The Pick of the Day is 1963 Studebaker Lark 4-door sedan, maybe not the most beautiful or sporty collector car out there but a fun little craft with a backstory to which we can all relate.
That story is not about the Studebaker’s origins, but its recent history of love and rejection.
The private seller, a dad in Hurricane, Utah, advertising the Lark on ClassicCars.com, tells the sad tale nicely in the ad.
“This is a wonderful example of a well-preserved Studebaker,” the seller says. “We purchased the car recently from an estate of a 90-year-old collector. He had several Studebakers in his collection. This was the last one available.
“My soon-to-be 16-year-old daughter fell in love with the classic look and the excellent red interior the minute she laid eyes on it. Lucky for us we were able to acquire it.
“The funny thing is, the entire time we were negotiating the sale and delivery of this car, we both thought it was an automatic. We got a surprise when it showed up. This car sports a rare ‘three on the tree’ manual transmission.
“I thought it was awesome. Needless to say, my daughter did not. No clutch for her. Automatic only. That’s why we’ve decided to let someone else enjoy this classic beauty.”
The Studebaker is apparently an original survivor driven less than 55,000 miles, with a rust-free body and undercarriage, presentable paint, a decent interior and its original owner’s manual. It looks gnarly under the hood, but perhaps it just needs a good detailing.
Power is supplied by an inline-6, to which the seller has added new points and spark plugs, as well as a new muffler and Interstate battery. The Studebaker “fires right up and is ready to roll,” the seller says.
The asking price is a modest $8,000 or best offer.
“This car isn’t perfect but you’ll be hard-pressed to find (a) car in this good of condition for this price,” the seller adds. “Motivated seller. I’ve got to find an automatic for my sweetheart.
“The 3-speed transmission is smooth and so fun to drive (For me anyways. NOT for my little girl). It also has overdrive. Bonus!”
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Oh dear! The story of the ’63 Lark being a manual is a hoot.
As a result of a motorcycle accident nearly forty years ago, l am an above-knee amputee. I can drive a manual (using only my left foot) well enough to satisfy the licensing authority but l obviously prefer automatics so whenever l consider buying any motor vehicle, the transmission type is the first thing l check.
I guess l won’t be the only one from now on, eh?
*Driving a manual using only one foot is easy – you only have to make sure that you only have to cover one pedal at a time.
Anyone who would like a demonstration need only send me a plane ticket from New Zealand to wherever you happen to be (post Covid-19 obviously – although in USA, that’ll most likely be longer than everywhere else) and l’ll happily show you how it’s done.
I believe that if you want to do something and are determined, you CAN do it. Each of us have our burdens and problems but overcoming them is a matter of doing our best and never giving up. You are a hero of sorts. I prefer a manual transmission but I have two vehicles with automatic transmissions. Sometimes It is hard to find a manual transmission any longer. I have an old Packard with a different motor and transmission so it’s a street rod. It is not for sale as I am making it like new inside and out and going to use it as a wedding car here in Panama. It is not to make money but to provide a needed service for young couples just starting out and getting married. Lots of fun to do nice things for people. I believe you would love to do that too. My other car is a Nissan Patrol 4 by 4 Turbo Diesel LS. It is a big strong vehicle very popular down under I believe.
Are those Corvair headlight bezels??
I will buy the Studebaker for 6000$ but first l like to know if you can ship it to Lebanon and the shipping cost
Click on the Pick of the Day red link at the end of the article, which will take you to the seller’s ad, including to contact
Similar but not the same. Corvair appears to have heavier stripes on the metal between the headlights
Where is the car located?
I’m in Arlington VA
Jamie– According to the article and the ad, the car is located in Hurricane, Utah. That would make for a nice ride back to Arlington, Virginia, in a nice looking car. Enjoy!
If still available
I would like to speak with the owner
My contact is 202 413 7355
Sorry to hear that your daughter won’t learn to drive a standard. Tell her I had the same problem, but it was with a 1930 Model A — Hated to sell that baby. Now I have a 1959 Studebaker Lark, same color combo. Thank goodness it’s an automatic. Keep looking there is an antique car out there somewhere with your name on it.
In South Africa the 1963 Lark was a popular “police patrol car”, but with the V8 power plant.
Yes Herman, and I was part of the Flying squad in Brixton in 1975/6 as they were fasing out the Lark for the Valiant Rebel/Regal …..
Hi Herman, I used to drive a 4 door manual for an Australian Police Force Wireless Patrol. It too, had V8 power. (Hawk). We also had the 2 door with the same motor. Could they go.
Barrie Bail. June 17, 2021
i wo nder if it has hill holder for clutch for stop lights how about that ?
I owned one of these (my first car), inspired by my grandfather’s 61 Lark VIII. It is a shame she does not like the transmission, if I remember right, my 63 Lark VI got great mileage with the overdrive!