1966 was the last year that Studebaker produced automobiles. It was also one of 3 years that a Studebaker had an engine built by another company (the 1956 Golden Hawk used a Packard V8, 65-66 Studebakers used Chevy power). The 1966 Cruiser is a direct descendant of the 1964 Lark-types, with identical styling save for the grille arrangement and new vents on the rear. The last Studebakers weren't sporty or by any means groundbreaking, bearing no resemblance to the glorious Hawks and Avantis of a few years before.The base engine was an overhead valve six-cylinder unit that displaced 194 cubic inches and offered 120 horsepower. The optional V8 displaced 283 cubic inches and produced nearly 195 horsepower. It was an overhead valve unique that featured a Rochester Model 2GV two-barrel carburetor. The 1966 Studebaker had single headlights, 'refreshaire' vents above the taillights, low side moldings, and a new grille. Pricing for the 4-door Cruiser Sedan began at $2,680, and a total of 1,844 examples were built. Total calendar year production was just 2,045 vehicles.
