The Studebaker Lark, a pioneer in the compact car market, debuted in 1958 for the 1959 model year. Despite not reaching the iconic status of the Falcon or Chevy II/Nova, the Lark boasts several notable achievements. It spawned America’s first compact muscle car, the Super Lark, and introduced the innovative Wagonaire station wagon with a sliding roof.
The Lark played a crucial role in Studebaker’s high-performance campaign, featuring the R-series V8 engine in record-breaking runs at Bonneville Salt Flats. Notably, it’s one of the few nameplates to survive the closure of Studebaker’s South Bend factory. The 1964 Daytona showcased in this image represents one of the last Studebakers produced in South Bend, marking the end of a 112-year legacy.
The Lark, including the Daytona series, received a complete redesign for the 1964 model year. Key features included a boxier body, a full-width grille, and horizontal lights. Production for the 1964 model year took place from September to December 1963 at South Bend. Afterward, all Larks were assembled at the Hamilton plant in Ontario, Canada.
The 1964 Studebaker Lark Daytona convertible is a rare and valuable piece of automotive history. Built in South Bend, Indiana, it’s one of the last Larks produced before the brand was discontinued. While it’s virtually identical to the earlier “first series” models, it features a few minor changes, such as a blue steering wheel and a slightly different interior color scheme.
These small differences, combined with its limited production numbers, make the Daytona a highly sought-after collectible. The Daytona was not a commercial success. In fact, Studebaker only managed to sell 11,201 units of the model in total.
Of these, only 6,548 were built in South Bend, and the convertible was the least popular body style, with just 416 examples produced. The 259-cubic-inch V8 under the hood further reduces the number of surviving cars, making the 1964 Lark Daytona convertible a truly rare and valuable find.
Despite its limited production, the Daytona remains a beloved and iconic car. Its sleek styling, powerful engine, and comfortable interior make it a pleasure to drive. The Daytona’s rarity and historical significance have also helped to ensure its place in automotive history.
