1959 Studebaker Lark
The Studebaker Lark is a compact car that was produced by Studebaker from 1959 to 1966.
From its introduction in early 1959 until 1962, the Lark was a product of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. In mid-1962, the company dropped “Packard” from its name and reverted to its pre-1954 name, the Studebaker Corporation.
For 1959, Studebaker pulled another rabbit out of its hat. Faced with falling volume and rapidly fading resources, the South Bend carmaker took its aged and obsolete passenger car line and with some clever slicing and dicing, transformed it into a trendy and stylish compact. The Lark beat the compacts of the Big Three to the market by nearly a year, racking up some much-needed sales for the struggling manufacturer.
Studebaker was known for its use and acceptance of mixing different materials, particularly on their interiors. However, during the redux our consignor took this interior to a whole new level, as the door panels have a mixture of beige broadcloth, and even a Studebaker “S” embroidered into the pink field. All emblazoned with nicely preserved cranks and handles.
There were two trim levels, Deluxe and Regal, and two available engines: a 169.6 CID flathead six with 90 hp, and the 259 CID V8 with 180 hp. For a little extra class, the six-cylinder cars were designated VI and the V8s were labeled VIII. For an extra $48, buyers could fit the V8 with a Carter WCFB four-barrel carb and dual exhausts, boosting the output to 195 hp at 4,500 rpm.
A beautiful example of a new twist for a car nearly everyone’s aunt or grandmother owned at one time. This small car with a big capacity and a very powerful powerplant under the hood. Usage of interesting tactile and visually appealing design for the exterior and a clean and concise update. A turnkey 1959 Studebaker you could come in?!
