Vehicle Description
For a brief moment in time, and for only a lucky few, the 1963
Studebaker Lark was one of the most potent muscle machines around.
Those who know the history understand the short but significant
chapter of the R2 Supercharged V8 that was offered. Right now is
your opportunity to get your hands on one of the most
comprehensively restored version of a very limited run.
The Studebaker Jet Thrust Registry identifies the factory to only
producing 274 examples of the 1963 R2 Lark two-door sedans with the
full option package. That's why a car like this receives such a
comprehensive rotisserie restoration. It was a decade-long process
that began in 2001, and it includes work by names like RayLin
Studebaker Restorations in North Carolina and Larry Scott in Ohio.
It takes extra time and care for a car like this. Not only is this
one special, but even the budget-minded Studebaker had style. There
are bright chrome bumpers, a trim line that wraps around the front
and runs the full length of the car, and a grille so imposing that
they would use it on the trucks. You wouldn't see all this so
clearly if they hadn't taken the time to get the body panels right
and a nice glow to the factory-correct Ermine White paint. And
having the R2 with full option package means it gets details
correct, like the proper badge in the grille and Avanti
Supercharged callout on the fender.
The appeal of the interior is as clear as black and white,
literally. This has been upgraded with the proper Studebaker
Daytona trim setup with the glossy black on the seats with
distinctive white inserts. Not only is this fresh because of the
proper restoration, but also you see more great details, too. It's
everywhere from the Studebaker seat belts, to the steering wheel
that follows the two-tone theme. The gauge panel a full package
that reminds you that Studebaker knew driver-oriented designs. This
has the special 160 mph speedometer, and the large tach goes
particularly well with the upgraded Hurst Competition Plus
shifter.
Within the crisp white engine bay lies a very special motor. The
289 cubic-inch V8 was the largest you could get on a Lark, and the
presentation here is crisp with plenty of polished components.
Plus, you can easily spot the special Paxton supercharger on top.
The original block is in another known Studebaker, and so a proper
R2 block was sourced was sourced from another rare full package
car. So this one really does keep the proper lineage that connects
it with the R2 Larks that Studebaker used to set land speed
records! That car was also the donor for the proper Borg Warner T10
four-speed transmission. This special V8 loves to sing its throaty
tune through the stainless dual exhaust. Take some time to look at
it in the undercarriage photos. There you'll also see another
reminder of the quality that comes from a long-term rotisserie
restoration. Plus, the full package R2s came with great upgrades,
like a heavy-duty suspension and front disc brakes (now with power
brakes.)
If you think this is an award-worthy total package, you'd be right!
It's already been given a ton of prestigious honors. So call for
all the details on the awards and the prestige that comes from a
small-batch supercharged legend like this R2.
