Great Drag Race -- Lark R2 vs GTO

[CampbelHawk]

This just got posted to YouTube--great video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnq7uJcgJug&t=13s

Description of video:

[COLOR=var(--yt-spec-text-primary)]"Here is quite an interesting match-up! First, you have a well-known monster in the drag race world... that being a 1967 Pontiac GTO 400 H.O. Arguably, my favorite year for the GTO. It was the first year for the 400, and with it came the high output option. A GREAT engine for a great car. For the first time in 1967 you could get the GTO with the 3-speed auto, of course being the TH400. Previous to that the 2-speed was your only automatic transmission... meh. BUT, this '67 GTO features a 4-speed manual! How nice is that!? I love the color of that car as well. Very retro, and VERY clean. Then there's the opponent. If you're a fan of FAST (factory appearing stock tire) or PSMCDR (Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Racing) then you probably already recognize this car. Yes, it's the Stude Tomato... more specifically, a 1963 Studebaker Super Lark R2. The owner/driver is none other than Ted Harbit. Mr. Harbit, if you weren't already aware, is a former 7 time NHRA nationals winner in the old stock class (which no longer exists). Bottom line, the guy can drive. The Studebaker might look innocent, but it's not. Underneath the hood is a 289ci engine putting out 289 horsepower. How does it do that, you ask? Well, it's got a Paxton supercharged! Yes, it came with a Paxton from the factory. It also features a factory 4-speed (Borg Warner T10) and a Dana 44 rear. Needless to say it is completely overbuilt... and it can fly. Which car you like more?"[/COLOR]

[52-fan]

I knew the GTO was in trouble.

[Commander Eddie]

Stude takes it 3 out of 3! I think the GTO got "stewed".

[GrumpyOne]

While the results were very favorable, the narrator drove me nutz...

[BobPalma]

Great video, Lance; thanks for the link. The narrator obviously had a copy of my March 2015 Hemmings Classic Car column in front of him: America's Best V-8 Engine: Studebaker. He ticks off all the fine points right in order. Great!

Here's a link to the article in the event anyone missed it:

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/americas-best-v-8-engine-studebaker/

The narration about Ted Harbit is equally pleasant and enthusiastic; just great. So are the comments posted after the video. Good all around! BP

[CampbelHawk]

Mr. Palma,

You bet--I was excited to share the link to the video as I knew the SDC members would apprciate seeing the Stude beat a classic. I have read your article a few times--it is one one of the first returns on a google search of "Studebaker 289" which my GT Hawk proudly sports. Sadly no R-2 Supercharger like the Lark in Video lol.

[BobPalma]

Mr. Palma,

You bet--I was excited to share the link to the video as I knew the SDC members would appreciate seeing the Stude beat a classic. I have read your article a few times--it is one of the first returns on a google search of "Studebaker 289" which my GT Hawk proudly sports. Sadly no R-2 Supercharger like the Lark in Video lol.

Thanks, Lance.

Do you have any idea who the guy is who produces those Cars & Zebras videos? I briefly searched for a name and place but can't find one. BP

[t walgamuth]

Ted Harbit, our national treasure!

[bezhawk]

I had to mute the sound, then watched the video.

[JRoberts]

What a great commentary on the Stewed Tomato. I enjoyed it a lot.

[daytonadave]

1970, before I even knew there was a Studebaker Club, I started hopping up my 62 Daytona. Slipped in an Isky T-5 Camshaft Kit and installed a Hurst Shifter. I lived in Hutchinson, KS. I would drive to my Cousin's house in Overland Park, KS and he helped me install each item. My Cousin was driving and we drove to Metcalf Ave. At the stoplight was a 67 GTO. A street race happened. My Cousin took him 2 different times. Everyone was impressed. Imagine if I had a Paxton blower? My next project but then I got Drafted by Uncle Sam.

[CampbelHawk]

Great looking car!

[daytonadave]

It was nice to have something different and almost as fast. I did finish the restoration in 1973. I'm a Hot Rod kind of Guy. Charter Member of Midway Chapter of Hutch/Wichita, KS (1970). l left off the mirrors and fender trim. I did not have the confidence to drill the holes in the NOS fenders.
Who wants to sale me their 62-64 Daytona?