PHIL HARRINGTON'S
1962 LARK
My Studebaker story:
I was eight or nine years of age when I became aware of the Studebaker motorcar. I grew up in Fitzroy, which at that time was an interesting working class suburb, three kilometres from the city of Melbourne. Down the end of our street was a hotel, which was a constant source of interest particularly on Friday and Saturday nights because that was when with regularity the hotel would be visited by police driving Studebakers and the police would always leave with more occupants in their cars than when they arrived.
I purchased a ’62 Lark from a fellow club member Arthur, he told me the car came from the country and by its condition I would agree, I think it was used as a paddock bomb in its later years, as it took one full day of steam cleaning to remove all the mud both inside and out. The car was pretty much complete, missing only tail light and indicator reflectors and a boot lock, rust was minimal only in both rear doors, mechanically it was completely shot.
So I set about a full body off restoration, which in total took about five years to finish. Along the way it has been great fun, not only have I gained a lot of new skills both mechanical and creative but also have met many fine people who have helped with the restoration with their knowledge and ‘hands on’ support.
The Lark has now been fully registered for three years and I chose to fully register it so that I could drive it when the passion took me. I am now thinking of converting it to club plates because I have another project on the go. I have recently purchased half a 1962 Hawk. I say half because it has no engine or transmission so the 62 Lark may have to take a step backwards for the time being.
A proud Studebaker restorer – Phillip Harrington
