The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
A Studebaker Lark VIII concept car built by Francis Lombardi unveiled at the 1960 Turin Motor Show. It was 1 of 4 italian rebodied Larks.
The Studebaker Lark Italia Coupé, crafted by Francis Lombardi and unveiled at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, stands as one of four reimagined Larks commissioned by the American Company. In this endeavor, Francis Lombardi expertly replicated the iconic American design ethos, evident in the commanding presence of its large chrome front grille adorned with floating double headlights and the distinguished Studebakers branding positioned beneath. A notable departure from convention for an American chassis, it proudly rolls on Pirelli white wall tires, adding a touch of European flair. Along the Studebaker Lark Italia’s profile, adjacent to the door, one cannot overlook the emblem of Francis Lombardi, a customary hallmark among Italian coachbuilders, serving as a signature of excellence and craftsmanship in their creations.
In 1960 the entrepreneur and importer Renato Bornigia commissioned Pietro Frua and Francis Lombardi to carry out a project to mass-produce (1000 cars) a variant of the Studebaker Lark in 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan versions.
VERY NICE, BUT SADLY, TOO LATE!
Peter, do you know what was the cause for Studebaker’s closure and how it could be avoided?