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22k Mile Survivor: 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk

After spending 18-months and in excess of $25,000 on restoration work on this 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk, the owner has decided to part with a car that is simply stunning to look at. It is a vehicle that is ready to be driven and enjoyed and is guaranteed to attract its share of attention wherever it goes. The Studebaker is located in Redondo Beach, California, and has been listed for sale here at Hemmings. The asking price for the Golden Hawk has been set at $39,950 OBO.

As part of the recent restoration work, the Studebaker has been treated to a repaint in Tiara Gold and Arctic White. The owner does admit that there is a minor defect in the paint near the right rear bumper, but this doesn’t really show in the photos. The chrome is generally in good condition, with only a couple of small pieces featuring some minor pitting. The underside of the Golden Hawk hasn’t escaped attention either, with it being cleaned and coated with POR15. As you will see as you look through the gallery of photos that are included with this article, it is as clean as a whistle underneath. The glass looks good, while the 14″ wheels wear a fresh set of tires. The 14″ wheels were a new feature for the 1958 model year, replacing the previous 15″ standard items. However, the previous wheels were available as an option in 1958, if desired. In addition, this Golden Hawk wears a fiberglass hump on the hood, which was a necessity to clear the supercharger that was bolted to the car’s V8 engine.

The interior of the Studebaker presents beautifully, with the inclusion of an aftermarket stereo being the only deviation from original. The head unit is mounted in the dash, while a set of speakers have been fitted to the rear parcel tray. I can’t say that I am thrilled by the appearance of the head unit, and if I owned the car, I would be inclined to see if I could locate one that fits better with the car’s trim. During the restoration, the entire interior was removed from the car. The floors were found to have some surface corrosion, so this was treated, and once again, the floors were coated with POR15. Dynamat was then installed before the floors received a new carpet set in gold. All of the remaining upholstered surfaces were replaced, and the result is an interior that is pretty stunning, and virtually impossible to fault. One interesting change for the 1958 model year was an alteration to the floor of the Hawk to reduce the size of the tailshaft hump. In previous models this had been quite intrusive, meaning that the rear seat was only suitable for two occupants. The reduction allowed the rear to become a true 3-seater for the first time.

The engine bay of the Golden Hawk is filled with enough motor to suggest that this is a car that is about more than just looks and luxury. Bolted to the top of the 289ci V8 is a supercharger, giving the car a healthy 275hp. The surprising thing about this is that the power increase over a normally aspirated 289 didn’t result in amazing levels of acceleration. A Golden hawk was still only capable of getting from 0-60mph in around 9.2 seconds, which is surprisingly leisurely. Along with that supercharged engine, the Studebaker is equipped with an optional 3-speed Flight-O-Matic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. As part of the refurbishment process, the engine was pulled from the car and disassembled. It was checked and fitted with all new seals and gaskets, while the supercharger and carburetor were both given a rebuild. The rear springs and bushes were replaced, along with the front shocks. The car also sports a new dual exhaust system. The owner says that the odometer shows 22,000 miles, but he is unable to confirm whether these are actually original. What the car does come with is a full set of documents and invoices verifying all of the refurbishment work which has been undertaken.

By 1958, Studebaker was struggling financially, and with the vehicle being a premium model priced at $3,282, the company was only able to sell 878 examples of the Golden Hawk. Many have now succumbed to the sorts of rust issues to which the car could be quite prone. However, this one appears to be a car that has managed to escape that fate. The styling of the Golden Hawk tends to be something of an acquired taste, but if someone is looking for a really nice example, I don’t think that they come much nicer than this one.

Comments

  1. Avatar canadainmarkseh

    If the engine was all apart there would be indicators as to whether there is 22k or 122k. Cross hatching in the cylinder, ring ridge at the top of the bore connecting rod bearing wear, valve guide wear just to name a few. As for the stereo I’m ok with the new one I want a radio that works and has the latest technology. Some things are worth upgrading. Nice car.

    Like 11
    • Avatar Fred W

      Agreed on the stereo- there are only a couple of manufacturers of units that look like originals, and the performance is sub par. The owner elected for sound over looks.

      Like 4
  2. Avatar dirtyharry

    Gold-Golden Hawk, that makes sense. I cannot recall the last time I saw one on the road. Sure would be great to go cross-country and see the sights in this. People will ask what you drove and you can say “Golden-Hawk.” Nobody will have any idea what you are even talking about. Sounds like fun. Nice car.

    Like 7
  3. Avatar Red Riley

    Nicely restored, and worth every bit of it, but doesn’t qualify as a survivor car with that much work done to it.

    Like 13
  4. Avatar BR

    Are those two gauges with the black bezels stock?
    I would try to source an OEM clock to complete the gauge group, and I would recess the stereo and cover it with a flip down engine turned plate.
    This belongs in my garage, but alas, the usual constraints apply.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Poppy

      They appear to be stock gauges but from a later GT Hawk. Correct gauges with chrome bezels should be easy enough to find. Makes we wonder what other shortcuts the restorer took. I could be wrong on this but it also looks like the rear seat back was upholstered upside down (!?). The underseat “climatizer” heater core also appears to be missing. 4th photo should show heater hoses going to and from that box in the floor pan.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Vincent H

        Look more like after market gauges. It also has a later 289. Mid year 62-64

        Like 0
  5. Avatar Vince H

    There were built is 58. 878 US 20 in Canada. These numbers came from Carl Thompson. He was one of the last Studebaker employees.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Vincent H

    There were 898 built in 58. 878 US 20 in Canada.These numbers came from Carl Thompson of the Studebaker Corp.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Del

    Just Plain Jaw Dropping Gorgeous !!!

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Bob McK

    Beautiful..is it worth 40 large? I hope so for the sellers sake.

    Like 0
  9. HoA Howard A Member

    Oy, $40g’s? Well, that, from California, is apparently what it will cost you drive one of the coolest cars ever. Thing that bothers me, is all these restored cars have to have the most extravagant motor known, when I heard, like the early Corvette F.I. these were finicky in traffic, and after the supercharger belt broke, it suddenly ran better. Remember, a lot of these cars turned into rusty beaters. Great car, and watch your head on the guillotine hood, Eugene,,,

    Like 2
  10. Avatar David Thomas

    Had Dinky Toy model back in the sixties..maybe earlier!!

    Like 1
  11. Avatar PatrickM

    I love these cars. Always wanted one. But, the price tags these days are keeping me away. Sigh.

    Like 0

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