1963 Studebaker Super Lark R2 Avanti Supercharged 4 speed Hardtop Muscle Car

Overview
Available for purchase is a rare 1963 Studebaker Lark Daytona Hardtop with the R2 Supercharged engine, 4-speed transmission, and the special "Super Lark" full-performance package option.

Because of its drag strip performance and top speed, many consider this the first true muscle car. The full package option contains all of the high-performance options available from Studebaker in a single special order from the factory.
There were only 110 Supercharged hardtops built by Studebaker in 1963. Of these, only nine (9) had the special Super Lark full-performance package and only six (6) had the 4-speed transmission. Of those, only three (3) were painted in the special order limited edition "Super Red" paint color. This particular car is one of the three (3) factory built high-performance cars. It is fully documented with the factory Production Order (shown below), factory Drive-Away Shipping form (shown at the bottom), and the Dealer Franchise Record.

The serial number is 63V-34024. The engine number is JTS 1688 and all original factory numbers match. The full high-performance package, as indicated by the 46A code on the production order below, includes the following:

• 289 cu in Avanti Supercharged engine (Studebaker made, not Ford)
• Belt-driven Paxton SN-60 Supercharger
• Carter AFB 4-barrel pressure sealed Avanti carburetor
• Twin Traction limited-slip differential
• Power front disc/rear drum brakes (Studebaker was the first U.S. manufacturer to use front disc brakes)
• Heavy-duty springs and shocks
• Front and rear anti-roll bar
• High-performance gauge package (tachometer and 160 mph speedometer)
• Other features are the 4-speed Borg Warner T-10 transmission and a 3.73 ratio twin traction rear end

Mechanical Condition
The previous owner was in the process of making several improvements about 15 years ago but stopped, and the car has been in storage since. A partial listing of work done at that time is as follows. A new dual exhaust was installed. All the brakes were redone with front disc brake calipers rebuilt and new old stock (NOS) front disc brake rotors with new studs installed. New brake lines were run and fuel lines were installed (final connection at the fuel filter needs completed). Due to sitting for some time, these items should be checked before driving the car on the public road. The frame is good overall. There are a few areas where the seams are separating and new bottom plates should be installed if restoring the car. These plates are reproduced and available. The tires have good tread and hold air but are old and shouldn't be driven on. The car has the original special 15 inch by 5 inch wide disc brake steel rims that were unique to the Super Larks and Avantis. The engine has the rare sealed Avanti 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetor that is unique to this Supercharged model. The original carb tag that often goes missing is still attached. Chromed valve covers, chrome air cleaner, and the chrome carb bonnet were all factory original features of this model.
The supercharger is mounted and spins smoothly by hand as it should, but the fluid should be changed before running it. Recently, the oil was changed, points and electrical connections were cleaned, new coolant was added, and spark plugs were cleaned. A temporary fuel tank was mounted to provide clean fuel. After 15 years, the car started right up and ran great with excellent oil pressure, the amp meter charging, and the tachometer working. The clutch works fine and the car was driven forward and reverse around the yard. It was not taken down the road as the brakes still need to be checked. Click on the video directly below to hear the engine running.

1963 Studebaker R2 Supercharged Lark Engine Running - YouTube

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Exterior and Body Condition
The chrome and the stainless are in fair to good condition. The car was painted at least 20 years ago in a darker red/maroon color. The paint is faded and there are many chips. You can see the original lighter Super Red paint in various places including the door jams and the engine firewall. The rear fenders are very solid with no rust and the doors appear to be fairly solid except for some blistering in the lower front area. The trunk lid, rear panel, hood, and front panel are all solid. The front fenders have significant rust, mainly along the rear portion. Other portions of the body to have rust include the front corners of the interior floor and smaller areas at the bottom edge of the quarter window door post. The trunk floor is fairly solid with a few small holes near the center. The rear trunk corners need metal work, as well as the upper right side trunk area. The rocker panels and back plate need replaced due to significant rust. Reproduction sheet metal to repair these areas is available. I also have a pair of NOS front fenders that I may sell separately. It appears that new window rubber was installed and the front windshield may have been replaced because it looks like new. All of the glass is in excellent condition.

Interior Condition
The interior is solid black vinyl and is in fair condition overall. The back seat is very nice with no tears. The front seats have some tears at the seams on the bottom and drivers back section. The door panels and rear quarter interior panels are in very nice condition. Original black carpeting is in the back and faded, and there is no carpeting in the front. The dash pad has a crack to the right of the gauge area near the radio speaker, but otherwise is in really nice condition. 1963 Lark dash pads are known to crack and split in many areas, but this dash is above average, in very good condition. All factory gauges are intact including the very rare 6000 rpm tachometer (which works) and 160 mph speedometer (showing 65,745 miles) which are unique to the special R series high-performance cars. The original optional push-button radio is present and works.

NOS Parts are included in this sale
Included with the car are a large number of factory New Old Stock (NOS) chrome parts. Those being a front bumper, rear bumper, grille surround, grille mesh, a pair of front bumper guards, a pair of rear bumper guards, a pair of rear license plate bumper guards, a pair of Avanti Supercharged fender emblems, and a set of four accessory bumper wing extensions.

Drag Racing History
This car was drag raced at the New England Dragway. On the passenger vent window is a yellow sticker that says New England Dragway with "Class Winner" faintly visible in the center.

The 1963 R2 Supercharged Larks are considered by many to be the first true muscle cars and as such, are garnering a lot of attention throughout the automotive and racing communities. They were extremely quick and beat most other muscle cars in the 1960s. Supercharged Larks compete in the Pure Stock Muscle Car drag races annually and usually win against much higher cubic inch cars on the drag strip. There are many videos on the internet of R2 Larks beating a variety of the fastest muscle cars. See the video below where a Supercharged Lark disposes of a 1969 Plymouth Super Bee.

1969 Super Bee A12 vs 1963 Super Lark R2 - YouTube

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In addition to the drag strip, supercharged Studebakers broke many speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1963. Andy Granatelli, known as Mr. 500 for his Indianapolis 500 fame, developed this high-performance engine package for Studebaker and this Supercharged hardtop achieved an official top speed of 132 mph.

Summary
Overall, this is a very desirable and rare high-performance muscle car. Due to its rarity and significance, it is worthy of a top-notch complete restoration. The Supercharged Studebakers are starting to garner recognition and appreciation from collectors worldwide and are certain to continue to appreciate in value. Bid now, as this is a rare opportunity.
Terms of Sale
I have a clear title for the car in my name. The vehicle is being sold in as-is condition and is located near Frederick, MD. The buyer is responsible for shipping arrangements and shipping costs. Please note that all sales are final and binding. There is no warranty expressed, written, or implied. It is the responsibility of the buyer to review the material and/or inspect the vehicle before the auction ends to satisfy themself as to the condition and value of the vehicle and to bid based upon that judgement. Winning the auction obligates the buyer to complete the vehicle purchase. Any requested inspections are to be completed before the end of sale, not afterward. I reserve the right to end the auction at any time, should the vehicle unexpectedly no longer be available for sale. The successful bidder will submit a $1000 non-refundable deposit payable through PayPal within 24 hours of the close of the auction to secure the vehicle. Buyer agrees to pay the remaining balance due within 3 days of the close of the auction via Bank wire transfer. All financial transactions must be complete before delivery of the vehicle.

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