Ernie's '62 Daytona convertible survivor

[Bob Andrews]

Got these pictures yesterday of friend Ernie Stoltzfus' '62 Daytona Convertible survivor, bought from the original owner's family. It's a bare-bones 259 4-spd. Below is from friend Jim Sinclair:

"Here are pics we took today of Ernie's Daytona Convertible. Today was the opening day of the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show. Ernie's Daytona was in the 62 Philadelphia Auto Show. The car is a "survivor". Ernie purchased it from the original owner's family. Ernie has hopes of restoring the car and possibly someday have the original dealer, Keenan Motors,(now a high end Mercedes Store), display the car once again at the Philly Show."

Don't let the wrinkly rear window fool you. The first time I saw this car was at Lancaster '08 and it took my breath away!

Thanks to Jim and Ernie for the chance to give you all a look. BTW- before you ask, AFAIK, it's NOT for sale at this time

[2R5]

If that is all original I wouldn't touch it at all ! What a nice car.

[dpson]

Nice car, the 4 speed is fairly rare, it's surprising they didn't opt for the 289 when new.

Do you know if it's the original paint?

[LarkTruck]

Nice car, the 4 speed is fairly rare, it's surprising they didn't opt for the 289 when new.

Do you know if it's the original paint?

Hood, deck lid, nose panel and doors have factory paint, fenders and quarters do not.
Interesting note: the original owner also purchased a new 64 Daytona convertible, which the family still owned when Ernie bought this one!
Jim

[Bill Pressler]

What a beautiful car! I think the Lark got more stylish in '62 for sure! I typically moan about red cars, but there's something about Studebaker's reds in that period that look more luxurious than say, what I call Ford's 'tomato' reds of the same period.

Thanks for sharing.

[Milaca]

Thats a great looking car with interesting history!

[studegary]

Nice car, story and history.
In the large 1962 brochure (PD-62-08) the page with the Lark Daytona convertible starts out with "For those desiring the verve of an optional 4-speed gearbox, the excitement of 0-60 in under 10 seconds - the pure joy of subduing traffic..." I assume that this was with the 225 HP Power Pack 289 V8. How times change. This afternoon, I saw a Kia sedan review where they stated that it was sluggish as it did 0-60 in 9.X seconds.

[BobPalma]

Ironically, guys, and I say this from having read a LOT of 1962 production orders, the 259/4-speed combination is not as rare as you might think.

Here's why: "Four-on-the-floor" was all the rage in 1962; I mean, it was the biggest thing since sliced bread and everybody had to have one. Hence, a dealer could service the fad de jour by simply ordering a 4-speed behind any V8 Daytona, and many did.

Not only did I see a disproportionate percentage of 259 / 4-speed 1962s in the day, but noted many when researching the 1962 V8 Production Orders one by one many years ago when we researched them looking for 1962 Lark Daytona Pace Cars and/or Festival Cars destined for The 1962 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. BP

[LarkTruck]

By this time back in '62 (mid week of the Philly Auto Show) I wonder how many people drooled all over this baby???
"Where were you in '62"- George Lucas, AMERICAN GRAFFITI
JS

[Warren Webb]

What a beautiful example of a 62 Daytona! I would only wish mine (it's twin) only looked half as good as this one. The styling of the rear on the 62 is the best of the Lark series, if only the front of the 64 were joined with it one would have the ultimate in design (IMHO).