The 1962-64 Gran Turismo (GT) Hawk was the last iteration of the Studebaker Hawk, which dated to 1956. Depending on your tastes, it may have been the most attractive of the lot with its formal roofline and upright grille, which were nods to the Ford Thunderbird and Mercedes-Benz. The history of this nice example from 1962 isn’t provided, so it may be a resale. It presents quite well, yet the seller calls it a restoration project. Located in Naperville, Illinois, this nifty Stude is available here on craigslist for $10,800.
Studebaker designer Brooks Stevens gave the GT Hawk a tasteful refresh in 1962, making it more formal in appearance than its predecessors (there were eight variants of the Hawk in the 1950s and 1960s. Gone were the tailfins that signified the previous Hawks, and a 289 cubic inch V8 was standard fare. Next to the Avanti, the Gran Turismo Hawk might just be the best thing to come out of Studebaker before it folded up in the mid-1960s.
Just under 14,000 GT Hawks were built before Studebaker shifted all auto production to Canada in the middle of the 1964 model year. The seller’s nice red example (which has been repainted, though the seller doesn’t seem happy with it) is one of 8,388 produced in ’62. The car has 60,000 miles, which could be legit, and comes with a 2-speed automatic transmission. This GT does not have the desirable supercharger option.
Overall, this Hawk looks like a top-quality driver. We’re not sure why the seller says it needs a restoration. A dealer may be involved as the seller offers to provide delivery to the buyer for a fee. If you are looking for a 1960s Studebaker that’s a tad easier to find than an Avanti, would you add this luxury Stude to your collection? Kudos to Rocco B. for the cool tip!
Here’s another Brooks Stevens design!
I was a little disappointed with the even newer Wienermobile that surprised me a few years back at the local Walmart. Instead of a hot dog they were only handing out dollar-off coupons.
I do like this Studebaker. What can be wrong?
Missed ya Rex !
Thanks stillrunners, just waiting for the right cars to comment on.
Close, Rex, the “modern” Wiener mobile was designed by a chap named Harry Bradley, who in 1995, used CAD to create the new design, still very much inherent to the original. It does not emit hot dog smells or throw Weiner whistles, like the original, however.
I feel a fool, more so, about the red car schtick, this is like the 4th one now, and I highly doubt a fire chief had a red Hawk. Maybe in South Bend. What, no “puffer”? HOORAY! Seems every Hawk that comes down the pike has to have a supercharger, when in fact, it was an extremely rare option, similar to Corvette F.I. Like some rock stars, much more famous after they were gone. I attended a car show in Upstate NY, and they had a voting for “best car”. While I generally don’t do such things, they ALL deserve an award, I did vote for a red Hawk just like this. Turned out, I wasn’t alone, and it did garner best of show.
Incredible find, and $10grand? And not gone? AND a automatic? Something sure is katywampus.
I like this Hawk and its condition would suggest a good buy but still not sold. Hmmm something an in person look see might help. Studebaker was always on the cutting edge of design and never afraid to take chances. The 50s and early 60s Studebaker produced some great cars, to bad the competition was so much bigger. AMC reminds me of Studebakers fortitude and resilience, always on the cutting edge but running an up hill battle and still produce some very nice cars.
If you have owned one of the early cars, as I have with my ’53, you can’t help but believe the line of these were some of the best looking cars ever produced. Nice one here.
These have a 3 speed auto from Borg Warner, basically a short case
cruise-o-matic as used in many Fords. When in drive, they start off in 2nd gear unless you floor it. You can also engage low by dropping the selector in Low.
If not familiar, you will think you’re driving a 2 speed.
I have always liked this body style. But not so much the upright grille and formal roofline. I had the pleasure of meeting Brooks at his museum on the trip back from Road America once. A very humble, knowledgeable and quiet spoken man. Meeting him and Carroll Shelby were highlights of my life. The funny thing about Shelby, we talked for close to 30 minutes and the conversation never got around to cars!
Technically this has a 3 speed automatic. It just starts out in 2nd gear unless manually shifted into low.
It may not have a supercharger or 4 speed, but its’ got one heck of a wind tunnel for a fan shroud. Reminds me of the big Buick Park Avenue with a factory V6.
The 289 was a great engine without the blower. Plenty of power and reliable.
Yep….like most of the positive remarks….you might get into this one for below that $10,000 something ask….if you chose to walk on the wild side….
And my take on the best Stude post 1950’s would be the 1963/64 Lark Daytona hardtops…..
Hmm, can’t “reply’ to someone,,,why didn’t you guys just leave it alone?
Studebaker didn’t “fold” in the mid-1960s as stated in the article. It instead simply shut down its failing automotive division in March of 1964 to focus on other, profitable businesses management had acquired starting several years earlier. Later in 1964 Studebaker became Studebaker-Worthington Corporation. By the time S-W was acquired by McGraw Edison in 1978 it had revenues of almost $1 billion and was based in New York City.