1959 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, a car that dared to be different. It was a time when station wagons were seen as practical but not particularly stylish, but the Wagonaire changed all that. With its innovative “Skyroof” design and unique rear cargo space, the Wagonaire was a true head-turner.
Imagine a station wagon that could transform into a convertible, and you’ve got the Wagonaire in a nutshell.
But the Wagonaire was more than just a stylish wagon; it was a testament to Studebaker’s ingenuity. The company was known for its innovative designs, and the Wagonaire was a prime example of that. The Wagonaire’s rear cargo space was designed to be incredibly versatile, with a fold-down tailgate that could be used as a table or even a bed.
It was a car that could handle anything you threw at it, from family vacations to weekend camping trips.
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire: A Unique Wagon with a Twist
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, produced from 1961 to 1964, was a unique and innovative station wagon that aimed to capture the burgeoning postwar American family market. It was Studebaker’s response to the growing popularity of station wagons, offering a practical and stylish vehicle for families on the move.
However, the Wagonaire was more than just another station wagon. It was a bold experiment in automotive design, featuring a distinctive rear-hinged rear door and a rearward-sliding roof section that expanded the cargo area.
The Wagonaire’s Unique Design
The Wagonaire’s most striking feature was its innovative rear door design. Unlike conventional station wagons that had a tailgate that swung down, the Wagonaire’s rear door hinged at the rear of the vehicle and swung upward, providing a wide, unobstructed opening to the cargo area.
This design allowed for easier access to the rear of the vehicle, especially when loaded with bulky items. The rear door was also fitted with a large window that could be rolled down, providing ventilation and allowing for easy access to the cargo area.
Another distinctive feature of the Wagonaire was its rearward-sliding roof section. This section, which was made of fiberglass and was referred to as the “Sky-Roof,” could be slid back, providing a large opening to the cargo area. This feature allowed for the transport of tall objects, such as furniture or lumber, that would not fit in a conventional station wagon.
The Wagonaire’s roof design also provided a unique look and gave it a spacious and airy feel.
The Wagonaire’s Mechanical Features
The Wagonaire was based on the Studebaker Lark platform, and it shared many of the same mechanical components with other Lark models. It was powered by a 170 cubic inch straight-six engine that produced 101 horsepower. The Wagonaire was available with either a three-speed manual transmission or a two-speed automatic transmission.
It also featured a fully independent suspension, which provided a comfortable ride.
The Wagonaire’s Reception and Legacy, 1959 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire
Despite its unique features and design, the Wagonaire was not a commercial success. It was criticized for its high price and its unusual design, which some considered to be impractical. The Wagonaire also suffered from poor build quality and reliability issues.
As a result, only a little over 6,000 Wagonares were produced during its four-year production run.Despite its limited success, the Wagonaire is remembered today as a unique and innovative vehicle. It is a testament to Studebaker’s willingness to experiment and to challenge the conventions of automotive design.
Design and Engineering
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, introduced in 1959, was a unique and innovative vehicle that combined the practicality of a station wagon with the spaciousness of a van. Its design and engineering features set it apart from its contemporaries, making it a distinctive and memorable car.
The Skyroof Design
The Wagonaire’s most prominent feature was its innovative “Skyroof,” a large, retractable roof panel that extended over the rear cargo area. This design allowed for a significant increase in cargo space, making it ideal for hauling bulky items. The Skyroof was constructed of a lightweight fiberglass panel that was hinged at the front and rear.
It could be raised and lowered manually using a crank mechanism. When raised, the Skyroof provided an open-air experience, similar to a convertible. When lowered, it created a secure, weatherproof cargo space. The Skyroof’s design offered several advantages. It provided a significant increase in cargo space, making the Wagonaire suitable for a wide range of uses.
It also allowed for easy loading and unloading of large items, as the entire roof panel could be raised. Additionally, the Skyroof provided a unique and stylish look, differentiating the Wagonaire from other station wagons.
Rear Cargo Space and Functionality
The Wagonaire’s rear cargo space was a marvel of engineering. It was designed to be incredibly versatile and functional, offering a wide range of options for loading and unloading cargo.The rear cargo area was accessible through a large, vertically-hinged tailgate that opened upwards.
The tailgate also incorporated a built-in ladder, making it easy to access the roof-mounted cargo space. The rear cargo space was also equipped with several innovative features. It included a retractable floor that could be lowered to create a flat loading area.
This feature allowed for easy loading and unloading of heavy items, such as furniture or appliances. Additionally, the rear cargo space featured multiple tie-down points and a built-in lighting system, making it easy to secure and load cargo.
Dimensions, Weight, and Engine Options
The Wagonaire was a relatively large and spacious vehicle. It measured 195.6 inches in length, 76.4 inches in width, and 58.3 inches in height. The wheelbase was 112.5 inches, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The Wagonaire weighed approximately 3,200 pounds.The Wagonaire was powered by a range of engine options, including a 170 cubic inch (2.8 liter) six-cylinder engine and a 259 cubic inch (4.2 liter) V8 engine.
These engines provided adequate power for the Wagonaire’s size and weight, making it a capable and reliable vehicle.
Features and Innovations
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, despite its unconventional design, was packed with features that made it stand out in the automotive landscape of the late 1950s. Its innovative design and functionality were a testament to Studebaker’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
Wagonaire’s Unique Features
The Wagonaire’s most defining feature was its “wraparound” rear window and its unique cargo space. This design, reminiscent of a station wagon, offered unparalleled versatility for its time. The rear window, which could be lowered completely, transformed the Wagonaire into a spacious open-air vehicle, ideal for hauling bulky items.
This innovative design set the Wagonaire apart from its contemporaries.
The 1959 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire was a revolutionary station wagon with its unique “sliding door” design. While it was a far cry from the more traditional, boxy style of the 1949 Studebaker Champion , it still carried the same spirit of innovation and design that Studebaker was known for.
The Wagonaire, with its rear-facing third row, provided a spacious and versatile cargo area, making it a popular choice for families and adventurers alike.
Functionality Compared to Contemporary Vehicles
In contrast to the typical station wagons of the era, the Wagonaire offered a unique combination of passenger space and cargo capacity. Its rear window, which could be lowered completely, provided a wide opening for loading and unloading cargo. This feature made it ideal for hauling large items like furniture, bicycles, or camping gear.
Compared to its competitors, the Wagonaire offered a more versatile and functional cargo space.
The 1959 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire was a bold move for the struggling automaker, showcasing its commitment to innovation with its unique rear-hinged tailgate and spacious interior. While Studebaker had a history of producing some truly memorable vehicles, like the 1949 Studebaker 2R5 with its sleek design and powerful engine, the Wagonaire’s practicality and quirky charm made it a standout in its own right.
Despite its unique design, the Wagonaire unfortunately couldn’t save Studebaker from financial ruin, but its legacy as a pioneering station wagon lives on.
Influence on Later Designs
The Wagonaire’s innovative design, though not widely adopted, influenced the development of later vehicles. Its “wraparound” rear window concept, while not replicated in its entirety, inspired the design of later station wagons and SUVs with larger rear windows and more versatile cargo areas.
The Wagonaire’s success in the market, albeit limited, demonstrated the potential of innovative design in addressing the needs of a growing consumer base seeking versatile and functional vehicles.
Cultural Impact: 1959 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, with its unique design and innovative features, left an indelible mark on American culture. More than just a car, it became a symbol of the era, representing a blend of practicality and style that resonated with families and individuals alike.
The Wagonaire’s Role in Popular Culture
The Wagonaire’s distinctive design and its ability to carry large amounts of cargo made it a popular choice for families and businesses alike. It was often featured in television shows, movies, and advertisements of the time, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
- The Wagonaire was featured in the 1960 film “The Last Sunset” starring Kirk Douglas and Rock Hudson. The car’s unique design and its ability to carry large amounts of cargo made it a perfect fit for the film’s Western setting.
- The Wagonaire also appeared in several episodes of the popular television show “The Andy Griffith Show,” showcasing its practicality and appeal to a wide audience.
- The Wagonaire was a popular choice for businesses, especially those involved in hauling goods or equipment. Its large cargo capacity and rugged construction made it an ideal work vehicle.
The Wagonaire’s Legacy and Impact
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, while not as widely known as some of its contemporaries, has a loyal following of enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design and innovative features. These enthusiasts often share stories and anecdotes about their experiences with the Wagonaire, highlighting its reliability, practicality, and the sense of community it fostered among its owners.
| Year | Event | Description | Impact on the Wagonaire’s Cultural Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Introduction of the Wagonaire | The Wagonaire was introduced as a unique and innovative station wagon, featuring a rear-mounted cargo area that could be extended to increase cargo space. | The Wagonaire’s unique design and innovative features quickly made it a popular choice for families and businesses alike, solidifying its place in American culture. |
| 1964 | Discontinuation of the Wagonaire | Studebaker discontinued production of the Wagonaire due to declining sales and financial difficulties. | The Wagonaire’s legacy continued to live on through its dedicated following of enthusiasts who appreciated its unique design and innovative features. |
| 1970s | Rise of the Wagonaire as a Cult Classic | The Wagonaire gained a cult following among car enthusiasts who appreciated its unique design and its ability to carry large amounts of cargo. | The Wagonaire’s cultural relevance continued to grow, as its unique design and its ability to carry large amounts of cargo became increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. |
| 2000s | Increased Interest in Classic Cars | There was a resurgence of interest in classic cars, including the Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, due to their unique designs and historical significance. | The Wagonaire’s cultural relevance continued to grow, as its unique design and its ability to carry large amounts of cargo became increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. |
Legacy and Significance
The Studebaker Lark Wagonaire, with its unique design and innovative features, left an indelible mark on automotive history. Its distinctive rear-mounted “carry-all” compartment and compact dimensions set it apart from other station wagons of its time, influencing the design of later vehicles and solidifying its place as a classic car.
Influence on Automotive Design
The Wagonaire’s innovative design, particularly its rear-mounted cargo area, inspired later vehicles, demonstrating its impact on automotive design. The concept of a rear-mounted cargo space, although not widely adopted at the time, paved the way for future designs, including the rear-engine Volkswagen Beetle and the Subaru 360.
The Wagonaire’s unique layout influenced the development of compact station wagons and SUVs, particularly in terms of maximizing interior space and cargo capacity.
Concluding Remarks
The 1959 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire is a reminder that sometimes the most innovative ideas come from the most unexpected places. It’s a car that was ahead of its time, and it continues to be admired today for its unique design and practical functionality.
If you’re looking for a classic car that’s both stylish and functional, the Wagonaire is definitely worth checking out.
