For Sale: 1963 Studebaker Lark in Christiansburg, Virginia

VIN: 63V6787Title shows mileage exempt.The 1963 Studebaker Lark Hardtop - most prominently represented by the upscale Daytona trim line - marked a critical styling and performance milestone for the independent automaker just before it ceased US operations in South Bend, Indiana.Industrial designer Brooks Stevens radically refreshed the car's aesthetic for the 1963 model year:- The "Greenhouse" Update: Stevens eliminated the heavily criticized, thick wrap-around windshield and thick door pillars. He replaced them with thin, elegant roof pillars that dramatically modernized the profile.- Front-End Styling: The updated front profile featured a tight, central grille paired with wide-set quad headlights wrapped in an aluminum bezel.- Upgraded Interior: A brand-new dashboard layout swapped standard warning lights for full functional instrumentation. It also introduced a built-in glovebox vanity specifically marketed to female drivers.While standard trims came with basic inline-six or standard V8 setups, Studebaker turned the Lark into a "proto-muscle car" by utilizing high-performance powertrains borrowed from their Avanti sports car:- The R2 Super Lark Package: Buyers could configure the Daytona Hardtop with a factory-installed, Paxton-supercharged Jet-Thrust 289 cubic-inch V8 engine.- Track Performance: The supercharged R2 variant pumped out 289 horsepower, launching the compact car from 0-60 mph in roughly seven seconds with a top speed exceeding 130 mph.- Factory Upgrades: High-performance models typically left the factory equipped with front disc brakes, bucket seats, a four-speed manual transmission, and a twin-traction differential.Because only 110 factory R2 supercharged Daytona Hardtops were ever built, they remain highly sought-after gems among classic car collectors.This 1963 Studebaker has been a part of the Duncan Imports collection since 2020.