Though U.S.-made compact cars would become all the rage in the early 1960s, it’s often forgotten that American Motors and Studebaker got there first. For AMC, they resurrected the Nash Rambler and called it the American (in 1958), and at Studebaker, their entry was the Lark (1959). Both companies saw a surge in sales that lasted for a couple of years until Detroit caught up. The seller has a nice 1961 Studebaker Lark Regal with a rare option – a rollback canvas sunroof called the Skytop. Located in Sandy, Oregon, this driver-quality sedan is available here on Hagerty, where the current bid is $1,961 (no reserve).
Larks were offered with both inline-6 and V8 power, and the latter displaced 259 cubic inches in 1961, the car’s third year. If you wanted more than a basic set of wheels, the Regal was a step up in the trim department. The demand for smaller cars may have been stirred by the arrival of the VW Beetle, but was more likely caused by the growth of suburbia and families needing more than one car. Because Studebaker’s pockets weren’t that deep, the Lark was developed from the existing platform used for the company’s other products.
This Studebaker is being offered from an estate where the car was added about three years ago. The odometer reads 54,000 miles, and besides the 259 V8, the Lark also has an automatic transmission and air conditioning lifted off a later Studebaker. Overall, the body and paint look good, though a bit of corrosion can be found down below. The paint was redone in the original finish, Autumn Haze, but not recently. And the tan interior presents well.
One of the coolest options is the Skytop sunroof, as those were rare in those days on anyone’s car. Convertibles were still selling well, so most manufacturers hadn’t bothered with them – yet. A Sanyo cassette tape deck was added for extra tunes to be played while you were out cruising. New or newer parts include dual exhaust, control arm bushings, and reupholstered seats. The automobile isn’t perfect, but the car should impress those folks at Cars & Coffee who have never heard of a Studebaker Lark. Thanks for the tip, “PRA4SNW”.
There’s a ’63 four door non-runner near me for $600. Obviously no where near as nice, and probably crusher bound.
Wow. I’ve only laid eyes on one other Skytop-equipped `61! There couldn’t be many left after 65 years. It may not be an “R2” equipped Stude, but very noteworthy anyway! GLWTA!
Yep…..Stude was offering stuff that was really cool but nobody wanted….rare 4 door there…..
never seen 1 till this article. neat car.
Wow, can’t believe you’ve never seen one! They were, however, very un-noticeable in years past……
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved the 1959-61 Studebaker Lark. V8, Inline six, whatever. As long as it’s been carefully maintained and driven. I used to know someone who owned a Studebaker Lark VIII. I don’t know if he still has it or if he had sold it.
I had a black Lark Daytona with a Skytop back in 1972. A 35.00 ride!
I watched the odometer turn over. Poor car got about 20 miles to a quart of oil!
I was ashamed when one of my older brothers brought home a Lark with the rear portion including the trunk made of wood. Hideous even when I was 12 in 1977!!!
This example is awesome. You would think at least 4 grand!!???
There’s something very intriguing about Studebaker in its final days – they put out some decent products, although dated, but the kind of vehicles that Americans really needed. It is a shame that a company that started with covered wagons in 1852 saw such an inglorious end, but to see the examples still left on the road is nice. I remember that the City of Seattle had Studebakers in their motor pool as a kid in the early ’60’s, and I thought that t was a very decent vehicle for non-police duty. Simple, but sound decision making. I never knew about the canvas tops on these, and that makes it that much cooler, considering the “Big 3” had no intention of doing this until it really became popular.
There’s something very intriguing about Studebaker in its final days – they put out some decent products, although dated, but the kind of vehicles that Americans really needed. It is a shame that a company that started with covered wagons in 1852 saw such an inglorious end, but to see the examples still left on the road is nice. I remember that the City of Seattle had Studebakers in their motor pool as a kid in the early ’60’s, and I thought that t was a very decent vehicle for non-police duty. Simple, but sound decision making. I never knew about the canvas tops on these, and that makes it that much cooler, considering the “Big 3” had no intention of doing this until it really became popular.
I don’t know anything about these Studebakers, but I do know one thing: this is a needle in a haystack find, and prime for a BF feature.
Thanks for picking this one up, Russ.
Even though Studebaker made do with existing components, they were still pioneers in innovation. This one certainly deserves a good home.
Ended at $9250.
Reserve Not Met.
30 bids.