If you drive up to Sonora, California, you’ll find a graveyard of nothing but Studebakers, largely from the 1950s and 1960s. The owner’s father began a love affair with the vehicles in 1959 and – since then – more than 100 of them have covered at least 10 acres of secluded space. Except for one mid-1950s Champion with a “for sale” sign on it, the collection may be more suited for parts. But judge for yourself here on Facebook Marketplace. Thanks for the cool tip, Barn Finder “Billybo”!
As the story goes (from 2015), the seller’s father, then 95, started collecting Studebakers with a 1957 Silver Hawk (good starting point!). By 1973, he had six cars and acquired some land in North/Central California. That property would eventually serve as home to dozens and dozens of autos at the peak. We assume the father has since passed on and the son is trying to thin the herd, whether it be one vehicle at a time or making parts available for those who need them. A more extensive Facebook page can be found here.
Chances are that if you’re a fan of these classic cars and trucks, you’re likely to find at least one of them out in the fields and underbrush. That includes ones you might not find elsewhere, like a Studebaker tow truck. What doesn’t seem to be in the collection is an Avanti, but everything else may be represented. A President sedan. A Champ pickup. A Lark station wagon. A pair of Gran Turismo coupes. They’re all there (or were there as the Facebook listing seems perpetual).
Perhaps that pair of long-suffering GT Hawks can be turned into one viable car. They were only made from 1962-64 and were the last iteration of the Hawk that dated back nearly a decade. The GT Hawk was one of the models that didn’t make the production trip to Canada when Studebaker pulled the plug on U.S. production. And that green 1955 (?) Champion 2-door sedan with the red hood looks like it could be a viable restoration project. If you’re ever near Sonora, you might want to take a peek while it’s all still there.
Not sure if for sale or not on sale….some folks need to wake up….Studes are not that much in demand.
There must be some demand for Studebaker cars ! The Studebaker Club of America has many shows each Summer . Back in September 2018 in Tacoma , Wa. , I attended one such meet . That was the most Studebakers I ever saw together in one place ! All different makes and years ! Happy Motoring.
Wish I had my Dad’s old 58 Scotsman 2dr wagon. What a cool cruiser that would make. Modern drive train (please no sbc or ls) and brakes, upgraded electrical and paint. Mini tubs and nice wheels (no bigger than 16″).
GT’s are starting to be appreciated, check out the beauty on BAT that is bid up to 21K with 5 days to go. Something is not correct with the green ’55, it looks like it has GT fenders/front and a Silverhawk hood.
TI don’t think it’s a 55. Maybe a 56?
56 Power Hawk or Flight Hawk.
I live within 2 miles the the collection. If I wasn’t buried in complete remodel of our house, I would love to see if he has a Packard Hawk. Dream build since I was a teen.
If anyone needs a quick photo or 10, yell. I might run over and take a look
The Packard Hawk was only made for the 1958 model year, it was in the showrooms in the Fall of 1957 when I was born.
Only 588 were built. It’s always been my dream car, too.
I’m in the area as well Scott (Rancho Calaveras). I don’t know where this gentleman’s property is, but when I am cruising around the back roads in our area, it is hard to miss all of the other hidden treasures out here under tarps, peeking out of barns or just out in a field! I am building a new shop and with the added room, my hope is to someday drag one or two home to take up residence in it – vs just driving by like i do now!!
Jealous of having space to build a shop!
I have both metal and wood shops almost conplete, but no where to set them up!!
Scott,I live in tulsa,OK and my dad passed away last year and left me with a good size collection of parts,cars and trucks…I’m restoring a 1964 GT Hawk,and if you see a grille for that hawk,could you please let me know?
I’m having one of dad’s friends working on my 1959 transtar truck and I traded him the 1964 hawk and I need that grille,if they have it.thx…
Always saddens me to see something like this. Why would anyone leave these cars to rot for 50-60 years???
Somebody saved all of these cars from going to the crusher…. It is now an invaluable supply of parts, and some rebuildable projects for a few happy enthusiasts! So what’s wrong with that?
The Packard Hawk was only made for the 1958 model year, it was in the showrooms in the Fall of 1957 when I was born.
Only 588 were built. It’s always been my dream car, too.
Your dad, a man with excellent taste…
I totally agree that would make a very cool cruiser. I see a nice turbo charged 4.0 jeep motor with a 5 speed. Unique combo for a unique car..