1963 Studebaker Lark

V8 Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

63VC16XX

Gasoline

Up for auction is a very nice survivor 289ci V8 1963 Studebaker Lark. It never has had any of the normal Midwest rot-issues. It has always been garaged. The original dash, door panels, and rest of the interior is in just simply amazing condition, and have never been redone. Original actual 57,000 miles! One can truly drive this lark anywhere. This Lark is NOT junk. It has never been worn out, rusted out, used-up, or had the snot run out of it. This is not the ‘normal condition’ beater-quality lark one sees. Reserve is set reasonably of course, but don’t expect reserve to be set at beater-lark price. One could not take a beater quality lark and upgrade it to this condition for less then my reserve. My reserve is roughly $100 less then the high bid when I had previously had it listed and it didn’t make reserve. Hopefully, it will find a good home. Everything works on this car - even the radio. The correct Studebaker “P” code full-flow 289 engine runs great, and the car drives nice. The engine holds a true 35psi oil pressure at soaking-hot idle in drive (with regular 15-40wt oil) , and does not smoke. Carb was rebuilt this fall. Transmission and all other mechanics work fine. I used to be quite the lark collector. This is my last one and is my favorite. This past summer alone I have driven it about 1200 miles. It always has been trouble-free, and is a joy to drive being a beautiful low mileage survivor. This summer, I was on vacation for a couple weeks. While I was gone, I had asked my senior-aged Father to attend a farm auction for me. Well, a few days before the auction, his modern pickup broke and I told him on the phone to borrow the Lark. He jumped in it and drove it 45 miles to the auction. It served him well. Trust me, if my senior-aged father can drive it and not complain, it’s a very nice easy-driving reliable car. This “green mist” Lark was purchased new at Morden’s Studebaker Sales and Service in Port Huron, Michigan. It is a Canadian-assembled Lark. Port Huron is right across the bridge from Sarnia, Ontario. I tracked down the original owner’s family from an old licence plate that came with the car when I got it. The original owners were a retired couple. Bill & Mable spent winters down in Flordia, so the car didn’t see Michigan winters. There is none of the normal Midwestern rot issues one sees. The frame has no rust holes, no soft spots, and no suspicious areas. Floors are good with no holes, all the body supports are perfect. This car has always been garaged and it shows: the interior is amazingly nice, the windows don’t rattle, and all plastic on the car was spared the age cracking that one takes as normal on a car of this age. The original dash, headliner, windlace and door panels are excellent!!! All the original factory never-replaced windlace is all intact and not a thread out of place! Seats are the factory upholstery in nice shape, with no rips, tears, thin spots, or cracking. Unfortunately, there are some water stains from before I replaced all the weatherstripping. I have not tried to shampoo the seats. Almost all rubber weatherstripping on the car was replaced (doors, trunk, hood bumpers, etc). Tires are reproduction-type Coker Classics in the correct size. Trunk floor has no holes and is solid. Rocker panels are solid but there are a couple small dings. There are a couple small bubbles in the far lower rear of the drivers front fender, they are not easily noticeable. Very small and minor. That is the only spot on the whole car body. Passengers side is perfect. The car has one repaint done on it a long time ago. The paint still looks truly excellent, fresh and shiny. At a couple car shows this summer, I had people ask who repainted the car for me for the show season. Yes, it is that nice. There is no cracking, no blistering, or other paint or body problems. Since it has held up so well, goes to show that the body under the paint is excellent. I think the car is what Studebaker called a “custom trim level”. The Cruiser side trim I think was either a dealer install to made a sale, or added at some point later. It has always been on the car since I’ve known it. There are NO flaws in the glass - anywhere. Yes, it is 57,000 original accurate miles. I am quite the skeptic usually, but all aspects of the car have proved it to me from close inspection. My reserve is very reasonable for a car of this original quality. A car can be restored, but it can only be original and extra-nice survivor once. Car must be picked up within 35 days of receiving cleared payment. Payment only by cash, money order, or bank cashier’s check. If paying by other then cash, payment must clear before car is released, no exceptions. I am located near 49677 if you care to get shipping quotes. Sold as-is, where-is, no warranties, conditions, or promises are expressed or implied. Remember, it’s a 47 year old car and not perfect! Please don’t compare it to a 2005 Suburu with the same amount of low miles. But I digress, if your reading this far, you are probably comfortable with a collector car.