While Studebaker mainly focused on practical cars, the company didn’t only provide basic transportation. Its motto, “Different by Design,” was embodied by the 1964 Daytona R3 Super Lark coupe recently listed for sale on eBay. This fantastic example was modified into a full-on Pro Street restomod.
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Proto Muscle
The Daytona R3 Super Lark was designed to be Studebaker’s high-performance halo model. The goal was to add spice to an otherwise staid Studebaker lineup (except for the fast fiberglass Avanti - opens in new window or tab.). It arrived on the market a year as one of America’s first muscle cars.
The lightweight Daytona R3 looked like nothing else on the road. It had compact dimensions and clean lines with little of the chrome so popular then. The Studebaker coupe also delivered the goods—sweet handling via stiffer springs and adjustable shocks, a thick anti-roll bar, and a limited-slip differential.
But the R3’s beating heart was its hand-built, well-balanced 304-cubic-inch V-8 equipped with a Paxton supercharger. The list of factory enhancements included larger pistons and valves, a hotter camshaft, and a Carter 650 cubic-feet-per-minute four-barrel carburetor.
Rebuilt for Power and Comfort
The R3 package was developed in California by racing legend Andy Granatelli - opens in new window or tab. and his team. Granatelli was employed by STP, a Studebaker division at the time. Conservative estimates pegged the R3 engine’s output at 335 horsepower in stock trim. The engine was paired with a four-speed Borg-Warner T-10 transmission - opens in new window or tab..
Using those solid bones, the builder of this example went wild, adding modern components for greater performance while retaining its classic looks.
The 1964 Studebaker Daytona R3 Super Lark for sale on eBay is the product of a thorough two-and-a-half-year build. It retains a correct R3 engine but is rebuilt with more robust pistons, rods, valves, and a forged crankshaft - opens in new window or tab.. Other enhancements include:
- Paxton VR4 supercharger - opens in new window or tab.
- A purpose-built exhaust system - opens in new window or tab.
The result is a dramatic increase in power output to an estimated 525 horsepower.
Acid-Dipped for Speed
The builder added a Tremec five-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter - opens in new window or tab. to get all that increased power to the ground. A narrowed Dana 44 differential - opens in new window or tab. and massive 29.5X18.5-inch Hoosier rear tires - opens in new window or tab. are mounted on Billet Specialties polished aluminum wheels. Matching front tires and wheels measure a relatively modest 26 x 7.5 inches.
The no-expense-spared build also includes acid dipping the original body panels, resulting in an approximately 250-pound weight loss program to bring curb weight to 2,950 pounds. Dipping body panels in acid makes them thinner and, therefore, lighter. A lighter body means a faster car for racing.
The builder implemented a high-quality two-stage urethane black paint job with a deep luster, adding a menacing look to Studebaker’s clean styling.
Inside, the car retains its original dash but adds an upgraded custom carbon fiber instrument cluster equipped with AutoMeter gauges - opens in new window or tab.. There are Sparco racing seats - opens in new window or tab., new carpeting, and a NOS headliner.
The Daytona R3A was groundbreaking when new. This rare example enhances Studebaker’s timeless style with modern components and adds a wallop of increased performance.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.