The merger between Studebaker and Packard did not go well in the mid-1950s, so the company needed a new product to help save it. And that came in the form of the Lark “compact” in 1959. Which helped boost sales – a least for a couple of years. This 1962 Lark wears a light restyle that would carry it for a couple of years before more tinkering was done. We’re told it has emerged from long-term storage (nearly 30 years) and some work is needed to at least achieve daily driver status. Located in Evanston, Illinois, this old Stude is available here on craigslist for $7,200. Bravo to T.J. for another great barn-like tip!
By 1960, “Detroit” got into the compact car space and Lark sales began to dip after a brief market advantage. As a result, the Lark got a little bigger, mostly in the tail section. Things were starting to look up again for the Lark when a UAW strike halted production for more than a month at Studebaker’s plant in South Bend, Indiana. This Lark seems like a base model with a 170 cubic inch inline-6 engine and a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission.
We’re told this classic has less than 40,000 original miles. Sure, it has four doors, but so few of these vehicles are left – especially restorable ones. This Stude runs and drives, so its mechanical needs may be few. Also, there is no rust, and the body and trim look more than passable, though not perfect by any means. The seller says the car was purchased from its original owner’s estate in 1996 in Colorado where it only saw occasional use.
The interior looks like a sore spot, with new upholstery and carpeting needed. Aftermarket seat belts seem to have been added. If you’re a Studebaker fan like me, you could do worse than this example to get into the classic car scene without having to rob a bank to do it. It is a solid version of how simple cars could be functional back in the “good old days”.
LOL why buy it when you can get better classic in better shape for that much. 3 to 4 grand max .
This car lives in the segment of the market which is crowded with a lot of other cars without a strong following, price is often a determining factor. This cars competition is often priced several thousand dollars less, without the need for body or interior work. This is likely a tough sell for anywhere near the asking price.
Steve R
Willlbuuur,,,as in Mr. Ed. Wilbur Post( Alan Young) drove a ’62 Studebaker just like this. The show was incredibly popular, with 143 episodes. Studebaker was the sponsor, and a last gasp, of sorts for the car. It was the 1st time we saw the Avanti too.
We, in Wisconsin,always shared a kindred relationship with Studebaker. Rambler and Studebaker went back and forth for 4th and 5th in sales for years, Rambler winning out, for a while. Studebakers were highly under-appreciated cars. They had many innovations used later by other car companies, and used many all off the shelf mechanicals. I heard just the name sounded old( like OLDsmobile) and didn’t help matters. They were great cars.
This is a great find. Yes its over priced but I’m sure that will drop as the owner gets feed back. Shine the paint, update the interior, check/replace all fluids and you have a great weekend cruiser. At the local car & coffee I bet this would get plenty on lookers and conversation. Studebaker was the odd ball company but had some great cars. I look at the Chevy tri fives and compare them to the Studebaker Champions and Commanders of the same time frame and think how old looking the Chevy styling was. If Studebaker had been able to get some cash flow I think the company could have done a lot more with styling.
My first car was a 62 Lark 2 door and I have a soft spot for them but it’s just overpriced.
That engine compartment and the interior do NOT look like they have “less than 40,000 miles”. If true, still not worth the price and effort required.
The new ’53 which had the amazingly good looking coupe, with or without the B pillar, had an ungainly 4 door sedan brother, which carried forward to the Lark, where, amazingly, it finally looked good! If you doubt it, look at a ’53 sedan on line – the ratio of ’53 coupes vs. sedans that have survived looks like about 15 to 1. As curiostiy, there was also a 2 door sedan in 1953 which looked like the 4 door only there was no handle on the sheet metal where the door would have opened. I have never seen one in person, only pictures.
My Dad had one V8 3 on the tree and it was fun to drive. Had an overdrive and would do 50 mph in first gear. Wow tires would squeal and rocks fly. Those were the days. !
This one is way over-priced. Two years ago I bought a very similar ’63 Lark, similar low miles, six-cylinder, four-door sedan, poor interior, very little rust, for $1500. This seller has a lot to learn.
I do love Studebakers, I am old enough to remember when the Avanti was new in the showroom. Wow, was that a wonderful car. I also love many other Studebaker models, mostly from the 50’s but I also remember the Lark. They used to have a habit of breaking king pins.