1964 STUDEBAKER TAXI
RED TOP CAB

This rare 1964 Studebaker taxi cab belongs to John Kelley of Bristol, Virginia. John has owned this interesting vehicle for many years and has kept it in top condition. One unique feature of this model is an outside hood release as shown above. This was done to facilitate checking the engine oil and other fluids. Regular 1964 Studebaker sedans used an internal hood release located under the dash. Although John's taxi has Commander trim, only "Studebaker" nameplates appear on the body. Here is a shot of the passenger's side of John's cool taxi. John also owns 1963 Studebaker Lark Wagonaire and a 1963 Studebaker Cruiser. The pictures were taken at the October 2007 Greater Virginia Meet in Bridgewater, Virginia.

Studebaker made a serious effort to sell taxi cabs based on the Lark body and I recall seeing a number of early 1960's Lark cabs in New York City. I also recall seeing a 1964 Studebaker taxi in Plattsburgh, New York during the summer of 1965 when I was there for Air Force ROTC training. It is unlikely that many Studebaker taxis of this era have survived given the rough life they lived.