1959 Studebaker Lark

Every muscle car enthusiast knows what an STP sticker looks like. But is there a Studebaker tie-in? Yes. STP oil treatment was first introduced in 1952 as a product of Chemical Compounds Inc. of St. Joseph, Missouri. An abbreviation for Scientifically Treated Petroleum, STP was a thriving business when Studebaker president Sherwood Egbert acquired the company and trademark on March 1, 1961. The claim that STP stands for Studebaker Transmission Products is just a myth. That said, after the 1961 acquisition, the STP trademark was briefly co-opted to stand for Studebaker Tested Products. Soon after, Egbert realized the popular oil supplement was best kept as a standalone brand. STP, under the leadership of Andy Granatelli was a strong source of profits and positive PR through its many Indy 500 attempts and active support of all facets of professional motorsports.

For consignment, we are keeping in tune with the Studebaker affinity for avian species, we give you the Lark. A smaller car with a big interior that now seats 5 passengers comfortably. This car has been beautifully restored and updated with all areas being meticulously attended to and no stone left unturned. A fine running and looking great 1959 Lark with a score of 198 out of 200 at the International Studebaker meet in 1980, 2nd place at the Allentown Indoor Customs Show, and was on display for a year at the Hershey antique car museum in 2019.

Exterior
Boxy but with rounded corners would best describe the design for this car, and it was intentional. Intentional because they wanted to fit room for the passengers to fit inside comfortably, and in order to do so, needed as much space for that interior. All steel straight panels sprayed with Rallye Green, then snazzy clean chrome was attached. Pay particular attention to the beltline mini swoop spear, which literally runs from above the headlights up front to the end of the rear quarter, then decides to sweep across the trunk and start all over again on the other side. Small rounded fins add some nice line to the back of the car, and the oval tail lights keep it simple on the back. You have to love the wrap around rear glass with quite a rearward rake for its time. This gives the car some panache in the design department. What badging that is left is all nicely preserved and what was removed has been replaced with airbrushed lettering in their place. For a bit more muscular look hood pins and rally stripes in a darker green have been added to both the hood and trunk lid. Highlighting the muscle look is the raked stance of this machine and if you didn't look closely, you most likely missed the Avanti Powered badges on each front fender. Deep dish Chevrolet rally wheels are on all 4 corners wrapped staggered width blackwall radials.

Interior
Studebaker was known for its use and acceptance of mixing different materials, particularly on their interiors. However, during the redux our consignor took this interior to a whole new level, as the door panels have a mixture of gray broadcloth, smooth black vinyl, and even a Studebaker "S" embroidered into the gray field. All emblazoned with nicely preserved cranks and handles. Inside we see more of the gray broadcloth covering the late model front bucket seats and rear bench. These seats have smooth fabric bolsters and an interesting checkered pattern for the inserts. These seats flank a small added console with cupholders, and the white ball topped Hurst shifter. A beautifully restored black painted and padded top dash has been updated with Classic Instruments gauges both in front of the driver and dead center in the dash. These gauges rest in a chrome trimmed bezel with a silver birch applique finish. An aftermarket AM/FM/CD player has been neatly installed in the dash and just below is an aftermarket heater control panel. Black carpeting covers the floors and on top of the hump is a nifty sewn in '59 LARK call out in white.

Drivetrain
Carefully opening the hood reveals more bling than you can take in at first glance. Rallye Green paint dresses the inner fenders and firewall of this well-done bay and sitting in the center is the star of the show. That star comes in the form of a Studebaker 289ci V8 all dressed up in black and chrome. Up top is a.....wait for it....Paxton Supercharger that force feeds air to the 4bbl carburetor and then injected into the engine with the help of a Studebaker R2 spec camshaft. Our consignor notes that the R1 valve springs were retained so the limit on this mill is 5000rpm. Bolted to the back is a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a 3.73 geared rear axle.

Undercarriage
Clean, rust free and black are the keywords underneath. A high gloss black frame provides the support for the rust-free satin black flooring. The suspension is independent coil spring up front, and leaf spring in the back, and all looks rust free. Resleeved 1964 Studebaker disc brakes are on the front and drum brakes are on the rear, we also note an upgrade to a dual reservoir master cylinder in the name of safety. A full dual stainless steel exhaust system with stainless mufflers is seen snaking its way rearward. It's hard to find any flaws down here.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, this car runs just dandy. It is a cruiser and a bruiser that most challengers would never expect thanks in part to the supercharger. It handles very nicely, has more than adequate acceleration, and strong bias free braking. The interior is very roomy for the size of the car and parking in a tight spot is not too bad without the power steering.

A beautiful example of a new twist for a car nearly everyone's aunt or grandmother owned at one time. This small car with a big capacity and a very powerful powerplant under the hood. Usage of interesting tactile and visually appealing design for the exterior and a clean and concise update by our consignor on the interior. A turnkey 1959 Studebaker you could come in and buy on a Lark?!

VIN DECODE
59V16641
59-1959
V-259ci V8
16641-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.