By 1962, Studebaker was reaching the end of the line. In two short years, their South Bend, Indiana plant would close and in four more years, it was over and out for this storied automobile producer. Before they sang their swan song, however, Studebaker turned out some pretty interesting cars, especially when you consider their financial situation. One such model was the Gran Turismo (GT) Hawk like this 1962 example, located in Scottsdale, Arizona and available here on BF Classifieds for a current bid of $3,605, reserve not yet met.
The GT Hawk was a short-lived model, only in production between 1962 and 1964. It followed in the steps of the “Hawk” model which was introduced in 1956. The GT Hawk was positioned as a luxury model with a dose of performance road manners added in as well. To my surprise, the GT Hawk rode on a 120″ wheelbase at a time when a full-size Chevrolet Impala was set at 119″. The Hawk may look like a smaller luxury coupe or an intermediate-sized car but that’s not the case.
The seller tells us that he is representing the owner who is the third to possess this Studebaker. Of note is the minimal 28K miles of usage and the excellent condition of this two-door hardtop inside and out. The finish on this GT Hawk is still strong and retains a shine while the chrome is in similar shape, not rusted or dull. The seller does advise that the passenger door and quarter has a small scrape. It is obvious but shouldn’t be a deterrent or a difficult problem to fix. There are numerous images of the underside, and as expected for a California/Arizona car, no sign of rot-through or any serious rust – it’s all very tight and correct.
Under the hood is a 225 gross HP, 289 CI, V8 engine and it is a Studebaker engine, not a Ford motor. I mention this is passing as the Studebaker Lark did resort to using Chevrolet engines in about 1964 after Studebaker closed its engine foundry. This GT Hawk has the optional four-barrel carburetor version of the 289 which generates fifteen more HP than the standard two-barrel carburetor version. The seller claims that the engine smokes just a bit on start-up but the car runs and drives well. There is an automatic transmission present as well and A/C too. Upfront, a booster fan has been installed for cool operation and a new master brake cylinder has been installed. The engine compartment is fantastically clean which attests to the GT Hawk’s light usage.
Moving inside, a very purposeful and pleasant environment is found. The all-original interior appears to be a light gray shade that permeates the door cards, vinyl seat coverings, carpet, and dash pad while the headliner is white with stainless steel ribs securing it in place, it’s a sharp-looking effect! The instrument panel is beautifully accented with large analog gauges set in a wood-trimmed binnacle. The only boo-boo appears to be a split seam on the passenger seat back-rest.
Some may be concerned about acquiring a car produced by a marque that is so long now gone. I wouldn’t have that concern. The Studebaker Hawk, in all of its iterations, remains a popular collector car; there are clubs, published documentation and parts still available. Most importantly, there is a strong following of enthusiasts that are a great source of information and help. You won’t find many of these desirable, GT Hawks available in this condition with such low mileage. If you have ever considered ownership of such a Studebaker, I’d look this one over closely.
My other comments on the red Hawk notwithstanding this is really a nice looking car.
…and the price is quite lower on a much better looking example. this one is much cleaner, has a great interior, no rust issues that can be seen. But, again, no underside pics, only one interior pic. On the BF listing, I saw no pics at all, just words. Oh well, since I’m not in a position to get on this one (Drat! It is just too far away, as in on the wrong coast. Phooey!) I keep telling myself, “One of these days…One of these days…it’s gonna happen.”
From what I understand parts for Studebakers are not too much of a problem because the factory parts were saved. That’s in contrast to AMC, which had all of its pre-1980 parts inventory and tooling that Chrysler could lay its hands on bulldozed.
Ugh. :(
In 1962 in Northwest Detroit on the corner of Grand River and Hartwell was a Studebaker Dealer named Murphy Motors. They used a vacant lot that was on Grand River west of Schaefer and stored new unsold Studebakers on this grass lot . I remember seeing white GT Hawks here. In 1964 Murphy Motors was sold to an automobile salesman named Richard “Dick” Cannan and his partner Service Manager Harry “BUSS” Bussbusian and they called the new Dealership Motor City Dodge.
Nice fairly rare find. Would make a nice daily driver.
Had a Lark with the 289…a solid engine. But the clearance between the hood and the top mounted oil filter was very tight as I learned the hard way after the filter came loose at 60MPH on a deserted rural road in southern Ohio, producing enough white smoke to hide a navy convoy. I was saved from a long wait by an old farmer who whittled a bung out of a fallen tree branch and who added a quart of tractor oil to the crankcase.
Interior has been redone in 63 style. The 62 interiors did not hold up very well.
It’s a unique driver. Someone buy it, give it what it needs, and enjoy.
I wonder if it still has the original Ca. pink slip or is it tagged in Az. now. I’m surprised to see an alternator, maybe the car was made late in 62 or it was a custom upgrade. These are great under valued cars, worth 5 figures in my mind…
I can’t find the listing Says go to BF then to eBay What’s the deal
I doubt the mileage claim. Buyer should require proof, unless mileage is not a deal-breaker. Check the odometer……