The Unbelievable Porsche-Studebaker Mashup You Never Knew Existed
In the annals of automotive history, there are many stories of groundbreaking design collaborations, but few are as intriguing as the mashup between Porsche and Studebaker. Hidden away in the basement of the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana, lies a remarkable artifact of this unique union: a 1959 Studebaker Lark modified with a Porsche 356 engine tucked in the trunk. This astonishing vehicle is a testament to creativity and ingenuity in the face of engineering challenge, making it a must-see for any automotive enthusiast.
A Unique Perspective on Auto History
While we often think of Porsche as a purely performance-oriented manufacturer and Studebaker as an emblem of classic American automobiles, their paths crossed briefly during the 1950s in a tale that would largely go forgotten. Porsche is well-known for its collaborations with other automotive giants such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but add Studebaker to that list, albeit in a very unconventional capacity. This partnership produced a unique prototype, the Type 542, which ultimately never saw the light of day. Fast forward a few decades, and we find a modified Lark that’s more than just a car; it’s a piece of nostalgic history reflecting the adventurous spirit of automotive experimentation.
The Mystery of the Studebaker Lark
The car in question is far from factory-standard. Originally equipped with a Champion 6-cylinder engine, this 1959 Studebaker Lark underwent a radical transformation when it was fitted with an air-cooled Porsche 4-cylinder engine from the original 1953 356 model. The question remains: who modified this seemingly unlikely pairing? Neither Porsche nor Studebaker claims responsibility for this unconventional fusion. Instead, the modification can be traced back to a surprising source: the Curtiss-Wright Corporation.
Curtiss-Wright: An Aeronautical Influence
Curtiss-Wright, a name more synonymous with aviation than automobiles, was once the world’s largest airplane manufacturer during the mid-20th century. In a burst of innovative thinking, the company began to explore the use of its Wankel rotary engines in automobiles. Fascinated by the potential of rear-engine designs and eager to develop a prototype, Curtiss-Wright set their sights on the Studebaker Lark rather than utilizing the more obvious choice of something like the rear-engine NSU Prinz. This decision marked the start of a challenging engineering endeavor as the team worked to shift the weight distribution and reconfigure the car for a rear-mounted engine.
The Ingenious Porsche Conversion
Against all odds, Curtiss-Wright managed to successfully install the lighter Porsche engine into the trunk of this Studebaker, creating a unique fusion of American style and German engineering. The engine, producing a modest 70 horsepower, does lag behind the factory-standard Champion 6-cylinder, which generated 90 horsepower. However, this unique blend of parts offers a vibrant story of automotive history. Despite an impressive engineering feat by Curtiss-Wright, the performance enhancements were likely minimal, and the vehicle still maintained a sluggish 21-second time from 0 to 60 mph. But perhaps performance was never the goal.
What Happened to This Mashup?
With no definitive reason documented for its creation, the purpose of this unusual Studebaker Lark remains largely shrouded in mystery. Automotive historians speculate that it could have served as a test bed for exploring new engine technologies or design philosophies. Today, it stands as the sole surviving example of this rare piece of experimental engineering history, inviting countless questions from onlookers and enthusiasts alike. What inspired such a merger of iconic brands, and what lessons were learned through this ambitious endeavor?
A Trip Worth Taking
So, if you find yourself in South Bend, Indiana, make sure to check out this curious piece of automotive lore residing in the Studebaker Museum. Not only does it provide an intriguing glimpse into the faded history between Porsche and Studebaker, but it also serves as a reminder of the fascinating experiments that shaped today’s automotive landscape. While the vehicle's pedigree may be humble, the story behind it reflects the adventurous spirit that defines car culture. Whether you're a die-hard Porsche aficionado, a fan of Studebaker heritage, or simply a lover of the unusual, this mashup is an unforgettable experience.
As automotive enthusiasts, we often find ourselves drawn to the well-trodden paths of performance and luxury that define the brands we cherish. But it’s stories like this that remind us of the chaotic, beautiful experimentation that peppers the history of the automobile. In a way, this quirky Porsche-Studebaker mashup encapsulates the essence of what makes car culture so engaging—its evolution has always been marked by surprise, creativity, and a willingness to dream big.
Images courtesy of Jason Torchinsky / The Autopian