Collectibles are worth a lot in value and history, but the Studebaker has given us classy cars that history should never forget. If you are familiar with 1960s car slogans, you’d know the smooth pickup line for Lark cars. “Love that Lark '' was one of the most endearing taglines of its day, and it described the most fascinating convertible of the '60s.

The Lark Daytona was the car for contrarians. It stood against every popular car of its day, giving the top three car manufacturers a run for their money. It even shared the same South Bend, Indiana origin as the Corvettes, but like every rebel, it left home and completed its production cycle in Ontario, Canada.

This rare, collectible car is known for its sleek look and powerful "Lark" engine. Many people remember driving these cars, but not many have seen them driving around recently. The Studebaker Lark Daytona had a short production cycle, but it is one of the most memorable cars to grace American highways.

Now let's find out what this museum-worthy collectible is worth today.

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Last Of The Studebaker Pack

Red Studebaker Lark Daytona
Via: Wikimedia Commons

After Studebaker dropped the Packard in its title in 1959, everyone knew they were stepping into a new phase, but no one expected it to be the launch of the Lark brand. This was one of the ideas that drove the wedge between Packard and Studebaker.

The Lark was not Studebaker’s first auto production line; in fact, the corporation was one of America’s oldest auto companies and had been doing well since 1952. The Lark was just their attempt to recover from their dwindling finances. But the Larks were Studebaker’s swansong.

In the 1960s, Lark cars joined the market under three nameplates: Commander, Cruiser, and Daytona, but the Daytona was the only convertible in that collection. It was also the last brand Studebaker built before shutting their 114 years automobile operation in 1966. They had struggled to stay afloat, but they had stiff competition, including Ford, General Motors, and Chevrolet.

The Underdog From South Bend

Studebaker Lark Daytona
Via: Wikimedia Commons

Since the Corporation was in a financial crisis when it launched the Larks, there was no room to outsource the design or production. The production turned out to be a remodeling of their previous brands; Studebaker merely retouched the designs and produced sturdier versions.

The late industrial designer Brooks Stevens worked on the Daytona and is partly responsible for its brief success. Stevens designed the Daytona to be a sporty car, giving users the option of a convertible like other attractive cars of the '60s.

With bucket seats, crisp styling, and unique center consoles, the Daytona became one of the most desirable cars of 1962. Even the Indianapolis 500 could not resist choosing the Daytona convertible to pace the 1962 race.

What’s Under The Hood?

Studebaker Lark Daytona
Via: Classiccarbay

The enticing styling and comfortable cabin of the Daytona Convertible was only an indication of its power. This speed train had an even balance of function and style, offering customers one of the most comfortable drives of the '60s.

The engine could only be a Supercharged Avanti R2 289 CI V-8 engine with the Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor with dual exhaust. The V8 had an average power output of 225 hp at 4,500 rpm pumping 260 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm.

The Daytona's power and weight distribution were similar to what you'd expect in a muscle car. It weighed about 3,300 lbs and could reach the quarter-mile mark in less than 15 seconds. Studebaker had exceeded themselves in making this joyride; they made a performance vehicle but didn't have the resources to make it last.

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What The Studebaker Lark Daytona Costs Today

Studebaker Lark Daytona
Via: Flickr

The Daytona has enough value and history to be called a classic collectible, and it certainly has the price to match. As one of the rarest collectibles from the '60s, there are less than 1,000 viable Daytona convertibles in the market today. It had abysmal sales during its day, but it has become a public favorite.

Despite being a hail Mary attempt to revive Studebaker, the Daytona was not overpriced. Its moderate cost was one of the reasons the corporation and their dealers could sell all the 4,398 units they produced. Having such driving comfort and a powerful engine for less than $3,000 appealed to even the worst misers.

It would take some effort to get the Daytona today, but some auctions like this Bring A Trailer 2018 sales record offer it for about $12,000. A similar 2021 sale was for $15,000. This Hagerty Valuation tool also estimates the worth of a good condition Daytona to be between $11,000 and $17,000.

There are many things we may never know about Studebaker, but we can agree that they gave us one of America’s finest cars.