For Sale: 1960 Studebaker Lark in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1960 Studebaker Lark VIII Regal Convertible

"Look at the Lark convertible. Newest Lark under the sun and moon, pridefully styled and built for lovers of road and sky. Here at last is the means to enjoy the Lark's marvelous maneuverability and stable agility while reveling in the delight of refreshing breezes and warm sunshine. Beyond a doubt, this Lark is one of the world's most charming and distinctive cars. This is a perfect blending of happy handling, scintillating styling, queenly comfort and a wonderful way to enjoy the weather." From the 1960 sales brochure

For consignment, a 1960 Studebaker Lark VIII Regal convertible showing 13,444 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The car presents very well and its 30 year restoration has held up nicely. It was restored by Palmyra Motors in Pennsylvania, a Studebaker dealer where the car was also purchased new.

Exterior
Its proportions, shape, and profile come across as somewhat whimsical, especially in the period of really large cars and a time when long, more narrow body panels were becoming vogue. Painted with two stage Colonial Red, the subtle lines of the car are accentuated by the side trim molding which bounces up as it flows to the back, followed by the decklid dip in the back between very narrow fenders. There, the concave rear fascia is bookended by modest tail lights that hug the corners allowing them to be seen from the side and a straight chrome bumper resides below. The distinctive face includes the center grille with matching mini grilles under the marker lights and round headlights under a brow created by the side trim turning the corner. Let's not forget the spade shaped Lark hood ornament in front and the 15-inch red wheels with covers and white walls, looking great. A white canvas top is above showing some typical discoloration but fully intact. Imperfections register only as some bubbling down low and a single scuff.

Interior
A red pleated vinyl insert adorns the door over a smooth panel and carpeted kick panel and both doors present cleanly. The same color and pleats are used on the front buckets, upright and square, and the rear bench, also lined in red piping and clean. Black, red, and polished surfaces make up the front palette, starting with the steering wheel, a two tone number with chrome horn ring that leads to a black vinyl dash pad over the red dash and dual gauges embedded in a grille like faceplate. Metal knobs flank the gauges, and an ivory buttoned AM radio resides in the middle with a grated speaker in front of the passenger. Black loop carpet floods the floor, and the clean interior includes the trunk where red paint glistens, a plaid vinyl mat covers the floor, and fender skirts are currently stowed.

Drivetrain
Show ready and even wearing some chrome, the 259ci V8 under the hood is rated at 180 horsepower and topped with a 4-barrel carburetor. Yes, you could eat off of this engine. A Flite-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear axle and 3.31 gears while drum brakes are fitted to each of the four wheels.

Undercarriage
Eat off of the engine, but bring you desert underneath where very clean conditions are found. A very slight dampness around the rear differential is the only errant fluid we note on this uniformly black underside dominated by an X-frame. Dual exhaust flows through stock style mufflers, then exit via chrome tips pointed outwards. Suspension includes coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
We take our seat in this cheerful car and bring the V8 to life and our attraction is immediately doubled by the healthy sound and potential power. And indeed, the car is spry and nimble, and we have to admit, fun to drive. There's good power underfoot and the car tracks straight and absorbs road imperfections with the help of 75 series tires on 15-inch rims. Will it win a slalom race? Probably not, but that doesn't mean the short wheel base doesn't provide plenty of confidence in turns. We note the wipers and heater blower are not working but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Was this the modern Mini Cooper of its day? It has a merry profile, it's smaller than typical cars of the time, it's got good power for its size, and it would have been practical and fun at the same time! The brochure and marketing for the Lark portray the car in mostly recreational settings, the dock, the stables, lakeside. But it was also touted for its luxury and comfort as it "moves haughtily through town traffic". What a cool car, and now it can be yours!

60V46899

60-1960
V-Lark V8
46899-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

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