1963 STUDEBAKER LARK CUSTOM - NICE ORIGINAL SURVIVOR!

1963 Studebaker Lark Custom Description

This is a true, honest, original survivor. I have owned 16 Studebakers over the years and this one was always considered one of my favorites. This is a 1963 Lark Custom sedan. Custom was the high end more luxurious Lark version. It was built on April 11, 1963 and sold by Palmyra Auto Service, in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. I acquired the car several years ago with only 37,000 documented miles on it. In the subsequent years the car has driven dependably with very little trouble. Very comfortable, rock solid, with plenty of power and surprisingly good fuel economy (25mpg on the open road!). Car has Flightomatic (automatic transmission). Plus, the car is equipped with Twin Traction (limited slip differential).
Car is also equipped with the original Studebaker factory air conditioning, Studebaker AM radio and original seat belts front and rear. Front vanity is included in the glove box.
Engine is the rock-solid Studebaker 259V8. Engine starts every time, doesn't burn oil and is remarkably economical. Plenty of power. I have regularly changed the oil every 3000 miles and use both 20W-50 weight as well as ZDDPlus to maintain the correct zinc level required by this engine. Car runs fine on regular unleaded.
Mechanically the car is all original with the following exceptions: (to compensate for the 10% ethanol "crap" gas we are required to use), I replaced the engine mounted mechanical fuel pump with an electric pump back by the fuel tank, which pressurizes the entire fuel system from tank to carburetor to 4psi, thereby raising the boiling temperature of the ethanol gas to prevent vapor lock while driving in summer. Carburetor (Stromberg WW 2-barrel) was professionally rebuilt last winter. The distributor was replaced with a magnetic reluctor solid state type which eliminates the points (no more timing adjust......) and increases reliability on the road. Lastly, the brake master cylinder was also replaced last winter.
Cosmetically the car is original as it left the dealership in 1963 with normal wear and tear. The paint is the original Rose Mist Metallic enamel which is one of DuPont's earliest metallic paints. I would point out one spot (visible in a photo) where rust is beginning to show in one place on the right fender. Also it appears the right front headlight shroud had been repainted many, many years ago, perhaps to replace or repair a small ding. Further, I believe the left fender and drivers door may also have been repainted many many years back. But the color was near perfectly matched and it would take a VERY sharp eye to see. Otherwise the body shows very nicely and is obviously an original survivor. Chrome is flawless, no rust. Inside, its all original - upholstery reflects normal wear and tear - especially on the drivers side front which you would expect. Otherwise upholstery is very presentable, only a couple minor tears. The carpet is also original and very nice, excepting for the drivers side where some wear by the door is evidencee by wearthrough down to the floorpan. Instrument board is excellent. No fade, no staining. All instruments work as they should. A/C does not cool, there is likely a leak, however the blower works perfectly. Original AM radio works fine too and is very sensitive with a nice full bodied tone. The whole point here is the honest originality. Classic cars are only original once and this one has always been worth preserving! At car shows a lot of people come up to me and comment on the clear originality of the car. It presents beautifully!
Vehicle also includes the build sheet and all owners manuals, etc which were originally delivered with the car.
Successful bidder agrees to non-refundable deposit of $500. by PayPal within 24 hours of close of auction and balance payment in full is required by cash or certified bank check within 10 days of close of auction. Successful bidder also is responssible to arrange their own transport. I will work with you shipper to make pickup smooth and easy. Or, you can drive it home if you wish; it's ready to go! Car is also available for inspection, and is located in eastern Pennsylvania.