Vehicle Description
1959 Studebaker Lark
Every muscle car enthusiast knows what an STP sticker looks like.
But is there a Studebaker tie-in? Yes. STP oil treatment was first
introduced in 1952 as a product of Chemical Compounds Inc. of St.
Joseph, Missouri. An abbreviation for Scientifically Treated
Petroleum, STP was a thriving business when Studebaker president
Sherwood Egbert acquired the company and trademark on March 1,
1961. The claim that STP stands for Studebaker Transmission
Products is just a myth. That said, after the 1961 acquisition, the
STP trademark was briefly co-opted to stand for Studebaker Tested
Products. Soon after, Egbert realized the popular oil supplement
was best kept as a standalone brand. STP, under the leadership of
Andy Granatelli was a strong source of profits and positive PR
through its many Indy 500 attempts and active support of all facets
of professional motor sports.
For consignment we are keeping in tune with the Studebaker affinity
for avian species, we give you the Lark. A smaller car with a big
interior to seat 6 passengers comfortably. This car has been
beautifully restored with all areas being meticulously attended to
and no stone left unturned. A fine running and looking great 1959
Lark.
Exterior
Boxy but with rounded corners would best describe the design for
this car, and it was intentional. Intentional because they wanted
to fit 6 passengers inside comfortably, and in order to do so,
needed as much space for that interior. All steel straight panels
sprayed with Seamist Green, then snazzy clean chrome was attached.
Pay particular attention to the belt line mini swoop spear, that
literally runs from above the headlights up front to the end of the
rear quarter, then decides to sweep across the trunk and start all
over again on the other side. Small rounded fins add some nice line
to the back of the car, and the oval taillights keep it simple on
the back. You have to love the wrap around rear glass with quite a
rearward rake for its time. This gives the car some panache in the
design department. Badging is all nicely preserved and uses your
grandmother's handwriting as the font. Standard Studebaker polished
wheel covers are on all 4 corners wrapped in thin whites.
Interior
Studebaker was known for its use and acceptance of mixing different
materials, particularly on their interiors. This car does not
disappoint, as the door panels have a mixture of silver fabric,
smooth green vinyl, and knitted textured metal thread panels. All
emblazoned with nicely preserved cranks and handles. Inside we see
more of the metal thread in green slightly tucked and rolled inner
panels for the benches. These are bordered by smooth dark green
vinyl for the bolsters. Seats show slight wear. A beautifully
restored turquoise dash with all clean and correct instrumentation
fronted by an original steering wheel and topped with a faux
leather grained green padded dash. Hanging below the passenger side
is the dealer added tissue dispenser in chrome. Headliner is a tan
mohair.
Drivetrain
A very nicely restored 259ci V8 sits in a clean and shiny engine
bay. Stromberg provides the single WW carburetor, and a 3-speed
manual transmission is attached.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen around the rocker area, but otherwise
rust free on the frame and floorpans. Suspension is independent
coil spring up front, and leaf spring in the back, and all looks
rust free. Some surface rust is seen on the underside of the door
panels, and interestingly those panels were missed on the respray.
Drum brakes for all 4 wheels, and a glasspack dual exhaust is also
seen underneath. Slight surface rust is seen within the door jambs,
and on the front grille.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, this car runs just dandy. It is a cruiser, which
gains speed through every gear. It handles very nicely, and parking
in a tight spot is not too bad without the power steering. Interior
is very roomy for the size of the car.
A beautiful example of a car nearly everyone's aunt or grandmother
owned at one time. This small car with a big capacity was popular
in the day and got good gas mileage to boot although at that time
no one cared. Usage of interesting tactile and visually appealing
fabrics and surfaces interior-wise, and an overall good restoration
with just a few areas of very minor surface rust around. A turnkey
1959 Studebaker you could come in and buy on a Lark?!
VIN Decode
59V12601
59-1959
V-259ci V8
12601-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
