This Studebaker Lark is rich in history. The owner's grandfather owned a Studebaker dealership in St. Petersburgh, FL. He might have had an influence on his grandson with his passion for Studebakers. In 1976, the soon-to-be owner was a senior in high school, and it was time for his first car. Naturally, it had to be a Studebaker, preferably a two door. After rejecting 12 other locally advertised Studebakers he found a 1960 Lark with 26K miles. So, he, his father and his grandfather went to give it a look-see. The car was recognized as one that was sold out of the grandfather's dealership, and this is that car!
Now fast forward to 1999 and this Stude was disassembled, cleaned, new upholstery, repaired, re-chroming, and painting, along with the original 90 hp inline six being replaced with a supercharged R2 289 V8, 3-speed Powershift Automatic and dual exhaust. In addition to the engine upgrade, it received an interior upgrade. Now the interior has been elegantly swathed in a Custom Regal level of luxury.
The floor shifter needed a little console, so the owner built one and added a magic switch. You see, this Studebaker Lark uses a McCulloch VS57 Supercharger as found on the 1957-1958 Golden Hawks with a clutch like those on an AC compressor that only engages when the throttle is held to the floor. The magic switch engages the supercharger whenever you want to turn on the extra power!
The brakes and suspension were also upgraded to replicate the later performance, Larks. We tend to think of Studebakers as fuddy duddy old lady cars, but they had some great performance options. In 1963, they produced a Super Lark chassis using parts developed for the Avanti that included front and rear sway bars, front disc brakes and rear radius rods that connect the rear axle housing to the frame, much the way Carroll Shelby did it with the 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustangs. Who would have guessed?
The rake stance is from Studebaker station wagon rear leaf springs along with 15"" wheels and tires. Big and Littles with LT28x10R15 in the rear and 20565R15 up front along with chrome Baby Moon hubcaps makes this Lark a standout wherever it goes!
If you want to have the most unique car at any car show or event, then this Studebaker Lark is the car for you.
Call, click or visit https://www.RKMotors.com for more information on this one-of-a-kind cruiser!
Highlights
Resto Mod
No frills, cruise-in showstopper
1960 Oasis Green - 1960 Studebaker Lark color (Car was originally blue)
Upgraded engine and suspension
289 V8 engine from 1964 Studebaker Daytona
McCulloch VS57 Supercharger added
Rebuilt Carter AFB R2 carburetor
Hydraulic lifter cam
Bored .030 over to 293 Cubic Inches
3 angle valve job to smooth intake and exhaust valve flow
Cylinder heads honed to allow for larger R3 intake valves
Port-matched intake and exhaust manifolds
3-spd NOS Avanti Powershift transmission - Receipt on file
Transmission resealed before installation
Floor shifter with small center console
Rebuilt rear axle - receipt on file
Coil springs front & leaf springs rear
Front and rear anti-sway bars
Traction bars in rear
Sub-frame connectors
Manual front disc & rear drum brakes
Dual exhaust
Cloth bench seat
Radio delete
Manual steering
No heat & no AC-true classic
Rotisserie restored from 1999-2010 by a shop in Mass.
Engine overhauled and upgraded during 2010 restoration.
Photocopies of original original Invoice, original corrected invoice, original order slip
Letter to original owner about discontinuing manufacture in 1966 (included in sale)
Restoration receipts - including engine, transmission, and rear axle
Supercharger Service Manual
Owner's Manual
Engine overhauled by Bob Munter, WCD Garage, Northboro, Mass. - Receipt on file
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
