1964 Lark?

[wheels777]

Optional involvement

[BobPalma]

Andrew, the word Lark did not appear anywhere on 1964 model cars. The closest it got was the stylized Lark emblem on the sail panel ("C" pillar) of 1964 Challenger models. That was done to mollify the dealer council, some members of which being mortified that Studebaker planned to abandon the successful Lark name after the good years many had so recently experienced, especially in 1959/1960 and 1962.

The full-line catalogs and other advertising material subtly refer to The 1964 Lark Commander and Lark Challenger models, too, so the name Lark remained in print, although downplayed considerably, as the 1964 model year opened up. When production was moved to Hamilton Ontario on January 1, 1964, the Challenger was discontinued, so any vestige of the Lark name faded into history.

Here on the forum, people often refer to 1964 "Larks" to distinguish those cars from 1964 Hawks and/or Avantis, just for convenience.

The Studebaker-powered bright green 1964 Lark Challenger 2-door running around here in Indiana is owned by Richard Poe in Nashville IN.

Here, Richard is getting ready to beat a 1963 Ford Galaxie 427(!) at The 2014 Meltdown Drags in Byron IL. He posted a low ET of 12.200 at that event, but I'm not sure if it was on this run without looking it up. He also beat a 1966 427 Chevy Biscayne drag car.

The car is Studebaker V8-powered with only a single 4-bbl carburetor and no supercharger:



You'll see more color photos and considerable press about it in the upcoming March 2015 Turning Wheels. BP

[BobPalma]

Andrew, The Challenger name was used only on the lowest-priced 1964 "Lark" models made in South Bend. All of them were 1964 model year automobiles and all were built in South Bend during September-December 1963.

Richard Poe's car also started out life as a Horizon Green 1964 Challenger six 2-door. I saw it when he got it and from what you report, it wasn't a whole lot different than the one you are considering, quite frankly, and I am sure he would agree. If the one you are looking at is complete, it would probably weigh no more than 3,000 pounds. Shipping weight per the document I cite below was 2,700 pounds for a six; 2,960 for a V8. You hinted the car might have "a V8 rear end;" was it originally a V8?

If you are considering making it a drag car, as did Richard Poe, a Challenger Six 2-door is excellent for that. They have the lightest frames imaginable and were the only 1964 models where you had to specifically specify (and pay for) undercoating as a separate option, adding weight. On all other cars, even Challenger wagons and 4-doors, undercoating was a delete option: You got it and paid for it automatically unless you specifically requested that it be deleted. Not so the Challenger Six 2-door, model 64S-F2.

There wasn't any such thing as a "businessman option," although a fleet customer could order cars with no rear seat. My 1964 Advance Specifications book indicates Lark Challenger 2-doors, either six or V8, were available with a Fleet Option called a Utility Sedan Conversion Kit, which consisted of, quote, "Removal of rear seat, installation of plywood flat floor cover." No price is listed. It was also available on Challenger wagons, where it was identified as the Utility Wagon Conversion Kit. BP

[studegary]

The base shipping weight of a 1964 six cylinder Challenger two door sedan was 2660 pounds and the base cost was $1943.
It was the lightest 1964 model and also the only one under $2K.

[Jeff T.]

Do any pictures of the Utility Sedan Conversion Kit exist? or do any of the kits exist? If the deck is plywood were there special brackets to lift the plywood over the rear seat structure and how was structure built over the seat back area?

[Swifster]

Andrew, get pictures...a LOT of pictures. Especially the rear seat area.

[kamzack]

Hey Wheel,
If it has a dry element air cleaner I'd be interested.
Kim

[studegary]

Years ago, I looked at a 1964 Utility Wagon that was for sale. I beieve that it started life as a federal government vehicle. It was a wagon without a rear seat, just a plywood panel.

EDIT: In thinking about it, it may have been a 1963.

[8E45E]

I didn't see the posts until I returned I got one picture of the seat area.

I'll second that!! Get LOTS of photos!!

Craig

[8E45E]

It was part of a group of cars that were special ordered for Bell Telephone.

There wasn't any such thing as a "businessman option," although a fleet customer could order cars with no rear seat. My 1964 Advance Specifications book indicates Lark Challenger 2-doors, either six or V8, were available with a Fleet Option called a Utility Sedan Conversion Kit, which consisted of, quote, "Removal of rear seat, installation of plywood flat floor cover."

A BELL just might go off in your cousin's head now to make the PBR even more lighter!

Craig

[Studebaker1965]

Is this the green car in the Harrisburg area that has a cargo shelf instead of a rear seat? The guy said it was used by a Bell Telephone salesman. That car is way too far gone. Its ashame.

[Studebaker1965]

Yea. That car was way too far gone. I was amazed anyone even found it. I heard it was setting in the woods with brush growing over it. With that shade of green paint, it would blend right in.

[Swifster]

Wasn't this being looked at as a parts car?

[Studebaker1965]

Only a few good parts left. But the rear seat tray would be neat to save. Maybe the guy will drag it to york swap meet.

[63larkr1]

As Bob said, the green car in Indiana is my car, glad you like it. It was a mess when I started and I almost gave up. Here are some pictures. It has run a best pass of 11.61@116.42 with a Studebaker V8.
Richard