Is This a Mock-up for the Lark?

[JRoberts]

I do not think I have seen this picture before. I tried searching for it here but came up with nothing.

[Roscomacaw]

The RR corner look familiar! I'd like to see that 58 hardtop with the Hawk fin treatment!

[2R2]

Also, notice the non-wraparound windshield. The rear fender line over the wheelwell looks like a '64 Rambler American!

[Roscomacaw]

Name scripts almost look to say Champion.

[Noxnabaker]

In my opinion it would've looked a bit Ford-ish if that left rear corner-style would've been put in production.

[StudeMichael]

I believe this photo like most of this type was taken in the engineering building.

[StudeRich]

The Right Rear Fender corner and rear Panel looks pretty much like the '59 ended up.

However that Left Rear Fender lower and rear Panel corner is the same design that ironically ended up on the future Cars -'62 to '66!

Lots of interesting features; the '57 Sedan like Tail Lights, the '56 Wheel Covers and the '53-early '55 Sedan Windshield.

I too think the '58 Starlight Hardtop styling concept Car has an interesting '59 -'61 Hawk Fin design.

[jimmijim8]

62 thru 66 has a higher wheel opening

The Right Rear Fender corner and rear Panel looks pretty much like the '59 ended up.

However that Left Rear Fender lower and rear Panel corner is the same design that ironically ended up on the future Cars -'62 to '66!

Lots of interesting features; the '57 Sedan like Tail Lights, the '56 Wheel Covers and the '53-early '55 Sedan Windshield.

I too think the '58 Starlight Hardtop styling concept Car has an interesting '59 -'61 Hawk Fin design.

[Swifster]

That pic was probably taken in late '56 or in '57.

[4961Studebaker]

Neat concept mock up.

And yes the picture was in Turning Wheels within the past year. IIRC the dash was to be a 53 but we know how the final product turned out.

[kurtruk]

That pic was probably taken in late '56 or in '57.

And at 1:20 PM.

[kurtruk]

If you blow it up to 400%, the left trunk/tail area doesn't look real. Air-brushed, cut-and-paste? The vertical trunk panel just doesn't join or blend with the right side which we know is real.

EDIT: Yes, the more I look at it enlarged, the more I see drawn in. The C-pillar and the rear line of the rear door are pencilled-in.

[Mr. Bill]

I would like to see more of the Starlight hardtop. The fin treatment, in my opinion, makes a world of difference for the better although I would like to see what front end and taillight treatment was being proposed.

[Commander Eddie]

In a 1972 edition of Automobile Quarterly there is a good write-up about how the Studebaker engineering department did full size clay models that had two different concepts. One on each side like this. This appears to be a steel mockup.

[52-fan]

Interesting. Until I enlarged the picture, I didn't realise that this was one of the mock-ups with each side different. The right rear treatment is much like the production 59 Lark.