Nice car. Studes were well built cars and ahead of their time. I owned a '53 6 cylinder, a beautiful '54 commander v8 and a 1964 4 spd Grand Tourismo Hawk. Loved them all!
Thanks, enjoyed the Drive, though second Hand! Being from Northern INDIANA , Studebakers we’re fairly plentiful: incredible samples of Super Lark, Avanti, President Sport, Golden Eagles( @ a lot of Racing years).....Interesting the, rightHand Drive,speedo still in MPH: we missed the Company after it Closed,
nice review, I still drive regularly my 63 cruiser that I purchased in 1972. With twin exhausts (the original cross over pipe and single exhaust is massively restricting) - a four barrel carburetor and minor tweaks they can really haul, but as you say- great driving car, probably why I have never moved mine on!
Hate to quibble, but the 259 (4.2-liter) Studebaker V8 for 1963 was 180 HP in standard nick, 195 with the "Power Kit" (4-barrel carb and dual exhausts. Also available was a Studebaker-built (NOT Ford) 289 (4.7 liter), in four versions. The standard version was 210 HP and the Power Kit 225 HP. Studebaker was a bit coy about ratings for the "Jet Thrust" 289 engines powering the Avanti model, but available as an option in any Studebaker Hawk, or in any Lark except for the most basic "Standard" model. The "R-1" (Power Kit plus a hot cam and high compression) was rumored to produce around 240 HP, and the "R-2" (standard compression, but with the hot cam and a Paxton SN60 centrifugal supercharger) was supposed to rate about 289 horsepower, or one horsepower per cubic inch. Studebaker never actually released these numbers, but they have become accepted as gospel. Acceleration and top speed figures for the Avanti, Hawk, and Lark models equipped with either of the Jet Thrust engines suggest higher actual power output. Then there were the 304.5 cubic inch (5-liter) R-3 (supercharges) and R-4 (normally aspirated, but with dual 4-barrels) V8's in the '64 Avanti models (available in any Studebaker, but only one actually installed in a '64 Lark-type model from the factory). So yes, the Studebaker V-8 took quite rewardingly to performance modifications.
had the same 63 in blue, 3 on tree and overdrive in every gear 411 rear with positive traction, 289 engine. ran plenty of ford 390 cars, never got beat. on trips 90 mph close to 20 miles per gal with air conditioner on. wish i had it back.
Great video! I've got a '63 Lark Cruiser myself, an automatic. I bought it in November of 2014. It hasn't run for 20 years.. Hopefully it will in a few months.
I can mention that in South Australia, these cars were the choice of the Police force when available for patrol duty, alongside Chrysler Royal (V8, 313 cu. in.) sedans. Many were in rallies, only to find failures in either the braking systems, and/or suspension. As 'the big three' (Ford, Chrysler, and GM Holden) had a stock of parts readily available, they minimised 'down time' for their vehicles, effectively having an advantage, and winning most of the time. I do think Studebaker was a much under-rated car for the family, as were Ramblers.. The comment about 'miles per hour because it's American' is true, but all production cars of the time (UK, Australia, NZ) had miles per hour until metric conversion came along in the early 1970's (1973 for Australia). It was about 1969 when GMH first released in their HT Holdens a comparable size V8 engine (253 cu. in. V8 (4.2 litres)) as an option. That engine was fitted to Commodores (as an option) more than 10 years later...
Back in the 1970's in Dunedin 'New Zealand ' a bloke up the road from me had a mettalic emerald green one of these and his son had a sort of pearlescent white one.(they may have been 62's)
the Metropolitan Dade County , Florida, Police department, shortly after consolidation, which created the Metro Government, adopted Sudebakers as their first police cars. The 259 was a nice engine, I had one in my 55 President would get to 114 mph.
The 259 V8 is 4.2 liters, it was the optional 289 that was 4.7 liters. That is an odd air cleaner - looks to be from a GM. My guess is that originally that car was a 180 hp 2 barrel, and then was changed to a four barrel carb for 195 hp and they used whatever air cleaner they could find to fit the carburetor.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Studebaker. I would have been interested to know how you found the steering at parking speeds! Just a couple of little points from an old pedant - an AM radio is by definition not a stereo, and all Aus and NZ cars were fitted with mph speedos in 1963. The 3 on the floor is not stock either - it would have had 3 on the tree. Cheers, and keep them coming.
Peter Anderson I have the same car as the one featured in this video (even the same color) US spec. I can tell you that low speed steering, such as parking, is heavy in these cars without power steering and takes some getting use to; however, the steering feel lightens up nicely as you speed up. On the power steering cars, the opposite is true. These car did not have any sort of variable ratio power assist (it is full power assist whenever the car is running), so parking situations are handled very easily, but at highway speeds the steering can be too quick and overly sensitive. It is very easy to overcorrect and there is less road feel with a power steering car than a non power steering car. The power steering units also tended to have leaking issues as they age and when the do, they are noisy because they suck in air and circulate that in place of the leaking fluid. I would neither add P/S to a car not so equipped nor would I remove it from a factory equipped car.
Brian Andrews. Thanks for the info. There is one of this model here in Aus on the market at present and I'm half tempted. It's got an auto trans though and I'd be a bit worried about finding parts and a person to overhaul it if necessary. Any comments on the auto trans in these cars? I understand that it's a B/W 8, a 3 speed that normally starts in second.
Do you have ANY idea how much attention a factory RHD Studebaker Lark would get at a car show over here in the States? I don't know how common they are in NZ but a factory RHD Studebaker would be a unicorn car in the States. Not many of them have found their way back to these shores.
Nice review but I would take exception with saying the car wasn't a "super" car, the example you tested might have been the lower price less powerful model. In 1963, the Studebaker had two engines, the 259 and the larger 289. The 289 could be ordered with a Paxton Super Charger from the factory and had a top speed of about 135 mph. Additionally, you could also order power brakes and disc brakes were available on these cars. They were the first USA car company to offer disc brakes as an available option in 1963. They can definitely go fast and go well with the special order handling package as well. The example you tested simply didn't have those options on the car, but they were definitely available. Additionally, this car would have been built in Ontario Canada, not the USA. Studebaker didn't ship from the USA factory to commonwealth countries, everything came out of the Canadian plan post World War II
Good luck getting an R2 up to 135 mph - never happened showroom stock. I owned one and the speedo might have shown 120 mph flat out, but it was probably closer to 115 mph
Hi. There is one of this kind for sale in Poland now. I am mad about it but I am affraid if I can restore it. How about the parts and technical support? Thank You for answer.
Thank you for your complimentary observations. Looks like a very nice Studebaker Cruiser and they are, indeed, excellent driving cars. Your viewers can learn more about these great cars and the worldwide Studebaker community at www.studebakerdriversclub.com
Bu arabayla 1982 yılında 8 yaşında tanıştım kötü tarafı Türkiye'de ilk ve son gümrükte 1 studebaker olması ve babamda olmasiydi..parçası bulunamadığından hurdaciya satılması benim Amerikan ruyasinin bitmesiydi.
Wow what a nice car.. Im surprised to see the through the floor pedals on this model.. I was of the understanding that 1961 seen the suspended pedals on the larks but unfortunately the hawks never did get the under dash suspended pedals .. What gives with this car ??
My dad bought a new red Studebaker Avanti in 1963 and of course he owned Stude’s in the 50’s. Great line of cars and trucks 🤔🚘
Nice car. Studes were well built cars and ahead of their time. I owned a '53 6 cylinder, a beautiful '54 commander v8 and a 1964 4 spd Grand Tourismo Hawk. Loved them all!
I own a 1963 Studebaker Lark. It's gold with green interior. Mine has automatic transmission. I love driving this car
Thanks, enjoyed the Drive, though second Hand! Being from Northern INDIANA , Studebakers we’re fairly plentiful: incredible samples of Super Lark, Avanti, President Sport, Golden Eagles( @ a lot of Racing years).....Interesting the, rightHand Drive,speedo still in MPH: we missed the Company after it Closed,
nice review, I still drive regularly my 63 cruiser that I purchased in 1972. With twin exhausts (the original cross over pipe and single exhaust is massively restricting) - a four barrel carburetor and minor tweaks they can really haul, but as you say- great driving car, probably why I have never moved mine on!
Hate to quibble, but the 259 (4.2-liter) Studebaker V8 for 1963 was 180 HP in standard nick, 195 with the "Power Kit" (4-barrel carb and dual exhausts. Also available was a Studebaker-built (NOT Ford) 289 (4.7 liter), in four versions. The standard version was 210 HP and the Power Kit 225 HP. Studebaker was a bit coy about ratings for the "Jet Thrust" 289 engines powering the Avanti model, but available as an option in any Studebaker Hawk, or in any Lark except for the most basic "Standard" model. The "R-1" (Power Kit plus a hot cam and high compression) was rumored to produce around 240 HP, and the "R-2" (standard compression, but with the hot cam and a Paxton SN60 centrifugal supercharger) was supposed to rate about 289 horsepower, or one horsepower per cubic inch. Studebaker never actually released these numbers, but they have become accepted as gospel. Acceleration and top speed figures for the Avanti, Hawk, and Lark models equipped with either of the Jet Thrust engines suggest higher actual power output. Then there were the 304.5 cubic inch (5-liter) R-3 (supercharges) and R-4 (normally aspirated, but with dual 4-barrels) V8's in the '64 Avanti models (available in any Studebaker, but only one actually installed in a '64 Lark-type model from the factory). So yes, the Studebaker V-8 took quite rewardingly to performance modifications.
had the same 63 in blue, 3 on tree and overdrive in every gear 411 rear with positive traction, 289 engine. ran plenty of ford 390 cars, never got beat. on trips 90 mph close to 20 miles per gal with air conditioner on. wish i had it back.
Great video! I've got a '63 Lark Cruiser myself, an automatic. I bought it in November of 2014. It hasn't run for 20 years.. Hopefully it will in a few months.
Ian Holmes let me know if you need any parts I have a video giving more information
I can mention that in South Australia, these cars were the choice of the Police force when available for patrol duty, alongside Chrysler Royal (V8, 313 cu. in.) sedans. Many were in rallies, only to find failures in either the braking systems, and/or suspension. As 'the big three' (Ford, Chrysler, and GM Holden) had a stock of parts readily available, they minimised 'down time' for their vehicles, effectively having an advantage, and winning most of the time. I do think Studebaker was a much under-rated car for the family, as were Ramblers.. The comment about 'miles per hour because it's American' is true, but all production cars of the time (UK, Australia, NZ) had miles per hour until metric conversion came along in the early 1970's (1973 for Australia). It was about 1969 when GMH first released in their HT Holdens a comparable size V8 engine (253 cu. in. V8 (4.2 litres)) as an option. That engine was fitted to Commodores (as an option) more than 10 years later...
Beautiful car. I owned a 62 six cylinder two door for years. Great cars. Pity Studebaker went out of business
hutchcraftcp I just posted a video of a 63 if you need any parts let me know
These were excellent tow cars.
Small correction - the 259 V8 was a 4.2L. The 4.7L was the 287 V8.
Back in the 1970's in Dunedin 'New Zealand ' a bloke up the road from me had a mettalic emerald green one of these and his son had a sort of pearlescent white one.(they may have been 62's)
our review of the 1963 Studebaker lark cruiser. Don't forget to like and share
Beautiful looking car. I've always found the 1963 Studebaker's front end more attractive than that of the 62. :)
This was my fathers most favorite car he ever owned.
same here
he had a 1964 I think
the Metropolitan Dade County , Florida, Police department, shortly after consolidation, which created the Metro Government, adopted Sudebakers as their first police cars. The 259 was a nice engine, I had one in my 55 President would get to 114 mph.
These cars were built in in South Africa by Volkswagen under licence.
Nice Lark...this is a time capsule!
The 259 V8 is 4.2 liters, it was the optional 289 that was 4.7 liters. That is an odd air cleaner - looks to be from a GM. My guess is that originally that car was a 180 hp 2 barrel, and then was changed to a four barrel carb for 195 hp and they used whatever air cleaner they could find to fit the carburetor.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Studebaker. I would have been interested to know how you found the steering at parking speeds! Just a couple of little points from an old pedant - an AM radio is by definition not a stereo, and all Aus and NZ cars were fitted with mph speedos in 1963. The 3 on the floor is not stock either - it would have had 3 on the tree. Cheers, and keep them coming.
Peter Anderson I have the same car as the one featured in this video (even the same color) US spec. I can tell you that low speed steering, such as parking, is heavy in these cars without power steering and takes some getting use to; however, the steering feel lightens up nicely as you speed up. On the power steering cars, the opposite is true. These car did not have any sort of variable ratio power assist (it is full power assist whenever the car is running), so parking situations are handled very easily, but at highway speeds the steering can be too quick and overly sensitive. It is very easy to overcorrect and there is less road feel with a power steering car than a non power steering car. The power steering units also tended to have leaking issues as they age and when the do, they are noisy because they suck in air and circulate that in place of the leaking fluid. I would neither add P/S to a car not so equipped nor would I remove it from a factory equipped car.
Brian Andrews. Thanks for the info. There is one of this model here in Aus on the market at present and I'm half tempted. It's got an auto trans though and I'd be a bit worried about finding parts and a person to overhaul it if necessary. Any comments on the auto trans in these cars? I understand that it's a B/W 8, a 3 speed that normally starts in second.
Do you have ANY idea how much attention a factory RHD Studebaker Lark would get at a car show over here in the States? I don't know how common they are in NZ but a factory RHD Studebaker would be a unicorn car in the States. Not many of them have found their way back to these shores.
Nice review but I would take exception with saying the car wasn't a "super" car, the example you tested might have been the lower price less powerful model. In 1963, the Studebaker had two engines, the 259 and the larger 289. The 289 could be ordered with a Paxton Super Charger from the factory and had a top speed of about 135 mph. Additionally, you could also order power brakes and disc brakes were available on these cars. They were the first USA car company to offer disc brakes as an available option in 1963. They can definitely go fast and go well with the special order handling package as well. The example you tested simply didn't have those options on the car, but they were definitely available. Additionally, this car would have been built in Ontario Canada, not the USA. Studebaker didn't ship from the USA factory to commonwealth countries, everything came out of the Canadian plan post World War II
Good luck getting an R2 up to 135 mph - never happened showroom stock. I owned one and the speedo might have shown 120 mph flat out, but it was probably closer to 115 mph
That accent of his is really close to a hard core Boston Accent. The way he says "car" like "caaaaah" is so Boston
Hi. There is one of this kind for sale in Poland now. I am mad about it but I am affraid if I can restore it. How about the parts and technical support? Thank You for answer.
Thank you for your complimentary observations. Looks like a very nice Studebaker Cruiser and they are, indeed, excellent driving cars. Your viewers can learn more about these great cars and the worldwide Studebaker community at www.studebakerdriversclub.com
anytime , the hardest part of reviewing old cars is finding them . keep watching we hope to review something different every week
Bu arabayla 1982 yılında 8 yaşında tanıştım kötü tarafı Türkiye'de ilk ve son gümrükte 1 studebaker olması ve babamda olmasiydi..parçası bulunamadığından hurdaciya satılması benim Amerikan ruyasinin bitmesiydi.
Where did you get the 240hp rating? That's what the unsupercharged 289 Avanti made. 259 should be 195 hp
Wonderful old brand, the world's oldest transportation company.
This always reminded me of a pig with the snout
Wow what a nice car.. Im surprised to see the through the floor pedals on this model.. I was of the understanding that 1961 seen the suspended pedals on the larks but unfortunately the hawks never did get the under dash suspended pedals .. What gives with this car ??
the dino test HP ratings were higher the r2 289 hp span out to about 304 hp etc and the r1 254 hp on the dino
I could listen to you say Studiebaker anytime
Australia change from MPH to KPH in 1974 , so the speedo is correct.
Floor stick? It's original?
Minor quibble - ladies didn't wear voluminous skirts in the '60's. Not in N. America, anyway.
I'm struggling to understand what you're even saying.