized it is a R2 factory option
Very cool. Again as stated before, “too bad it’s not a 4 speed”.
As I recall, the original Studes couldn’t be had with both supercharger and A/C because the supercharger mounted where the compressor should go. This one looks “after market”, and very slick!
This is a car which would draw my attention at a show.