Our grumpy old neighbor had a V8 Lark with dual exhaust and I believe a 4 speed. He would frequently go out for a drive. And I think he was a bit of a gearhead
Opening graphic: _Studebaker._ not _Studabaker._ Hood scoop is not anywhere close to original. Tach appears not to be working. 0:35 Double-circle _TT_ emblem under the Studebaker script indicates _Twin Traction_ differential, developed by Studebaker-Packard engineers and first offered in '55 Packards. 0:45 note "radio delete" plate. 1:21 Horn hub button would have had a clear lens over it with a _Lark_ emblem "floating" on a post behind the background and the lens (at least, mine did, but mine had the _REGAL_ interior trim level with padded dash and horn ring). at this time stamp yoi can see the scar in the background where the emblem would have been mounted. 1:05 _HEAT-PULL_ lower left below the light switch knob doesn.t match the other ivory-white knobs.. 1:11 Sluggish wipers. Vacuum? 3:24 Pulling the overdrive lever locks overdrive and freewheeling out. Usual practice was to leave the lever 'in' for most driving conditions. Driver selected overdrive over about 28 mph in any forward gear by letting off the gas for a second or so then resuming normal throttle pressure. Deselect overdrive by pressing the throttle to the floor for "passing gear." Shifting to Reverse automatically locked overdrive and freewheeling out, making Reverse the equivalent of Park in a Flight-O-Matic, but with either manual or Flight-O-Matic always pull the handbrake before releasing the service brake. Dealer-installed air conditioning was available and very effective, though the huge under-dash box encroached into both driver and front passenger foot room.
Had a 56 lark straight 6 as my first car, back in the 70s. Really got great gas mileage because nobody wanted to ride in it. 🤣 It was bamboo yellow with red checkered upholstery. No radio, no problem as there were no passengers 😂👍. Good solid car though. My dad used to borrow it for knocking out tree stumps. Try that with todays passenger cars 🤭
These are about a 5 grand car, in such good shape, too bad its been modded...but i see them going for astronomical prices, no, there just isnt that much demand for them. The whole market makes me sick. Give me a primered,stock 4 dr 53-55 champion for 3 grand or less and id be happy, ...just no stupid mods like that godawful scoop!
My Dad always wanted a Lark to the point where he entered a contest to win one! I received a “toy car” version of the Lark for a Christmas present one year, it was blue, but that was as close to having a Lark as we ever got 😢!
