1964 Studebaker Commander

Beginning in mid-1963, any Studebaker could be ordered with the hot new Avanti engine. The R2 'Super Lark' option turned a lowly 2-door Lark into the fastest compact car in the US (literally!). The Super Lark was popular with people who did not have the money to spend on an Avanti but still wanted a Studebaker with high performance. In 1964 Studebaker phased out the Lark name and changed to the names Challenger, Commander, Daytona, and Cruiser. They were still called 'Larks' by the public, and the hi-po versions were still officially 'Super Larks.'

Studebaker's last day for vehicle production was December 20th, making for a very short 1964 model year. The last car off the line had a simple wish for all employees: 'Merry Christmas' was scrawled on the windshield; 108 cars were built that day before Studebaker production ceased in the United States, while production continued in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The car was mechanically identical to the 1963 models and was a very diverse lineup, consisting of 23 models for 1964, an impressive accomplishment despite the firm's desperate financial condition.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016