Vehicle Description
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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