Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

Studebaker Lark VI - Savior in red

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on October 18, 2020

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Bruno von Rotz

47

Archiv

53

Bruno von Rotz

47

Archiv

53

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the best way to glide along comfortably

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - stately limousine with six-cylinder engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - not a racing car, but you can easily keep up with the traffic

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the automatic Flightomatic offers three forward gears

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - rigid axle with semi-elliptic rear springs

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - wheelbase 276 cm

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the two-tone paintwork suits it perfectly

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - 114 SAE horsepower was enough for 140 km/h

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - not the most beautiful car of the time, but definitely practical

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - 444 cm long

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - 143.5 cm high

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - in the colors of the Swiss national flag

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the car was originally painted black

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - at 181 cm wide, the Lark was not a very compact car by our standards at the time

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - also two-tone on the inside

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - very uncomplicated to handle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - non-slip steering wheel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - simple but practical instruments

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Three-wave radio with memory buttons

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - important switches are clearly labeled

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - two pedals, automatic transmission

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - with steering wheel gearshift for the automatic transmission

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Front and rear bench seat

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - space for six people

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Windows are still operated by muscle power

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Chassis badge by the door

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the "Skybolt" engine has overhead valves

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - longitudinally mounted in-line six-cylinder engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - a downdraft single carburetor will have to do

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the engine is installed at a slight angle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - already with the easier-to-replace radiator grille

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the sign for the lark

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - twin headlights were available from 1961

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Studebaker sign on the hubcap

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - solid door handles

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the lark on the C-pillar

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - generously dimensioned rear window

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Lark type sign on the C-pillar

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the Roman numeral "IV" stands for six cylinders

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - chrome rear lights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - complete type designation on the stern

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Studebaker lettering at the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - Studebaker lettering on the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - the Studebaker restoration took three years

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Champion Deluxe 4-Door Sedan (1957) - technical basis for the Lark

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Champion Regal 4-Door Sedan (1955) - most expensive sedan of the six-cylinder series

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Champion Scotsman Station Wagon (1957) - unadorned and very cheap at 1995 dollars

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Champion Scotsman 2-Door (1957) - "Scottish" lean model for 1776 dollars

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Champion 2-Door Sedan (1956) - not to be confused with the more sparsely equipped "Sedanet"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Champion 4-Door Sedan (1956) - with new front and rear end

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Commander V-8 Regal Conestoga Ultra Vista Station Wagon (1955) - with many improvements and cheaper than its predecessors

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Station Wagon (1959) - available with six and eight-cylinder engines

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Hardtop (1959)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 4-Door Sedan (1959) - saves Studebaker from bankruptcy; for the time being

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 2-Door Sedan (1959) - in contrast to the hardtop with center post

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark - radically smaller, but more successful - with six and eight-cylinder engines - Geneva Motor Show 1959

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 4-Door Sedan (1959) - still with single headlights at the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Hardtop (1959) - offered from fall 1958

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 4-Door Station Wagon (1960)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1959) - Chassis seen from the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1959) - the first 10,000 units can soon be celebrated

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 4-Door Station Wagon (1960) - for the six of you on a fishing trip

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1959) - model year 1960 in the open version, called Convertible

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1960) - available with 90 hp six-cylinder or 180 hp V8 - Geneva Motor Show 1960

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1960) - Convertible as Lark VIII with eight-cylinder engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1960) - the only convertible among the "Compacts"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Hardtop (1960) - side view with fully retracted windows

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 4-Door Sedan (1960) - with space for six passengers

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - Presentation of the 1960 model year

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Hardtop (1960) - as Lark VI with six-cylinder engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Hardtop (1960) - roofline inspired by the Hawk coupés

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - on the 1960 brochure

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - the more powerful, top-valve six-cylinder

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - Engine block

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - the cylinder head with the valve control system

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - View of the top-valve cylinder head

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - cylinder head of the top-valve version seen from above

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1960) - Cylinder head of the new overhead valve engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 4-Door Sedan (1961)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1962) - at the IAA in Frankfurt 1961

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Hardtop (1961)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Daytona Hardtop (1962) - The folding roof called "Skytop Sunroof" was available for all models

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Daytona Hardtop (1962) - with single front seats and gearshift on the cardan tunnel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1962) - as a cab, called "Econ-o-Miler"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible (1962) at the Geneva Motor Show - new face, reminiscent of the collaboration with Mercedes-Benz in the USA

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1962) - Its chassis formed the basis for the Avanti

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1959) - as the Lark VIII, the first "compact" with an eight-cylinder engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Convertible (1962) - The Lark and its derivatives are among Studebaker's best-selling models.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1962) - offered as a "Police Marshall" version for heavy-duty operations and supplied with R6 and V8 engines

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Cruiser (1962) - four-door sedan with extended wheelbase

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Station Wagon (1962) - with visual and technical refinements

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark 2-Door Sedan (1962) - the cheapest model of the year

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1962) - Interior of the Daytona Hartop & Convertible versions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Wagonaire (1963) - Station wagon with sliding roof over the load compartment

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark (1963) - even easier to repair as a cab

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark Regal 4-Door Sedan (1963) - with twin headlights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Daytona Convertible (1964) - with Miss Canada and Miss Studebaker Jane Kmita

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - four doors and six seats

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Lark VI (1961) - a splash of color in the landscape

You have only

1 out of 100

images seen in high resolution

Summary

Studebaker was on the brink of financial collapse several times, and each time a new model managed to turn things around. In 1959, it was the Studebaker Lark that was given this task. And it did its job well, at least initially. And this was despite the fact that savings had to be made in development. The Studebaker Lark was also popular in this country, but only a few examples have survived, one of which was recently completely restored. This vehicle report describes the history of the Studebaker Lark and shows it in many current and historical pictures as well as in the sales literature of the time.

This article contains the following chapters

Launched in Paris
Trimmed back and front
With 6 or 8 cylinders
The savior in times of need
Economical mile muncher
The revolution eats its children
New engine for the Lark
The former savior now in red
Extensive restoration

Estimated reading time: 6min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The Studebaker-Packard Corporation was not doing particularly well at the end of the 1950s. The big three in Detroit were doing everything they could to squeeze the small independent suppliers out of the market. Studebaker's hopes were therefore pinned on a compact new car to compete directly with the successful Rambler American. The name chosen was "Lark" (German: Lerche). After all, larks are small songbirds that will defend their territory by any means necessary. The fact that the beacon of hope was then presented to the general public in Paris in October 1958 and only later in the USA can probably be explained by the fact that there were also certain expectations for export. However, the newcomer had to be successful above all in the domestic market, as almost all the hopes of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation rested on this model, after the press had been puzzling over it for some time beforehand.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: