Studebaker Lark Wagonaire

The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire concept car, built by the small Italian coachworks Sibona-Bassano, is a fascinating example of the creativity and resourcefulness that characterized the Studebaker company in the early 1960s. As the company faced financial difficulties, it sought to rejuvenate its brand through innovative concept cars, despite a tight budget of just $50,000. In 1960, with new management at the helm and a fresh design vision in place, Studebaker turned to Italy for help. Instead of choosing a renowned design firm like Pininfarina, which would have been prohibitively expensive, they found an affordable alternative in Sibona-Bassano, a modest coachbuilder in Turin. The company’s founder, Stevens, recounted his visit to the coachworks: “I walked in, and there was laundry on the line and chickens running around. I took these two little guys out and fixed them up with Camparis. We got good prices out of them — $16,500 per car, an incredibly low figure.” Despite the humble surroundings, Sibona-Bassano delivered prototypes that were, according to Stevens, “jewel-like” in their craftsmanship. The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, along with the Lark Cruiser and the Sceptre developed by the coachbuilder, was praised for its quality and design, impressing even Studebaker’s CEO, Egbert. These prototypes stood out as some of the few bright spots for Studebaker during a challenging period, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and style despite its financial constraints.