Another historical Studebaker makes its debut

[rusty nut garage]

While all the eyes are deservedly watching the "WHISTLER" makes its debut there was another Studebaker making its first public appearance in as many years as the Whistler. In fact both of these historical cars had spent many years under the watchful eye of Mr. Chuck Naugle. John Kroulik was instrumental in helping Chuck find deserving homes for these cars. John noticed details on this car that set it apart from your run of the mill Lark and soon discovered this was a Police car. Discovering that it was a police car and that the City of Phoenix Police Museum was looking for a Studebaker police car to add to their collection John notified a local SDC member Chris Eastburn who is involved with the Phoenix Police Museum. You see the City of Phoenix had purchased 3 or 4 Lark Police cars in 1962. The museum didn't expected to find a real police car to add to the museum let alone one of the original Phoenix Police department cars.
I am told while this is a museum car it will see duty in parades, and Police functions. I'm not the official spokesman for this car or this project but I know many people and groups had a hand in it. The STUDEBAKER FOUNDATION, the local Grand Canyon Chapter of the STUDEBAKER DRIVERS CLUB, Will Eastburn and Chris Eastburn. Will had done the restoration work and Chris has kept things on track and funds inline. We must also thank Mr. Chuck Naugle for his foresight in saving these gems.

[StudeRich]

Very interesting Lark!

So it originally HAD a Beige Hood and Front Panel in a Two-Tone effect in a similar concept as the Ford, but way different?
I see it is an Automatic, is it a 170 Six, or 259 or 289 V8?

[58PackardWagon]

Very interesting car. Beautiful restoration

[rusty nut garage]

From my understanding this was the original paint scheme. Car has a 259.

[studegary]

I see that it has '63 parking lights. Were these added in the restoration or perhaps the car was hit in the front early on and that is when it got the beige panels and '63 lights.

[StudeRich]

Beige front end Panels to match their "Fleet" Colors, just Not where I or most PD's would have put the Beige:

[6hk71400]

Russ,
Thanks for the information and the memories.

As a kid growing up in Phoenix, I do remember the 1961 Lark police cars that were used. They did use the beige two tone at the stainless line. They had the shorter wheelbase than the 1962 model and after retired from police duty, they were relegated to fleet duties at least to 1971. I can remember picking up my mother at the downtown city building when I got my license and parking in the employee lot. Across from the lot was the fleet lot of city vehicles and there were the repainted beige 61 Larks there.

Bob Miles