Faults:

Very little. From the time I acquired it to the time I reluctantly let her go, it ran very well.

I replaced a battery, and had my mechanic install an oil filter (it was optional in 1960!) and adjust the serpentine belt.

Other than than, nothing.

General Comments:

What a delight!

I unexpectedly had this car drop into my lap when my brother gave it to me, figuring it wouldn't fit into his current life. It had been lovingly, if amateurishly, restored.

The car was from western Washington, and had never seen a salty winter. The body and underbody were rock solid. The re-paint was amateur grade, but presentable.

The previous owner had dropped a Hawk V-8 into it with the correct rear end. He added Turner disc brakes, and the car honestly braked very well -- never scary.

The Lark had an amazing amount of room for a compact sedan.

Babying it, I got about 20 mpg. The overdrive was a blast on the freeway, and it did well up to 65 mph. I wasn't inclined to push a 50-year-old car further than that.

The ONLY reason I let it go was because I didn't have the space or money in my life for a toy car, and I couldn't see letting the salty Michigan winters destroy such a wonderful little cruiser. I will miss it all my life.

Faults:

I have had a number of things fixed over the last 3 years. Replacing the fuel pump (now), replaced water pump, fixed the radiator and gas tank, brake pads need replacing on a regular basis, and I just rebuilt a brake cylinder. The defroster doesn't work. After many years I replaced the automatic transmission fluid, but may not have had to. But I spend less than $600 a year on the car, not including gas or oil.

That said, I live in LA and the weather is perfect for the car. I wouldn't drive the car in the winter in a cold climate. Rain is also not its friend.

General Comments:

I have a LARK VI Regal “Hardtop Convertible” Coupe and use it for my everyday car. Like an earlier poster, when it is running well, you can hardly hear the engine at a stoplight. Great car, will run forever. One of only 7,075 produced, first model year was 1959. 169.6 cui inline 6, 90hp, good fuel economy, 20+ mpg highway.

This is my only car, I rent a car when I need to go a long distance. Compared to car payments, it's a great solution.

There is a certain comfort level driving the car ergonomically that I can't describe. It makes me happy to drive it, but with manual steering, it is not a quick car or a car you drive to get somewhere fast.

This breakthrough mid-century compact was designed by Duncan McRae & Bob Doehler and was years ahead of its time. Almost everyday I get complements on it. Hoping to get it repainted and new upholstery soon.

Faults:

Vacuum line to the windshield wiper developed a leak. A $0.50 fix for a new hose.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $200. It was in a garage and had not been licensed since 1984. The tires were badly dry rotted.

I cleaned the points, jumped it from my other car and it started! With 17 year old gas! It was burning a little oil, so I tore down the engine and did a ring job. I reseated the valves, and since I had it apart I also put in new rod and main bearings.

The engine is so quiet, at traffic lights, I sometimes think the engine has died. I added seat belts for safety. I drive it at about 65 MPH 30 miles to work Monday through Friday and get about 22 miles per gallon. The car has a 3 speed with overdrive (.7 to 1 ratio) and a 3.54 rear axle gear ratio. I get lots of thumbs up on the car including one Texas DPS officer. Now if I only had a 1953 Coupe!!

Long live Studebaker!