1960 Studebaker Lark

Description

What could be more fun than heading down to the beach in this sunny little 1960 Studebaker Lark? The thinking man's alternative to the compacts from the "Big Three," this Lark is a handsome ragtop that's very affordable, very economical, very durable, and very fun. How can you lose?

Bright yellow is exactly the right color for Studebaker's compact Lark, especially in convertible form. A thoroughly modern design for 1960, it shakes off any vestiges of '50s excess and shows off a few Studebaker design cues, including the trapezoidal grille. These were not expensive cars when they were new, but they were tough and well built, so it's surprising that more haven't survived. This one seems to have been well treated for most of its life and was restored a few years ago, an effort that surely cost several times more than the asking price. It's not perfect, but then again, why would you expect it to be? Instead it has a charming, inviting look that says it's ready to go and doesn't mind if your feet are dirty or there might be clouds on the horizon. Nevertheless, panel fit is decent and the yellow paint shines up quite well, so you'll never be afraid to take it to the local shows. Nice chrome, including the big bumpers, adds some zest to the look and the sweeping stainless trim along the sides adds a sporting flair.

The searing white interior looks fantastic with the top down and you'll appreciate the light color when you're out in the sun. The upholstery is fairly authentic, with pleated patterns and durable materials that are '60s perfect. Matching door panels have stainless trim that echoes that on the exterior of the car and black carpets keep it from being pastel overload. A steak of yellow paint encompasses the dash and simple gauges, all framed by a big steering wheel with chrome horn ring. It was an economy car, so there aren't any frills, but if you need a radio in a car that's this much fun to drive, you're doing it wrong. The carpets featured a heel pad for the driver and are as fresh as the rest of the interior and there's plenty of room in back for two passengers, maybe three if they're friendly. It does offer a power convertible top that's in great condition and a surprisingly roomy trunk.

Studebaker's 170 cubic inch flathead six isn't going to win many drag races, but it's durable and economical, and you'll be pleased to learn that many of the basic service parts are available at local auto parts stores. Someone has obviously spent some time under the hood detailing it, as it wears corporate green engine enamel, a proper air cleaner assembly, and lots of new components. It starts with a grumble that's all out of proportion to its size and with a good bit of low-end torque, it's easy to drive around town. The 3-speed manual transmission has light action and you'll master it easily, making this car fun transportation. Manual drum brakes and manual steering are really all you need in something this light and the exhaust system appears to be recent. It's not restored underneath but it's what you'd expect from a driver-grade 55-year-old and the modestly-sized wheels mean that tires are inexpensive, too.

A great car for the first-time hobbyist or someone on a budget, it stands out with its uniqueness yet remains a lot of fun to drive. Call today!