V-8, Automatic, Original Daily Driver

Studebaker Lark Custom 4-door 1963 Description

This is a nice driving "daily driver" 1963 Studebaker Lark "Custom" 4-door.
Lark models in '63 started with the base model "Standard". The "Regal" was the next higher trim level, the "Custom" was above that and the "Daytona" and "Cruiser" series was the top of the line.
The car is equipped with the famous Studebaker 259 cu. in., 180 hp V-8, a three speed "Flight-O-Matic (same as the Ford Cruise-O-Matic) automatic transmission, tinted windshield, windshield washer kit, front seat belts and aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player with front and rear speakers. As one of the more "modern" Studebakers made, it has a 12 volt system with an alternator instead of a generator, a fatter front sway bar with redesigned brackets, back-up lights as standard equipment and a dual reservoir brake master cylinder and transmission dipstick/fill tube under the hood instead of under the floor, all serving to make the car more suitable as a driver in 2016 than even slightly earlier models.
The car has been with one Studebaker Drivers Club owner or another for decades. I just enjoyed driving it 250 miles last week and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. It runs smooth, cool and has full power and very good oil pressure with no smoke either on start-up or while driving. The transmission was rebuilt less than 10,000 miles ago and works perfectly. (Have receipt.) At some point fairly comprehensive front end work was done including tie rods, control arm bushings and kingpin kits. It steers easily and tracks very well with non-power assist steering and stops straight and positively with non-power assist brakes. The car sits up a bit high in the rear with the coil-over shocks currently fitted. The four Dunlop tires on the ground have approximately 40% tread left. Purists will note that the wheel covers are the '64 & '65 style...
The dome light, speedometer and cigar lighter are not currently working. Everything else (all external lights, dash lights, windshield wipers, heater fan, horn) works. I have a replacement OEM style fuel pump to replace the one on the car that leaks a little oil. It is, surprisingly for a Studebaker, the only oil leak. A shop manual goes with the car. I also have the exhaust flange gaskets it needs installed, although a complete dual exhaust was what I had intended. I just repaired the parking brake.
The "Rose Mist" body has had one repaint in the original color many years ago and then probably never saw a garage again. All body panels appear original and, as you can see, very straight and rust free. There are a few tiny rust bubbles in the bottom of the doors pictured. The glass is all good - the windshield is very good. The door panels and arm rests are good and the dashboard, which commonly becomes severely cracked and sun warped, is not too bad. The seats are firm and comfortable showing minimal wear and deterioration only of the vinyl inserts.
The floor is rusty (see pictures) with the worst being the drivers floor pan. Exact reproduction replacement floor pans are available from Classic Enterprises.
I am a 40 year Studebaker collector and was really looking forward to doing the cosmetic restoration on this great running car but I suddenly have to move and can't take my entire flock of Studebakers with me. ("Life is what happens to you while you're making other plans!")
I have tried to show the cosmetic condition of the car in the photos but I have and can take more pictures if you like and, if you would like to speak with me, just click on "Ask a question" at the bottom of this post and send me your phone number. This car is offered for sale locally so this listing may be removed before the auction ends.
Buyer is responsible for shipping. Sold as-is with a non-refundable deposit of $500 via Paypal due within 48 hours after the auction ends. The balance due by bank check or direct deposit within seven days of the auction end or cash if you pick the car up in person. I can hold the car for a week or two until you or a shipper can come get it if need be.