Time for some Lark appreciation!

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

Can I just say how much I love the Lark? Not only is it the car that bought dear old Studebaker some time, it is also a fantastic example of a Europeanized American car. It has the most efficient use of space of any car I have been in without compromising a bit on styling. Even in basic two-door sedan VI form, it looks great. In fact, I would say it looks almost...elegant... God help me!

[(S)]

Lark - The most universal donor car did more than just keep Studebaker alive. They keep so other models alive to this day!

[BRUCESTUDE]

For years these were my least favorite post war Stude, probably because of their plain looks. Then I bought one, and fell in love with it; a great driver, lots of power, easy to park, and it gets a lot of compliments (mostly from folks my age who remember these as daily drivers back in the day),plus I like the lack of excess chrome.

[Blue 15G]

I also appreciate the early Larks, especially the '60.

[JRoberts]

The first Studebaker that I owned was a '59 Lark VIII hardtop. It had its problems mostly body and floorboards that had been poorly repaired, but the design, performance and unique look drew lots of positive attention.

[Commander Eddie]

Jake, have you ever considered a career writing advertising copy? I believe if you had written this for a Studebaker ad back then, more cars would have been sold. After reading this I wanted to run right out and buy a Lark!

[Joshbarts]

Very inspirational. Makes me want to move mine up the project list and get at it!

[creegster]

Custom, but a nice one

[Noxnabaker]

I'm a true softy for 50-60 Larks, they're jus so super pretty!
My dad had one exactly like this in the early 70's:

It had a special story, & it was the first car I went 200km/h in, the speedo just went on & on & the cuves on the highway became sharp!!!

[Hallabutt]

Thank's Jake for helping keep alive the needed affirmation of the Larks importance to Studebaker. Studebaker was destined to fail, as did all the independent car manufacturers, but the fact that there were any Studebakers, post 1960, is due to the initial popularity of the Lark.

Like Bruce, when it appeared, it was my least favorite Studebaker, but looks aren't everything. Today if I were to take a trip across the country in a Studebaker, it would be my car of choice.

As an aside, we need to do a better job of saving, restoring and driving the first generation Lark. It is the least loved and most abused of all post war Studebakers. When I got my 1960 V8 wagon, ten years ago, I began to pay attention. Even at International evens they have become a rarity.

[Mark57]

My contribution to keeping the "Lark" type alive with this '66 blue collar model.

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

My contribution to keeping the "Lark" type alive with this '66 blue collar model.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]80319[/ATTACH]

Absolutely lovely champagne colored Challenger(?) you got there! Keep driving!

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

Jake, have you ever considered a career writing advertising copy? I believe if you had written this for a Studebaker ad back then, more cars would have been sold. After reading this I wanted to run right out and buy a Lark!

Why thank you for the compliment! I am actually heading off to college in a few fortnights to do just that, as well as save a first-generation Lark along the way if I can manage it. From what I can see, the advertising industry could benefit from some verbal Cayenne pepper!

[edpjr]

From '74-81 I drove a black 1959 2dr-HT Lark VIII with factory auto trans, 4V carb and dual exhaust. That was one beautiful, fast and fun car. Honest to goodness, I bought it from a little old lady old maid school teacher who bought it brand new locally and basically drove it 1-mile per day to school and back for over 13 years. When the water pump went bad and it started leaking water inside, she parked it with 59k original miles and bought a new Olds Cutlass. I picked it up for $275. Got the WP fixed, tuned up, new tires, paint and rotten interior carpet replaced. Loved that car! It was a 2-spd auto and would bark tires when it shifted gears under acceleration. :-)

[abkco]

Best you take some English classes at the university. I think the pepper you want is Cayenne. Good luck at school. ������

Why thank you for the compliment! I am actually heading off to college in a few fortnights to do just that, as well as save a first-generation Lark along the way if I can manage it. From what I can see, the advertising industry could benefit from some verbal Cheyenne pepper!