What type of vehicle is this?: Car
Denise Machado was raised in a Studebaker family, however, waited for years to finally own her own. She decided to finally get one and found this gorgeous 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona. Read below to see the story. Make sure you scroll to the bottom and see all of the pictures!
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Make, Model, Year of Project
1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona
What stage is this in?
Completed Project
When did you purchase it and for how much?
Purchased Spring of 2018
Why did you choose this vehicle?
I blame my Uncle Donald…he gave me the Studebaker bug at an early age! That’s all he drove.
My parents drove Studebaker’s in the early 40’s and 50’s too.
My cousins had Studebaker’s!
My Uncle used to tell so many funny stories about his cars, he would have me laughing so hard. But I didn’t follow through and buy a Studebaker.
I wanted one but it just didn’t seem to ever work out. My first car was a 71 Nova, sweet little car I had in high school, until I wrecked it.
I have owned a lot of cool cars since then, 57 Chevy, 64 Impala convertible, 55 Ford and a couple of GS Buick’s, but I really needed to get back to my roots so to speak.
I felt it was time to get that Studebaker, as I wanted that connection to my Uncle, to my family.
So, believe it or not, I sold my current toy, which was a 1970 Chevelle SS396 to buy a Studebaker!
A sleek little black Studebaker Lark caught my eye in West Virginia. Bought her and drove her home through a blinding rainstorm, didn’t even leak, but boy those old wipers got a workout!
What sort of condition was it in when you started the project, what was wrong with it, etc.
This was a special car, a Daytona model. They only produced about 2200 of these.
The Daytona was a top of the line trim, sporty, with bucket seats and some extra chrome.
I bought it from a young 19 or 20 yr old kid who inherited from his grandfather, but, it was NOT exactly his cup of tea, as he wanted a jacked truck and a bass boat!
His grandfather had spent 4 years restoring the Lark, so it was ready to rock n roll!
What, specifically have you done, or had done to it?
I have not done anything to it except tweak the brakes, as they were a bit funky.
The previous 4 year restoration included replacing original worn out 259v8 engine with a Chevy small block 350 that came out of a 1971 Avanti II, which were the same engines used in Corvettes.
Interior was updated
Cragers were added
Car was painted a black metal flake, which, in the sun you see flecks of color so it’s really cool!
Front bumper was modified and is from a 71 Camaro split bumper.
So, the car is sort of a resto mod custom.
Studebaker purists might scoff, but it works for me.
Can you list any and all parts that you have put in?
Hey, I’m a gal, I take it to my local hot rod guru!
Where have you purchased your parts?
My local hot rod guru shop has purchased parts but I couldn’t tell you where
I have not had to order anything Studebaker specific, YET!
What about you?
Well, I wish more gals were into cars as a hobby. My husband is a car guy, thank goodness, but he is a Mopar fan.
I’m very glad he supports me and my car craziness! I waited almost 60 years to get my Studebaker, should have done it sooner.
The coolest thing, and something I will never forget is what my cousin Theresa recently said to me. She said, “I know my Dad is smiling down on you when you’re driving the Studebaker”. Her dad was my Uncle Donald!
Any stories regarding this project?
I enjoy going to cruises and car shows.
I am always the only gal with a Studebaker.
The deer in the headlight look from the spectators is kinda funny, with people trying to figure out what it is!
My little Lark doesn’t attract the crowds like the Chevelle did, but that’s OK, because when I’m driving home I know Uncle Donald is smiling!
Any garages, parts stores, fabrication shops, etc you want to call out specifically?
Thank you to Tom Somers, my hot rod guru!
Check out the pictures below, make sure to click on the picture to see the full version.
Before you go, check out these articles. Restoration and I’m going to fix it someday
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