1960 Studebaker Lark Mark VIII Convertible

1960 Studebaker Lark Convertible Regal Mark VIII Description

American automakers were getting serious about small cars in the late 1950s, and the perennial scrappy underdog from South Bend, Indiana, was no exception. While some of this new breed were shrunken conventional full-sized cars (think Ford's Falcon) and others were nothing less than redefinitions of the American automobile (think Chevy's Corvair), Studebaker trod middle ground with their compact Lark series, which debuted in two- and four-door sedan, two-door hardtop and two-door station wagon forms in 1959. But it wasn't until the following year that the little Lark earned its wings.

When Studebaker designed their compact, they didn't start with a clean sheet of paper; in fact, the Lark was a fairly extensive reworking of the full-sized Studebakers introduced in 1953. Riding on an eight-inch shortened chassis with a 108.5-inch wheelbase, and using virtually the same central body section, interior and drivelines, these 200-pound-lighter cars featured new front and rear styling that updated the looks of these 175-inch-long cars in a handsome, understated way.

Available in two series, basic Deluxe and upscale Regal, Lark VI models were powered by a Carter one-barrel-carbureted, 169.6-cu.in. L-head straight-six that used a 3- x 4-inch bore and stroke and 8.3:1 compression to make 90hp. Premium Lark VIII models featured an 259.2-cu.in. OHV V-8 engine with a 3.56 x 3.25-inch bore and stroke, 8.8-compression and a two-barrel Stromberg carburetor that was good for 180hp. An optional Carter four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts bumped the V-8's horsepower rating to 195. Also optional were overdrive, which lowered engine rpm by 30 percent on three-speed manual transmission-equipped cars (which also featured Studebaker's famous hill holder) and the "Flightomatic" automatic.

Studebaker shuffled the Lark lineup a bit for 1960, adding a four-door station wagon as well as a two-door convertible. Like the rest of the Larks, these cars featured subtle cosmetic updates, including different textures in the front grilles, revised badges and tail lamps, and a curve, instead of a crease, in the chrome trim strip. The chrome front and rear bumpers, which were interchangeable front-to-back, were retained, and over riders were optional. Borrowing a page from AMC's Hudson, the Lark's front seats could still be folded down to form a bed.

The handsome new Lark convertible was the first soft-roof Studebaker since the Champion and Commander of 1952; it was available only in premium Regal trim, with either a six- or eight-cylinder engine. Its frame featured a reinforced X-brace, and weights were installed behind the front bumper to quell vibrations. A hydraulic power top, in white or black vinyl, was standard equipment, and split, individually adjustable front seats with headrests were optional.

Studebaker's Lark series would be redesigned for 1961, including the convertible models, making the 1960 Regal convertibles into one-year-only models; 3,107 of the $2,621 Lark VI convertibles were built, while 5,464 of the $2,756 Lark VIII versions hit American roads in 1960.

Today, these low-production vehicles can command $5,000 to $15,000 in VI form or $5,500 to $19,000 in VIII trim, depending on condition and options.

This particular Lark is a highly optioned Mark VIII with the 190 horsepower 259 V-8, Carter 4 bbl, 3-Speed manual, functional overdrive, and split reclining front bench seats!

The car starts right up, sounds / runs great, and is a lot of fun to drive.

Everything on the car works from the under dash dome lights, to the back up lights, to the original radio!

The power top is like new without marks, tears, etc, and goes up and down smoothly, clutch operation is smooth and solid without slippage, or chatter, brakes work great without grabbing or pulling, etc.

This is a great car and looks to be extremely solid for being almost 57 years old. There is some slight extremely small bubblingon the front lower drivers fender and front bottom passengers fender.

The paint is not original but is very nice with great shine, the front / rear seats have been recently recovered and look great as well.

The tires are brand new and the dual exhaust is also new.

I have several more pictures if needed. I do not do videos so don’t ask. The car is on my showroom so I can look at anything specific for you and should be able to answer any questions as well.

Thank you for looking and good luck with the auction.

I reserve the right to sell the car at any time during the listing.

Please do not wait to bid.

This is a very rare car so once it sells, who knows when another one this nice will come along…

If you have (0) zero or (-) negative feedback I will not accept your bid assuming the reserve has been met.

After the sale the car can be stored up to 30 days at no charge in a climate controlled shop so the new owner can arrange shipping or come and pick it up in person.

The winning bidder will need to pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit due within 48 hours of the auctions end and full payment is due with 7 days without exception.

Qualified / serious bidders please feel free to contact me for more photos, information, etc.

1-208-746-7040

Mon-Friday 9:00am to 6:00pst

Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00pm pst.

Or e-mail to

cookscarco@gmail.com