1960 Studebaker Lark convertible was advertised extensivly; the airborne womens handkerchiefs mimiced the cars stylized lark in flight insignia. The Studebaker Lark was car design that used the core body and panels of the full sized 1953-1958 Studebaker models. The car was built as a compact car, achieved by reducing the front and rear overhangs. It was hoped that the vehicle would save America's oldest vehicle manufacturer when it was launched in the fall of 1958 as a 1959 model, much like the 1939 Studebaker Champion had saved the company in the years prior to World War II. Two series of Lark's were available, the Lark IV and the Lark VIII, both designations indicated engine type of the cars. Sales of the Lark models were brisk for the 1959 and 1960 model year.
Initial models included two and four door sedans, two door hardtop and two door station wagon. In 1958, Studebaker entered into a distribution agreement with Daimler Benz; the design of the Lark grill was intended to mimic the grill on Mercedes Benz automobiles. In 1960, the line added a convertible. In 1961, a new model riding a stretched wheelbase was introduced and named "Crusier". The 1962 update by Brooks Stevens lengthened the car body and modernized the interior. A canvas covered sun-roof was offered on sedans and the two door hardtop; a four door station wagon was also introduced.
Sales of the Lark began to drop off for the 1961 model year as other, larger United States automobile manufacturers introduced more sleeker compacts with more modern amenities then the aging Lark could provide. The interim face lift in 1962, and another in time for the 1964 model year, along with a plan to ease out the Lark name in favor of the Commander, Cruiser and Daytona along with innovative models like the Wagonaire, and the supercharged R series engines, failed to jump start sales.
The closure of the Studebaker operations at South Bend, Indiana was announced in late 1963. Production shifted to Studebaker Canada until 1966 when automobile production ended.
Reference
- Langworth, Richard (1979). Studebaker, the Postwar Years. Motorbooks International. ISBN 0-87938-058-6.
- Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.
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