The Studebaker GT Hawk was only in production for 3 years, from 1962 until 1964. In spite of spending considerable money on some major styling changes for the 1964 model, Studebaker only sold 1,767 cars, of which, 283 were for export. That makes this 1964 example one of the rarest of the Hawks. You will find it advertised for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Hesperia, California, and is offered for sale with a clean title. The owner has set a price of $3,500 for the Hawk. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B for referring this car to us.
The first thing that I noticed about this Hawk is that it does appear to be quite a solid and clean car. I can spot a couple of minor rust spots, but these are really insignificant. All of the trim appears to be present, and while most of it is in good condition, there are a couple of pieces that will need restoration. It appears that this Hawk wasn’t specified with the optional “Sport Roof,” which was a partial vinyl top. This was a $65 optional extra which was available in either black or white. Cars that weren’t fitted with that option are definitely in the minority, which is all good news for the value of this car.
The interior is complete, but there will be some restoration work required. There is something distinctly odd about the driver’s seat and its angle. I suspect that something has broken there, and may require some repair work. The covers on the front seats don’t appear to be original, as their fit is not up to the usual standard, and the lid on the console will also require restoration. The rest of the interior looks like it is in pretty fair condition, and a lot of it should respond well to a deep clean.
This GT Hawk appears to be fitted with the Jet Thrust R1 engine. This is a 289ci V8, which produced 240hp. The transmission is the Flightomatic automatic transmission. The engine is a rather sad looking sight, and we don’t get any indication from the owner as to whether the engine turns freely. It can only be hoped that the engine can be salvaged, as keeping the car as a matching numbers car will greatly enhance its value.
Given the relative rarity of the 1964 GT Hawk, values have remained fairly constant, but have not reached the extremes that might normally be expected. A good example can fetch anywhere between $16,000 and $22,000, which is not particularly high. If this car is restored to its original specifications, its value will be helped a bit due to the lack of the vinyl top, as those cars were in the minority. This car does look quite solid, and apart from a question mark hovering over the engine, it actually looks like a pretty easy restoration. If this is the case, then it is a car that is definitely worth the asking price.
No vinyl top means no area for rust to hide.
Looks solid, would need to see the underbelly but it looks like its been out in the desert for a long time. Price seems decent for such a nice example. Stude fans will be all over it. you could have to tear the engine down to see if it could be rebuilt, if not might want to consider a swap. I have bought some cars that were out in the desert, windows shot out, etc and the sheetmetal was perfect, even the wheels had factory paint and striping! Good luck to the new owner.
Great car and great find, but that doesn’t look like an R1. If it were an R1 it should have chrome valve covers and an “Avanti Powered” badge on the fenders. But, the stock 289 has plenty of power and runs happily on regular gas, so it’s not a bad thing!
@Jeff
I agree this is not a R1
Jeff,
You are correct, not an R series engine.
Being from a dry climate the frame should be solid and the body looks like it doesn’t need much work. Learning to drive on the farm in a 47 Stude pick up and my folks having a 53 2dr. Commander I have always wanted a Studebaker but never had one. Looks like a real fair deal to me. Have two classics now and I have a feeling my wife might not understand if I bought another!
“lack of a vinyl top” will mean a difference in value of maybe $4
There were more without the vinyl top than those that did. It has the powershift transmission. They can be shifted manually. This is the same transmission used in the Avanti. It is well worth the asking price. If it was closer it would be mine.
You are right – it is a very good buy……same thing – if it were closer I also would want it……had a few of these 300 years ago – my $4 comment in value variation was sarcasm….My wife of 55 years still doesn’t like my humor……ha
What Jeff said….also others on the price.
Love the styling of the cars Without fins. I recall the early 50’s cars did not have fins and the late 50’s cars did have fins.
I am not a Studebaker expert, quite the opposite. Just some observations here.
I agree with Jeff and Vince H, that this is not an R-1 for several reasons. All Avanti engines had, as mentioned, chrome valve covers, lifter cover and chrome dipstick. Also, if it had been on, it is very easy to tell by looking at the harmonic balancer. All R series engines had a balancer that was about an inch thick, when the normal engines had one that was only about 1/4 inch thick. Also by looking at the timing gear cover, the normal engines had a pointer that stuck out as the timing marks were on the balancer, when the R series had a tab with the marks on it with a straight line on the balancer. Now the next problem is the color of this engine. Regular engines were painted black with yellow valve covers. It is very possible that this engine could have been changed, so without seeing the engine number, it could be a 259 or 289 engine,, and even that could be wrong without looking at the top of the pistons, as 289 piston were dished and 259 inch pistols were flat. Looking at the rust on the nose of the crank indicates a need for a complete overhaul. The 64’s were a very elegant car even compared to the 62’s, it’s too bad that more weren’t made.
Is this the Hawk body style that was re-designed by Brooks Stevens?
Saw this at a car show last year. Was in my opinion one of the most interesting cars there.
Interior
Windshield
Yes
I went out in the desert to see this car earlier this month. It is rough. It has a 289 and a four barrel, with the desirable powershift floor transmission. Like others have said, it is not a jet thrust, R1/R2 engine. The price is ok, but it needs a lot of work. Trunk is full of parts, but nothing special. Unless you can do a lot of body work yourself, beware.
Dare to be different-I see a bad ass gassed on the works.Damn the rareity.
Dare to be different-I see a bad ass gasser in the works.Damn the rareity.
Yea 1st gear straight axle tire fryer….
Cheers
GPC