Studebaker Italia Lark Coupé Frua

Vehicle Overview

The Studebaker Italia Lark Coupé Frua represents a unique Italian take on the classic American Studebaker Lark, originally designed by Duncan MacRae. This Italian version was brought to life through the collaboration of Torino-based designer Pietro Frua and Italian importer Renato Bornigia. Together, they sought to create a fresh, stylish alternative to the traditional Lark, appealing specifically to European tastes. In 1960, Frua developed two distinctive styling prototypes for the project: a four-door model and a two-door coupé, both powered by a V8 engine, with each model representing Frua’s signature blend of elegance and dynamism. These Italia Larks were built by Italsuisse in Torino for Carrozzeria Frua, and another variant, a four-door V8 model, was assembled by Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi in Vercelli. The collaboration between Frua and Italsuisse allowed for exceptional attention to detail, combining American power with Italian flair and craftsmanship. Unlike the original Studebaker Lark, which was known for its more compact and functional design, the Italia Lark Coupé Frua embraced sweeping lines, a refined Italian aesthetic, and luxurious interior detailing that would appeal to high-end car buyers in Europe. Frua’s Italia Lark designs showcased elements of Italian coachbuilding tradition while maintaining the Studebaker’s recognizable identity, making them true collector’s items. The distinct Italian modifications to the Lark were emblematic of the transatlantic automotive collaboration in the 1960s, an era that saw American brands seeking innovative design influences from European counterparts. With its rare production numbers and the unmistakable signature of Pietro Frua’s design, the Italia Lark Coupé Frua stands as a remarkable fusion of American engineering and Italian artistry, symbolizing a time when car design crossed cultural boundaries to create something unique and enduring. To discover more about the Italian Studebaker and its intriguing history, explore our special feature on this fascinating chapter in automotive design, where elegance meets engineering in the form of the Italia Lark.