Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this modified 1959 Studebaker Lark VIII two-door hardtop. Its original engine has been replaced by a Chevy small-block paired with a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Other features include power steering and front disc brakes, Mustang II-style independent front suspension, refurbished interior, and air conditioning. Finished in black over an updated two-tone gray cloth interior, this modified Lark is offered with a clear title in the seller’s name.
The Lark was created to help stem Studebaker’s losses, which were exacerbated by the dissolution of Packard. Studebaker trimmed the front and back of its traditional full-size sedan, trimmed a bit of wheelbase, and voila! Instant compact car. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect considering the recession that the U.S. was emerging from when the first of the Larks hit the street in the fall of 1958.
The black exterior has been repainted and is complemented by re-chromed trim and refurbished stainless accents. Features include dual side mirrors and dual exhaust pipes poking out from under the bumper.
Steel wheels with Cadillac wheel covers are wrapped in whitewall tires.
The interior is furnished with modern two-tone gray cloth bucket seats, split by a custom center console featuring dual cup holders. Other features include power driver’s seat, tilt steering wheel, the original AM radio augmented by an upgraded AM/FM system, upgraded air conditioning system, and cruise control.
The Classic Instruments gauges include a 140-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The odometer reads 2,500 miles but the true mileage is unknown.
Powering this Studebaker is a Chevy small-block paired to a column-shifted TH350 three-speed automatic transmission.
Underpinnings have been updated with a Ford Mustang II-style front end. Braking is power-assisted with discs up front and drums in the rear.
The auction for this modified 1959 Studebaker Lark two-door hardtop ends Friday, October 6, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
Let us know what it sells for . What a beautiful car!
Cool Studebaker. I’d be happy to have this as a daily driver for the summer months but would store it for the winters to keep it from being rusted away by roadsalt
Can’t afford it, but I do like it
Our neighbors owned a 1959 Lark. I was only 5 or 6 years old, it was dark red with gray cloth interior. I don’t know about anything under the hood, but when we would go to the department or grocery stores we would say we are going “Larking” I always thought that was really cute. The entire neighborhood knew that were Larking”.
My Dad had a Studebaker Dealership in Bristol, CT. Everyone in the family drove one. Great car.
My sister had a 60 or 61 Lark convertible w/ the V8. Unfortunately it was just as Studebaker was closing down and service and parts got tough to get. She sold it. Always said it was the best car she ever had.
That first Black new car dealership was a Studebaker dealership in Detroit Michigan where my father brought his first car.