Studebaker’s Hawk series took flight starting in 1956, with an array of variants topped by the Golden Hawk. Styled by Raymond Loewy, the Hawks incorporated both pillared coupes and pillarless hardtops, sharing a low stance and a prominent radiator. Concave-coved fins dressed the Golden Hawk, first made of fiberglass, then steel. Originally, engines included a 185 cu. in. six, and three normally-aspirated V8s – one of which was Packard’s big 352. By 1957, Packard’s plant had been leased, and the 352 was discontinued. Competing with Chrysler’s 300 series on a shoestring budget required a new approach in the engine department, prompting Studebaker to hang a McCulloch supercharger off its 289 V8. The supercharger was a solid solution for the asthmatic 289, boosting output to 275 hp. Torque was a prodigious 330 lb-ft. All of this sounds great, but today’s Golden Hawk is missing that bit of kit, so the new owner will need to source an appropriate replacement.
Other than the missing McCulloch and inoperability, the engine bay is disheveled. We have no idea when this car last ran, and our seller is representing a friend who is the owner, so straight answers could be slightly challenging. In peak form, the ’57 Golden Hawk wasn’t quite as powerful as the Hemi-under-the-hood Chrysler 300B, but it cost a lot less when new. Finned drums, a three-speed overdrive automatic, and somewhat stiff suspension rounded out the mechanical aspects of the car. Like many American cars of the era, running straight lines was its favorite pursuit; if you wanted to carve corners, best to do it in a two-seater, perhaps of British or Italian flavor.
The interior has seen better days, but companies like SMS Fabrics can help out. Aid from clubs is also abundant. And at least the gauges, trim, steering wheel, and other components are present. Note that the speedometer is calibrated in 20 mph increments; drivers in the day also complained that the instruments were set low relative to the seating position.
Despite its desert home in Corrales, New Mexico, this Hawk is infested with rust. Still, T.J. found this formerly swanky ’50s icon listed here on facebook Marketplace for only $2500 – most likely it’s worth that in parts. Nice examples can sell in the $70k to $90k range – down slightly over the past few years but reflecting strong interest in a Loewy-designed rarity. How would you regard this Golden Hawk – with an eye to restoration? or as a parts car?
SOLD! I think $2500 was a great deal. If the underside was in descent shape this was a,good buy.
A friend of mine inherited three Silver Hawks and one Power Hawk. He has no interst in doing anything with them. I am not a fan of Studebaker so I simply wish to assist him in getting them to a good collector. I have pictures in my I phone.
i would be happy to see those cars you mentioned, Been shopping for years.
jcullenjr@yahoo.com
Sell those Studebakers on Barn Finds Auctions!
Where would your friend with FOUR Hawks be located, a nearby City/State would be nice if you want to help Him.
He could list them for sale in Turning Wheels Monthly Studebaker Drivers Club Publication for a small fee, and people who actually Care will find them.
I’ve posted those 4 before on the Studie guys site……they were cheap enough.
Just for the record, though these Hawks are often referred to as “Loewy Coupes; in fact the designer of these lovely cars was Bob Bourke, who worked in the Loewy studio under contract to Studebaker. Loewy was a vain man who liked to take personal credit for everything done in his shop.
I have a Silver Hawk residing in my field of dreams that is mostly there. It belongs to a friend of mine and needs a complete restoration. It’s body is in much better shape than the car featured.
Mr. Cory, I am impressed with your knowledge. Like to know more about where you worked and how you became so knowledgeable
Most Studebaker Drivers Club Members possess this knowledge or read it in the Monthly SDC Publication “Turning Wheels”.
This Studebaker sure has a fair amount of rust and oxidation all along the bottom. It has to be a transplant from the Indiana area where it had to have spent a few winters with snow and salt.
Parts car unless time and money mean nothing to you. So many better Hawks are out there.
“the loveliest curve I know is the sales curve,” Loewy moved millions of products
Michelle Rand’s back to beat up another Studie for sale – been watching to see what see write’s up and don’t see much so here she is. Who wouldn’t want a car that was a Villa Nova student’s car…..and what you say “Other than the missing McCulloch and inoperability, the engine bay is disheveled.” ….gollygee covering that SC inlet with duck tape shows just poor taste…..oh well…..