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1960 Studebaker Lark VIII Regal Sedan
Studebaker Lark VIII Regal
1959-1961 (First Generation) · Sedan
Rarity Score
6/10 - Uncommon; while many were built, survival rates are low due to heavy rust issues and Studebaker's eventual demise.
Spot Difficulty
8/10; extremely rare to see on the road today; mostly found in junkyards, farm fields, or specialized Studebaker club meets.
Engine & Performance
Engine: 259 cu in (4.2L) V8 engine, naturally aspirated, developing approximately 180-195 horsepower (if equipped with a 4-barrel carb).
Transmission & Drivetrain: Likely a 3-speed Flightomatic automatic transmission; Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).
Performance: 0-60 mph in approx. 10-12 seconds; top speed of ~100 mph; curb weight around 2,800-3,000 lbs.
Exterior
Faded reddish-brown/primer paint over heavy surface rust; four-door sedan body style with prominent bullet holes on the driver side. Damaged front grille, missing headlights, bent chrome bumpers, and rusted steel wheels.
Interior Features
Stripped and weathered; includes original thin-rimmed two-spoke steering wheel with a horn ring and a simple horizontal speedometer cluster.
Condition Assessment
Poor / Parts Car; non-running 'field find' with extensive rust, bullet damage, and missing components.
Condition Issues: Severe body rust, multiple bullet holes in the doors and roof, crushed roof pillars, missing glass, missing light assemblies, and total mechanical failure.
Estimated Mileage: Unknown, likely over 100,000 miles before being retired to the field decades ago.
Historical Significance
The Lark was Studebaker's 'hail mary' compact car that saved the company from immediate bankruptcy in 1959. It was one of the first successful domestic compacts before the Big Three launched the Falcon, Corvair, and Valiant.
Notable Features
Bullet-hole 'patina' on the driver's side suggest this vehicle may have been used for target practice; chrome 'V' emblem on the grille indicates the V8 power plant.
Production Numbers
Approximately 120,000 Larks were produced in 1960 across all body styles; V8 sedans were common but few remain outside of enthusiast circles.
Valuation
Estimated Market Value: $500 - $1,200 (Scrap or parts value only in current state)
Auction Estimate: $200 - $800 (Likely sold as a lot item or for scrap at a local estate auction)
Maintenance Recommendations
Full frame-off restoration required; look for frame rot which is common in these cars; the 259 V8 is a robust engine but would require a complete rebuild.
Fun Facts
The Lark was designed in just seven months by shortening the full-sized 1953-58 Studebaker body. It was famously used as a pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1962 (Daytona trim). Studebaker enthusiasts often call these 'Lark VIII' when V8 equipped.
Identified on: 6/24/2026
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