1959 Lark Registry

[BILT4ME]

There were about twice as many wagons built as hardtops (26,709 vs. 15,071). Wagons tended to have had a harder life and it is only recently that they have been considered collectable, as compared to a two door hardtop.

Studegary, where did you get your production numbers on the HT? The only number I've ever seen is 7995 for 1959 production. Maybe what I have is USA production? I'm pretty sure mine is wrong then because about everything I THOUGHT I knew has been proven to be wrong.......

[BILT4ME]

It could BE your Car, I can't give credit to the Car or Picture owner because I never know where I "stole" them from, usually eBay.

Definitely NOT my car. I've owned mine since 1981 and It's never looked THAT good since I've owned it.

There was a twin on eBay a few years ago that I wish I'd bought. I had been 100% restored and was sold on eBay for something under $8000. The guy that bought it turned around and sold it within 2 months for $12,000 and even used the SAME pictures from the as HE bought it from. It was done in that green, but they painted the top of the roof white. Otherwise, they did a VERY nice job restoring it.

[studegary]

Studegary, where did you get your production numbers on the HT? The only number I've ever seen is 7995 for 1959 production. Maybe what I have is USA production? I'm pretty sure mine is wrong then because about everything I THOUGHT I knew has been proven to be wrong.......

To directly answer you - from a book on Studebakers. This number is for production worldwide for the 1959 model year. Numbers for the 1959 calendar year are lower (many 1959s were made in 1958 and hardtop production dropped way off for the 1960 model year which would be included in the 1959 calendar year). For the 1960 model year, hardtop production dropped off due to siphoning by the new convertible and competition from the big 3.
For a check on 1959 model year production I suggest referencing Fred Fox's Feature Article on them in TW.

[BILT4ME]

Thank you Studegary!

That makes sense. I would appreciate actual numbers if you happen to think about it whenever you do return to you actual books........ I guess I'm interested in model year production, not calendar year production. My car was made in Feb. 1959 (Happy Birthday Lark!) so it would fall into both calendar year as well as production year.

[59r2]

resMy 1959 velvet black,red regal interior
Body tag 59v-j6
Door pillar sn 59v-17322
engine 259 2v
radio, no rear view side mirrors
three speed no od
62000 original miles

Hardtop ,full wheel covers ,tt ,rollup antenna

a few options I have added
1963 r1-#1981 bored out .40",john erb slight dished pistons ,low compression head s,with r-3 valves, tbo Mallory distributor, a complete r-2 setup from Lionel stone with erb rebuilt s/c including original stock r-2 carb,bonnet and air cleaner, super lark front and rear stabilizers ,1962 t-10 castiron four speed with hand made linkage to keep pedals on floor and keep the interior stock with the bench seat ( I have Phil Harris copy traction bars to put on )
I have tried to produce a car that would have been a super lark had Studebaker offered on in 1959

[lumpy]

That sounds like a really great 59

[59LarkWagon]

59V-2581

SHIP VIA: INTRODUCTORY DRIVEAWAY V 275
59V D6 REGAL 8 CYL 2 DR STA WGN
P5914 TAHITI CORAL
746 BRV 4 Brown vinyl pleated interior
FLIGHT O MATIC
RECLINING FRT SEAT
POWER STEERING
POWER KIT 4 barrel carb
OIL FILTER
POWER BRAKES
AIR CONDITIONING
TINTED GLASS
SAFETY PADDED SUN VISOR PR
UNDERCOATING
TWIN TRACTION DIFF
WHITE SIDEWALLS
SERVICE FOR WHOLESALE DEL
AC 2958 Climatizer
AC 2953 Cigar Lighter
AC 2952 Clock
AC 2937 Deluxe wheel covers
AC 2957 Back up lights
AC 2941F Bumper Guards - Front
AC 2906 Radio
AC 2688 Antenna Internal Control
AC 2912 Luggage rack

Body number is 369

[Buzzard]

OK Guys(& gals) You have asked for a breakdown of body styles and I wasn't at home with my registry so to accurately answer your question here goes(quite a surprise to me on the wagon count):

2 Door Hardtop 13
2 Door Sedan 5
4 Door Sedan 3
2 Door Station Wagon 8
Grand Total 29
Thanks to all who sent me their information.
Cheers, Bill

[LovelandJoe]

Thanks Bill for all your hard work. 59-61 were my favorite Lark years.

[BILT4ME]

Thanks Bill!

I now know there are more 59 2DHTP's out there than I EVER thought were left! I'm sure there are at least that number again that are NOT registered, but still on the road, and even more that are sitting in a field, awaiting the repurpose in their life.

Up to the point of joining this forum, I had only SEEN one other 59 2DHTP, and it was the same color as mine, but was incredibly rusty, and looked like it had been hit by a dump truck on both ends.

Now for the next part of the puzzle.......
Which STATE can we break down the 59's to?

I would LOVE to have a "reunion" for all the 59 2DHTP's left. Set up a tour and just a gathering of them (or as many as we could get) in one place.

I'll drive mine anywhere, as long as I have the time to go to and from.

[Buzzard]

OK Bill, I thought I could supply that information, but alas, I never received the actual location for any of the cars registered. If there was a way to seek out homes other than identifying each individuals' profile and extrapolation from that. At this point I'm simply too busy with other stuff (getting in firewood for the winter for example).
If anyone is interested to the degree that they wish to do the search then PM me and I'll supply all the "forum handles" so one could perform the profile search.
Luck,
Bill

[harperwayne]

Ok I am now online so introducing myself now.

1959 Lark 8 Regal in completely original condition plan is to bring her back to her former glory.
What can I tell you about her not a lot as yet really, I have order a original factory order so will know more soon.

But so far:-
Cigarette lighter
Push button radio
Chassis No: 59V-J6 2053
Serial No: 59V - 8806
Engine No: V426804
Original Miles: 27430
Headlining is in good condition and red in colour.

No spare wheel, Jack or any original manuals or paperwork.

[StudeRich]

You have to wonder WHAT that is, above that Brake Pedal?
It appears that it COULD be the Pedal Lever/Shaft, but overhead suspended Pedals did not happen until 1961, 2 Model Years later!

[harperwayne]

Speaker wire coming down from the dash, beneath the aftermarket Temp Gauge. Brake pedal goes through the floor.

[N8IWS]

Finally got approved to post. Just bought a 1959 Lark 2 door hardtop, original paint and drivetrain. Car came from Nevada and it's a driver. Looking forward to many years being in the car hobby again.

Dale